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 (Otero 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

Otero County has approximately 14,500 youth between the ages of 5 and 19. Youth development research reveals the importance of meeting the four basic human needs of belonging, generosity, independence and mastery. Research shows that youth whose needs are met in a positive way are likely to develop into active citizens and contributing members of their own families and communities. Otero County Youth Development is challenged to assist more youth gain skills and knowledge in many areas such as: leadership, citizenship, animal science, plant science, natural science, engineering, nutrition, creative arts and consumerism. 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

Otero County Youth will have accessibility to 4-H through Cloverbud programs, traditional 4-H club and school enrichment programs.
• During the 4-H program year, 50% of the youth involved in 4-H programming will gain subject matter concepts through hands-on experiences such as camps, clinics, leadership workshops, project introduction workshops, etc…
• During the 4-H Program year, 50% of the youth involved in 4-H will develop and enhance their life skills through project work, competitive events, and career exploration opportunities.
• During the 4-H program year 60% of the youth will gain leadership and teamwork skills by attending and participating in county, multi-county, state, regional and nation 4-H programming events.
• 75% of youth reached in 4-H School Enrichment, 4-H Special Interest and After School programming will gain knowledge related to agriculture, health, safety, leadership, citizenship, and other areas through programming.

Medium-Term Objectives

The enrollment numbers for Otero Co. 4-H will increase in the traditional 4-H program by 5% over the next 2-3 year period. New program delivery modes will be explored in reaching youth of Otero County. The promotion of 4-H and Extension Service will be promoted to the general public through various programs and presentation in Otero Co to increase Adult Leader and 4-H enrollment.
• 50% of the 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…
• 40% of the youth with 2-3 years experience in 4-H programming will develop life skills through project work, competitive events, real life situations and career exploration opportunities.
• 40% of youth with 2-3 years experience in 4-H will gain public speaking skills, strengthening communication and organizational skills through speaking at club, school enrichment and special interest events.
• 50% of youth with 2-3 years experience in 4-H club, school enrichment, special interest and county wide 4-H events will develop cognitive skills, teamwork, leadership and citizenship potential.
• 50% of youth with 2-3 years experience in 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.
• 50% of youth with 2-3 years experience in the 4-H club program will establish partnerships with local academic administration and community/civic leaders effectively managing programs and events while promoting change through these youth and adult partnerships.

Long-Term Objectives

The enrollment numbers for Otero Co. 4-H will increase in the traditional 4-H program by 8% over the next 4 year period. New program delivery modes will be explored in reaching youth of Otero County. The promotion of 4-H and Extension Service will be promoted to the general public through various programs and presentations in Otero Co to increase Adult Leader and 4-H enrollment. A 4-H afterschool program will be explored and established to increase more involvement in the Otero Co. 4-H program.
• 50% of the youth with 4 years of experience in 4-H programming will learn subject matter concepts through hands-on experiences such as camps, clinics, workshops etc…
• 50% of the youth with 4 years experience in 4-H programming will develop life skills through project work, competitive events, real life situations and career exploration opportunities.
• 50% of youth with 4 years experience in 4-H will gain public speaking skills, strengthening communication and organizational skills through speaking at club, school enrichment and special interest events.
• 50% of youth with 4 years experience in 4-H club, school enrichment, special interest and county wide 4-H events will develop cognitive skills, teamwork, leadership and citizenship potential.
• 50% of youth with 4 years experience in 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.
• 50% of youth with 4 years experience in the 4-H club program will establish partnerships with local academic administration and community and civic leaders effectively managing programs and events while promoting change through these youth and adult partnerships.
The youth of Otero Co 4-H will continue to grow and develop their own personal development in their clubs, families and communities. Agents, staff and volunteer leaders of Otero Co. 4-H will increase their own professional and personal skills to increase the youth of Otero Co. 4-H life skills and expand upon them.

Evaluation Plan

Evaluation of Otero Co 4-H and Youth Development will occur in many facets.
• 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. Evaluations will be offered for any workshops or educational activities that are conducted.

• Qualitative data collected through 4-H Record Books: Review of State and County Record Books submitted by 4-H youth of Otero Co. 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.

• Appropriate Curriculum Kit Evaluation Instruments: Various Curriculum Kits contain evaluation instruments specifically designed for that curriculum. Evaluations will be conducted at 50% of all workshops or major events utilizing curriculum kits.

• 4-H Enrollment Documentation and Trends: The current enrollment of Otero CO. 4-H will be documented and any trends will be monitored and tracked over the next 5 years.