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

Plan Goal

This plan deals with Project Work; Special Interest; School Enrichment; Competition; Clinics; Workshops; Outreach Efforts; Record Books; Camps; County Council; Officer Trainings; Junior/Teen Leaders; Anything related to YOUTH programming.

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 New Mexico 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.

Over 22% of New Mexico’s population is age 15-19 (NM Kids Count Data Book 2005). Current 4-H Programming reaches 20% of youth under 18 in New Mexico. The New Mexico 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 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

1. During the 4-H program year, 98% of youth involved in 4-H programming will learn subject matter concepts through hands-on experiences such as camps, clinics, workshops, etc.

2. During the 4-H program year, 98% of youth involved in 4-H programming will develop life skills through project work, competitive events, real-life situations and career exploration opportunities.

3. During the 4-H program year, 50% of youth enrolled in 4-H will gain public speaking skills, strengthening communication and organization abilities and self-concept, through speaking at club, school enrichment and special interest events.

4. During the 4-H program year, 75% of youth in club, school enrichment, special interest and county 4-H events will develop cognitive skills, teamwork, leadership and citizenship potential.

5. During the 4-H program year, 65% of youth in the 4-H club program will gain leadership and teamwork skills through leadership opportunities at the club, county and state levels and demonstrate effective leadership and teamwork skills to local community members, organizations and projects, and provide primary leadership to statewide events.

6. During the 4-H program year, 50% of youth in the 4-H club program will begin establishing partnerships with local administrators and community leaders, effectively managing programs and facilitating change through youth/adult partnerships.

7. During the 4-H program year, 85% of Agents and staff will increase professional and personal skills related to life skills and youth development by receiving quality training through theory, contest training, subject matter training, policy training and evaluation training.

Medium-Term Objectives

8. 98% of youth with 2-3 years of experience in 4-H programming will learn subject matter concepts through hands-on experiences such as camps, clinics, workshops, etc.

9. 98% of youth with 2-3 years of experience in 4-H programming will develop life skills through project work, competitive events, real-life situations and career exploration opportunities.

10. 50% of youth with 2-3 years of experience in 4-H will gain public speaking skills, strengthening communication and organization abilities and self-concept, through speaking at club, school enrichment and special interest events.

11. 75% of youth with 2-3 years of experience in 4-H club, school enrichment, special interest and county 4-H events will develop cognitive skills, teamwork, leadership and citizenship potential.

12. 65% of youth with 2-3 years of experience in the 4-H club program will gain leadership and teamwork skills through leadership opportunities at the club, county and state levels and demonstrate effective leadership and teamwork skills to local community members, organizations and projects, and provide primary leadership to statewide events.

13. 50% of youth with 2-3 years of experience in the 4-H club program will establish partnerships with local administrators and community leaders, effectively managing programs and facilitating change through youth/adult partnerships.

14. 85% of Agents and staff with 2-3 years of experience will increase professional and personal skills related to life skills and youth development by receiving quality training through theory, contest training, subject matter training, policy training and evaluation training.

Long-Term Objectives

15. 98% of youth with at least 4 years of experience in 4-H programming will learn subject matter concepts through hands-on experiences such as camps, clinics, workshops, etc.

16. 98% of youth with at least 4 years of experience in 4-H programming will develop life skills through project work, competitive events, real-life situations and career exploration opportunities.

17. 50% of youth with at least 4 years of experience in 4-H will gain public speaking skills, strengthening communication and organization abilities and self-concept, through speaking at club, school enrichment and special interest events.

18. 75% of youth with at least 4 years of experience in 4-H club, school enrichment, special interest and county 4-H events will develop cognitive skills, teamwork, leadership and citizenship potential.

19. 65% of youth with at least 4 years of experience in the 4-H club program will gain leadership and teamwork skills through leadership opportunities at the club, county and state levels and demonstrate effective leadership and teamwork skills to local community members, organizations and projects, and provide primary leadership to statewide events.

20. 50% of youth with at least 4 years of experience in the 4-H club program will have established partnerships with local administrators and community leaders, effectively managing programs and facilitating change through youth/adult partnerships.

21. 85% of Agents and staff with at least 4 years of experience will increase professional and personal skills related to life skills and youth development by receiving quality training through theory, contest training, subject matter training, policy training and evaluation training.

Evaluation Plan

Event/Workshop Evaluations: Evaluations will be conducted through surveys conducted for at least 50% of workshops and 75% of major events. Surveys are designed to measure effectiveness of program, life & leadership skills learned and self-concept of youth participants. (May apply to objectives: 1, 2, 5, 8, 9, 12, 15, 16 or 19)

Appropriate Curriculum Kit Evaluation Instruments: Various Curriculum Kits contain evaluation instruments specifically designed for that curriculum. Evaluations will be conducted at 25% of all workshops or major events utilizing curriculum kits. (May apply to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17 and 18)

Qualitative data collected through 4-H Record Books: Review of State and 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. (May apply to objectives: 1-6, 8-13 or 15-20)

Surveys and Evaluations from current County Staff: Evaluations will be conducted through annual surveys conducted at in-service trainings, workshops and county visits. Surveys are designed to measure effectiveness of programs conducted, life & leadership skills learned and competency related to youth development. Major events will have follow-up surveys conducted immediately following the event and as needed. (May apply to objectives: 7, 14 or 21)

Agent Reports: Quarterly review of Agent Impact Reports will provide tools for evaluating the long term effects of programming on life & leadership skills, public speaking and citizenship of county youth as well as skills and competencies of staff. (May apply to objectives: 1-21)

Annual 4-H Enrollment Report: The annual enrollment report will include statistics on project enrollment both statewide and by county. (May apply to objectives: 1, 2, 5, 8, 9, 12, 15, 16, or 19)

Life Skills Evaluation System: designed to measure life skills related to decision making, wise use of resources, communication, accepting differences, leadership, useful/marketable skills, healthy life style choices and self-responsibility, this tool allows staff to tailor surveys to the appropriate topic and receive feedback on life skills learned through in-depth programming. Specialists will select 5 subject matter areas and conduct life skills evaluations over the next five years. Agents will utilize this instrument in conducting ongoing evaluation related to youth programming for members in 6th grade and above with at least 6 hours of contact time. 50% of counties will complete at least one evaluation on one or more life skills. (May apply to objectives: 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 21)

Youth Development Evaluation: This instrument, designed by National 4-H Headquarters, evaluates program effectiveness related to the Essential Elements for Youth Development, specifically belonging, generosity, mastery, and independence.
Belonging – May apply to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20.
Generosity – May apply to objectives: 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 or 19.
Mastery – May apply to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18 or 19.
Independence – May apply to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20.