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 (Valencia County)

Plan Goal

Valencia County youth will enhance their personal growth through the development of leadership, citizenship and life skills, and experience the satisfaction of making a difference in their own lives, their families, their schools, and their communities.

Situation Statement

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Valencia County is within the top ten fastest growing counties in New Mexico. Current population is 72,207, making Valencia County the sixth most populated county in the state. Approximately a third (30.6%) of the county population consists of children under the age of 18. Of the county’s population, 17.3 % live in poverty. One out of five people over the age of 25 do not have a high school diploma. Growth in population increases the risk factors within the lives of youth, as they are exposed to greater frequency in violence, crime, poverty, gangs, drugs, and other negative risk factors. Youth programs (such as 4-H) are in great need and high demand.
Current 4-H programming reaches 20% of youth under 18 in New Mexico. As of October 2009, there are 333 youth enrolled in the Valencia County 4-H program with approximately 5,000 additional youth participating in other youth programs.
The Valencia County Cooperative Extension Office and 4-H staffs are committed to delivering research based educational curriculum and related learning experiences for youth in club, school enrichment, and special interest. 4-H is challenged to help youth gain knowledge and skills in consumerism, nutrition, personal development, animal science, plant science, natural sciences, engineering, and creative arts. Educational activities facilitate the development of life skills, citizenship and leadership, preparing youth for the independence and responsibilities of adulthood.

4-H (and other youth programs) strive to meet the specific needs of youth that are critical to survival and healthy development including a sense of safety, belonging, membership, self-worth, an ability to contribute, independence and control over one’s life, positive relationships, and competence. In addition, postive youth development programs assist in helping youth accomplish critical tasks that allow them to become productive and responsible adults.

Target Audience and Actions

Valencia county youth ages 5-19 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, and through interaction with volunteer leaders and Extension Agents/staff who serve youth audiences.

Short-Term Objectives

70% of Valencia County youth involved in youth development programs will learn practical home economic related concepts (clothing/sewing, cooking/baking/nutrition and consumer decision making) through hands-on experiences such as project work, clinics, workshops, etc.

70% of Valencia County youth involved in youth development programming will develop life skills through project work, competitive events, real-life situations and career exploration opportunities.

50% of Valencia County youth enrolled in youth development programs will gain public speaking and presentation skills, strengthening of communication and organization abilities and self-concept through speaking at club, community and special events.

50% of Valencia County youth participating in club and county 4-H events will develop cognitive skills, teamwork, leadership and citizenship potential.

40% of Valencia County youth in youth development programs 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.

Agents and staff will increase professional and personal skills related to life skills and youth development by receiving quality training through workshops, subject matter training, policy training and evaluation training.

Medium-Term Objectives

75% of youth with 1-2 years of experience in youth development programming will learn subject matter concepts through hands-on experiences such as camps, clinics, workshops, etc.

75% of youth with 1-2 years of experience in youth development programming will develop life skills through project work, competitive events, real-life situations and career exploration opportunities.

50% of youth with 1-2 years of experience in youth development programming will gain public speaking and presentation skills, strengthening of communication and organization abilities and self-concept through speaking at club, and special events.

60% of youth with 1-2 years of experience in youth development programs will develop cognitive skills, teamwork, leadership and citizenship potential.

65% of youth with 1-2 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.

Long-Term Objectives

80% of youth with at least 3 years of experience in youth development programming will learn subject matter concepts through hands-on experiences such as camps, clinics, workshops, etc.

80% of youth with at least 3 years of experience in youth development programming will develop life skills through project work, competitive events, real-life situations and career exploration opportunities.

50% of youth with at least 3 years of experience in youth development programming will gain public speaking and presentation skills, strengthening of communication and organization abilities and self-concept through speaking at club and special events.

75% of youth with at least 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.

65% of youth with at least 3 years of experience in youth development programming efforts 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.

Evaluation Plan

Special programs sign in sheets showing the number of youth enrolled in Home Economics related projects.

Number of Valencia County 4-H youth participating in County, District and State events.

Number of Valencia County youth participating in special interest and community programs.

Increase participation in County activities and leadership roles.

Review of yearly 4-H record books completed by youth to show skills learned.

Event and workshop evaluations conducted to measure effectiveness of programs and skills learned.