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 (Rio Arriba County)

Plan Goal

To promote positive youth development in Rio Arriba county through School Enrichment, 4-H Project Work, Workshops, Outreach Efforts, Record Books, Camps, County Council, and 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 Rio Arriba 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. Just under 22% of Rio Arriba's population is age 15-19 (Missouri Census Data Center 2005). Current 4-H Programming reaches 20% of youth under 18 in New Mexico. The Rio Arriba 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 in Rio Arriba County ages 15-19 are targeted to learn life, leadership and citizenship through School Enrichment, 4-H Project Work, Workshops, Outreach Efforts, Record Books, Camps, County Council, and anything related to Youth Programming.

Short-Term Objectives

During the 4-H program year youth involved in 4-H programming will learn subject matter concepts through hands-on experiences such as camps, clinics, workshops, etc. and will also develop life skills through project work, competitive events, real-life situations and career exploration opportunities.

During the 4-H program year, 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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Long-Term Objectives

The majority of the youth in Rio Arriba with at least 4 years experience in 4-H will have gained knowledge and devloped cognitive, leadership, citizenship, and life skills through 4-H projects and activities.

Evaluation Plan

Membership enrollments will be evaluated to determine particpation in projects and activities. Pre and post evaluations will be conducted and observation will also be an evaluation factor. Participation in activities such as camps and contests will also be considered in the evaluation process.