Building Strong, Effective
4-H Youth Development
Programs
www.ksre.ksu.edu
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A Strong 4-H Youth
Development Program
Focuses on Youth
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Positive Youth Development
4-H is designed
to support the
positive and
successful
development of
all youth.
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4-H Emphasizes Essential Elements
of a Positive 4-H Experience
 Belonging
 Mastery
 Independence
 Generosity
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Belonging
All youth need to feel
a connection to others
in a group. 4-H gives
youth many
opportunities to
connect with others.
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Mastery
By exploring 4-H
projects and
activities youth
learn to master
skills.
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Independence
Creating opportunities
for youth to develop
skills and confidence
for leadership is a
cornerstone of 4-H.
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Generosity
By exploring 4-H
community service
activities, youth can
connect with their
community and learn
to give back to others.
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Content/Context in
4-H Programming
CONTEXT
CONTENT
Belonging
EDUCATION
Mission Areas
Science, Engineering &
Technology
Clubs
Healthy Living
Mastery
Independence
Generosity
Citizenship
School Enrichment Afterschool
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Essential Elements
Camps
High Content
High Content
High Context
Low Context
High Context
Low Content
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Developed by Cathann A. Kress, National 4-H Headquarters, CSREES, USDA
• Content involves subject matter
education in the core mission theme
areas of Science, Engineering and
Technology.
• Context involves the essential elements
of a positive 4-H learning environment.
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4-H Clubs = Sweet Spot
Delivery methods of 4-H Programming
include clubs, school enrichment,
afterschool and camp.
The 4-H Club is the “sweet spot” or has
the highest level of both content and
context.
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Content/Context in
4-H Programming
CONTEXT
CONTENT
Belonging
EDUCATION
Mission Areas
Science, Engineering &
Technology
Clubs
Healthy Living
Mastery
Independence
Generosity
Citizenship
School Enrichment Afterschool
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Essential Elements
Camps
High Content
High Content
High Context
Low Context
High Context
Low Content
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Developed by Cathann A. Kress, National 4-H Headquarters, CSREES, USDA
A Strong 4-H Youth
Development Program
• Engages young people
• Teaches knowledge
and life skills which
enhance quality of life
• Promotes positive youth
development
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A Strong 4-H Youth
Development Program
Focuses
on
Life Skills
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Kansas 4-H Life Skills
Healthy Interpersonal
Relationships
Sound Decision
Making
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An Inquiring Mind
A Concern for the
Community
A Positive Self
Concept
A Strong 4-H Youth
Development Program
Focuses on Teaching through
“Learn By Doing”
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Experiential Learning Model
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Experiential Learning Model
This process engages
children in the activity,
and then encourages
them to think more,
explore, question, make
decisions, connect the
activity to the real world,
and apply what they
have learned.
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A Strong 4-H Youth
Development Program
Focuses on
Caring
Relationships
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A Strong 4-H Youth
Development Program
Focuses on
Creating
Community
Partnerships
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Creating Community
Partnerships
Positive family, peer, school
and community support is
essential to foster the
growth and development
of young people.
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Components of Effective Programs:
1.
Staff and Volunteers
 who apply developmentally and culturally appropriate practices
 know of and use community resources
2.
Audience
 serves many individuals
3.
Program
 is comprehensive
 involves and empowers youth
4.
Outcomes
 includes clearly defined outcomes
Betts, S.C. & Dalla, R. L. (1995) Youth, Families and
Community: The Arizona Agenda, University of Arizona
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“Successful 4-H Youth Development
programs provide environments that meet the
needs of youth. In partnership with caring
adults, 4-H offers opportunities for youth to
master skills that prepare them for success.”
Dr. Barbara Stone
State 4-H Leader
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