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 (Colfax County)

Plan Goal

To promote positive youth development for Colfax County youth through 4-H project work, special interest and school enrichment programs, competition, clinics, workshops, outreach efforts, record books, camps, county council, officer trainings, junior/teen

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.

According to the U.S Census Bureau's 2000 Census,the total population of Colfax County is 14,189. Youth between the ages of 5-19 number 3,204 or 23% of the county population. The 2005-2006 Colfax County ES 237 report reflects a youth enrollment of 118 in organized 4-H community clubs with 45 adult volunteer leaders to help facilitate club programs and events. The report also shows that overall 2,118 youth participated in Colfax County youth programs within traditional, school enrichment and special interest 4-H settings.

Through projects and activities in 4-H and general youth development, 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 Colfax 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, and other educational opportunities.

Additionally, pre-school youth, ages 3-5, will also be targeted specifically for nutrition education programming through county Head Start program.

Short-Term Objectives

At least 10% of 4-H youth in Colfax County will participate in county, district, state, or national events, competitions, and programs that will help them learn valuable lifeskills such as communication, decision-making, self-esteem and leadership.

At least 10% of Colfax 4-H youth enrolled in home economics projects will enhance their skills in these projects by participating in workshops, clinics and other hands-on experiences.

At least 25% of Colfax County 4-H youth will increase their citizenship skills by participating in at least one community service project through their club or their county.

During the 4-H program year, 50% of youth in school enrichment and special interest programs will develop cognitive, decision making, and communication skills to enhance their overall well-being.

Medium-Term Objectives

In two to three years, the number of Colfax County 4-H youth participating in county, district, state and/or national events, competitions, and programs will increase by 15%.

In two to three years, the number of Colfax County 4-H youth enrolled in home economics projects will increase by 15%.

In two to three years, the number of youth enrolled in the Colfax County traditional 4-H program will increase by 15%.

In two to three years, the number of youth enrolled in Colfax County 4-H special interest and school enrichment programs will increase by 15%.

Long-Term Objectives

In four to five years, the number of Colfax County 4-H youth participating in county, district, state and/or national events, competitions, and programs will increase by 20%.

In four to five years, the number of Colfax County 4-H youth enrolled in home economics projects will increase by 20%.

In four to five years, the number of youth enrolled in the Colfax County traditional 4-H program will increase by 20%.

In four to five years, the number of youth enrolled in Colfax County 4-H special interest and school enrichment programs will increase by 20%.

Evaluation Plan

Evaluation tools will be developed and administered in at least 25% of all 4-H youth programs, workshops and events in order to measure knowledge gained, skills developed, and behaviors changed.

Data will be collected annually on the number of youth enrolled in Colfax County traditional, special interest, and school enrichment 4-H programs throughout the county.

Colfax County ES 237 data will be evaluated on a yearly basis to measure increases in enrollment and involvement.