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 (Hidalgo County)

Plan Goal

4-H youth will develop, learn and refine life skills through various types of activities making a difference in their own lives, the lives of those in their family and those in their community.

Situation Statement

There are approximately 1,00 youth between the ages of 5 and 19 in Hidalgo County according to school enrollment. Currently 4-H programming in Hidalgo county includes approximately 8-10 percent of these individuals. 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.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. and Extension Agents/Staff who serve youth audiences.

Short-Term Objectives

Youth of Hidalgo county will be provided accessibility to 4-H Cloverbud programs, traditional 4-H club work, and school Enrichment programs. During the 4-H program year, 90% of youth involved in 4-H programming will learn subject matter concepts through hands-on experiences such as camps, clinics, workshops, etc. During the 4-H program year, 90% of youth involved in 4-H programming will develop or enhance life skills through project work, competitive events, real-life situations and career exploration opportunities. During the next 4-H programming year at least one multi-county event will be held to expose youth in the Hidalgo county 4-H program to other 4-H program areas in the state. During the 4-H program year 50% of youth will gain leadership and teamwork skills by attending county, multi-county, state, regional, and national 4-H programming events. 90% of leaders in the program will have the opportunity to attend a local workshop to increase personal skills related to life skills and youth development.

Medium-Term Objectives

Enrollment in the traditional 4-H program will increase by 10% over the next 2-3 year period. New methods of reaching youth will be explored continually in effort to increase public exposure to the 4-H program. An after school 4-H club will be developed in 3 to 4 years involving youth from the Lordsburg community. 95 Percent of youth involved in the 4-H program for 2-3 years will learn subject matter concepts through hand-on experiences through 4-H programming. 60 % of youth involved in the 4-H program for 2-3 years will gain leadership and teamwork skills through county, multi-county, state, regional, and national 4-H programming events.

Long-Term Objectives

Over the next five years at least three programs supported by outside funding sources(grants and other funding) will be offered to the 4-H youth of Hidalgo county providing opportunities that may not otherwise be provided through regular funding. Agents and staff of the Hidalgo county 4-H program and volunteer leaders of the program will increase their professional and personal skills related to the youth 4-H program. 40% of the youth involved in the program over the next five years will have established partnerships with local administrators and community leaders while working in youth/adult partnerships increasing the involvement and raising public awareness of the 4-H organization in Hidalgo county. An annual county-wide 4-H community service event will be created.

Evaluation Plan

Through record books submitted by 4-H youth the accomplishment of learning subject matter and life skills can be evaluated. Current enrollment of the 4-H program will be documented and trends will be tracked over the next five years. Any efforts at new program development will be documented and any recommendations and notes will be kept on file for reference in the development of any future programs. Evaluations will be offered for any workshops or educational activities that are conducted.