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

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.

In Hidalgo County, 26% of the total county population are youth ages 5-19; 9% of those are 4-H age eligible youth, ages 9-19 and 8.7% are youth ages 15-19 years. Because of the remote location of Hidalgo County, there are few recreational opportunities outside of school/sports. Hidalgo County is ranked 13th out of 33 counties for teen pregnancy and ranked high for teen suicide. The County 4-H program gives these youngsters an alternative outlet for creativity and socialization.
Hidalgo 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 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, 75% of youth in club, school enrichment, special interest and county 4-H events will develop cognitive skills, teamwork, leadership and citizenship potential;
4. During the 4-H program year, 50% 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;
5. 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.

Medium-Term Objectives

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Over the next 3 years there will be a 20% increase in enrollment in the County 4-H program
7. Over the next 3 years there will be and active 4-H Club in Lordsburg, NM with at least 10 youth from 4 different families.

Long-Term Objectives

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

Evaluation Plan

1. 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. An increase in number of books submitted each year will assist in evaluating the goals and objectives written to this POW.
2. Club enrollment and participation levels will serve as an evaluation tool as well as youth participation in club and county activities--subject matter related, community service and leadership activities;
3. Specific program evaluations conducted through surveys and question and answer activities will indicate knowledge increase in subject matter training, leadership activities and community service endeavors;
4. Leader meetings held periodically throughout the 4-H year to inform agent of club and county 4-H youth needs and learning opportunities.
5. Annual total enrollement numbers in Hidalgo County 4-H program will show if numbers are rising toward the 20% increase objective as stated above.
6. Enrollement numbers and participation in county, district and state events from the Lordsburg 4-H club members over the next 3 years will show if there is progress toward the objective of an active Lordsburg club.