Note: This site is for reviewing legacy plan of work data from 2007-2011. If you are looking for the current plan of work interface, visit pow.nmsu.edu.

Youth Development (Valencia County)

Plan Goal

Youth will gain knowledge, skills, and experience in the subject matter areas of home economics (foods, nutrition, clothing, consumerism, child development, and sewing/clothing) and personal growth and development (citizenship, leadership, and public spea

Situation Statement

Youth development research emphasizes the importance of meeting the four basic human needs of belonging, generosity, independence and mastery. Studies indicate that youth whose needs are met in positive ways are likely to develop into active citizens and contributing members of their families and communities. The Valencia County 4-H Youth Development Program strives to ensure that every youth involved will have the opportunity to participate in 4-H experiences that strengthen a young person’s sense of belonging, generosity, independence and mastery.

The population in Valencia County is growing rapidly. Due to the growth of the county programs like the 4-H program which teach life skills are in high demand. Current traditional 4-H Programming reaches 360 youth under 18 in Valencia County. The Valencia County 4-H Youth Development Program is committed to delivering research based educational curriculum and related learning experiences for youth in club, school enrichment, and special interest. Work in this area includes 4-H and other youth programs and activities that promote positive youth development. These educational activities facilitate the development of life skills, citizenship and leadership, fostering a sense of belonging and independence, providing opportunities for mastery, and creating a spirit of generosity. Through projects and activities in 4-H, youth have many opportunities to develop life and leadership skills that include responsibility, self-confidence, self-esteem, communication skills, teamwork and decision making. These skills are introduced, developed and expanded throughout a lifetime.

Target Audience and Actions

Youth ages 5 to 19 in Valencia County are targeted to learn life, leadership and citizenship skills through: Project Work, Special Interest Groups, School Enrichment, Competitive Events, Fairs, Clinics, Workshops, Record Books, Camps, Community Service, Public Speaking, Elected/Appointed Offices, etc.

Short-Term Objectives

During the 4-H program year, youth will learn subject matter concepts in the areas of home economics (foods, nutrition, clothing, consumerism, child development, and sewing/clothing) and personal growth and development (citizenship, leadership, and public speaking) through hands-on experiences such as workshops, clinics, project work, special interest, and school enrichment.

During the 4-H program year, youth will meet the goals set for them in the individual units of home economics and personal growth and development projects.

During the 4-H program year, youth will develop precise work habits, skill in techniques, and the ability to see a project through to completion through project work.

During the 4-H program year, youth will develop leadership talents through leadership opportunities at the club level. Youth will demonstrate effective leadership and teamwork skills by conducting meetings and facilitating group decision-making.

Medium-Term Objectives

Youth with 2-3 years of experience will develop good attitudes and demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of subject matter concepts in the areas of home economics (foods, nutrition, clothing, consumerism, child development, and sewing/clothing) and personal growth and development (citizenship, leadership, and public speaking) through competition.

Youth with 2-3 years of experience will develop precise work habits, skill in techniques, and the ability to see a project through to completion through project work and record book competition.

Youth with 2-3 years of experience will develop leadership talents through leadership opportunities at the county and state levels. Youth will demonstrate effective leadership and teamwork skills and develop self-confidence by conducting meetings and facilitating group decision-making.

Youth with 2-3 years of experience will build character and work toward effective citizenship through involvement in activities which develop relationships with community leaders and leadership responsibility while carrying out a project.

Long-Term Objectives

Youth with at least 4 years of experience will attain a broad knowledge and understanding of subject matter concepts in the areas of home economics (foods, nutrition, clothing, consumerism, child development, and sewing/clothing) and personal growth and development (citizenship, leadership, and public speaking) and how they improve family and community life through real-life situations and career exploration opportunities.

Youth with at least 4 years of experience will demonstrate development of life skills such as positive character traits, sound decision making, and self-responsibility through district, state, and national activities and competitive events.

Youth with at least 4 years of experience will identify and understand roles, attitudes and tasks, necessary for effective leadership through active participation in program/activity planning, development, and implementation.

Youth with 4 years of experience will develop a concern for the community and its people through working with others within a group to identify and consider community affairs.

Evaluation Plan

Number of youth enrolled in home economics (foods, nutrition, clothing, consumerism, child development, and sewing/clothing) and personal growth and development (citizenship, leadership, and public speaking) projects.

Number of new 4-H families actively involved in 4-H.

Number of youth participating in county, district, state and national activities and competitive events.

Several evaluations will be conducted during 4-H workshops and events through surveys. Surveys will evaluate effectiveness of how 4-H workshops and events relate to youth development goals and objectives.

County Record Books submitted by 4-H youth will provide tools for evaluating the long term effects of programming on life skills, public speaking, leadership and citizenship, as well as future and career plans of 4-H members.