The initiative to engage Latino youth and families in the 4-H Youth Development Program, managed by the University of California, has just issued its first year report.

Through qualitative questionnaires and focus group interviews, we analyzed experiences of six new bilingual and bicultural program staff, hired specifically to implement youth development programming to reach Latino youth. Staff reported a steep learning curve, with competing demands to build relationships, engage youth and show results. Lessons learned may help shape activities that other youth development programs may consider in similar efforts.

"Staff emphasized that getting to know the community and building relationships were the most important...

Compared to other youth age groups, adolescents in particular have the lowest quality diets and the highest rates of obesity in the United States. Childhood and teen obesity has increased over the last several decades and rates are at an all-time high in the United States and California, specifically. As obesity in formative years progresses into adulthood, it is imperative that measures be taken to slow this trajectory.

This concern prompts the need for novel obesity prevention programs. One potential contributor is a lack of food literacy, which involves having the knowledge and skills necessary to make healthy dietary choices. However, programs aimed at improving food literacy in adolescents are lacking. Therefore, there is a...

Abstract
Youths and parents in the California 4-H program have reported issues with communication and challenges in understanding the program. As a result, we developed a family handbook and other supporting documents to help youths and parents navigate the California 4-H program. This article addresses the development, dissemination, and reach of the handbook. Additionally, the article discusses future directions and implications for other Extension programs.

Article

Youth enrollment in 4-H has decreased in a majority of the United States (U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2010). 4-H academic staff in California examined enrollment trends from 2007 to 2014 and found that 50% of...

Everyone knows that 4-H helps youth develop a practice of lifelong learning and that 4-H volunteers are role models for this important life skill. We wondered how 4-H volunteers prepare for their roles, and where and how they find information to continue their own learning.

The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, Developing Volunteer Capacities Workgroup (DVC WG) embarked on a project to conduct a needs assessment that asked volunteers to report on their history and needs of professional development using online platforms, and asked where volunteers receive pertinent information. Our team sent out survey invitations through 4-H online to all the currently registered volunteers and over 30%...