Youth Development Programs
Increasing 4-H's Reach in the Community
Given the increasing diversity of our communities, we seek to equitably reach all youth with high quality programs. Historically, we have focused on two program delivery models, which include 4-H community clubs and camps. While these 4-H program delivery modes continue to have much success, we recognize the strategic importance of delivering high-quality youth programs through expanded learning opportunity programs (i.e. in-school and after-school programs). In addition, we serve other youth development organizations, such as county juvenile probation programs.
The work we have done in the community has positively impacted youth development. For example, California 4-H alumni were 1.8 times more likely to graduate with a bachelor’s degree compared to the general population. Also, California 4-H alumni were more satisfied with their mental and emotional health (76%) compared to the general population (57%).
Below is a list of 4-H expanded learning opportunity programs for you to consider. If you have any questions, please reach out and we'll be happy to schedule a meeting with you to talk about how 4-H can support your organization's expanded learning opportunity program needs.
Regards,
Matthew Rodriguez, PhD
4-H Youth Development Advisor
Placer, Nevada, Sutter, and Yuba Counties
Cooking Academy (Healthy Food and Nutrition)
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The Cooking Academy Project is a cooking-based nutrition education program that teaches youth basic nutrition and cooking skills. Teachers can receive a train-the-trainer, a cooking kit, the Cooking Academy curriculum, and ongoing customer support from our 4-H Extension office. |
Junk Drawer Robotics (Computer Science)
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Junk Drawer Robotics engages middle school youth in engineering design through the use of common household items. The curriculum was developed to focus on scientific and engineering practices; frame activities in the experiential learning cycle; and promote small group collaborative learning. |
Learn, Grow, Eat, and Go (School Gardening)
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This school gardening and healthy eating program teaches youth about agriculture and nutrition. |
Mindful Me
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4-H Mindful Me curriculum has seven sessions that focuses on helping youth (ages 5-8) with managing goals, developing a sense of self, time management, stress management, emotional regulation, and mindful eating practices. |
Water Wizards (Water Conservation)
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4-H Water Wizards is a 12-week science education project teaching 4th-6th grade students about water and its importance to the planet. Teachers can receive a train-the-trainer, an enviroscape kit, the 4-H Water Wizards curriculum, and ongoing customer support from our 4-H Extension office. |
Youth Experiences in Science
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The 4-H YES curriculum is designed to foster inquiry and engage children ages 5 to 8 in the process of exploration. Young children are introduced to the formal scientific process by performing a variety of scientific tasks including observing, organizing, comparing and communicating. A cross-age teaching model engages teenage volunteers as teachers. After attending a 10-hour training session (and equipped with the YES curriculum and adult support), the teens work in teams to prepare and deliver weekly science activities. |
Embryology (Biological Science)
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This program teaches youth (grades 3-8) about the development life-cycle of a chicken through a hands-on experiential learning model. Teachers can receive a train-the-trainer, an incubator, fertilized eggs, the 4-H embryology curriculum, and ongoing customer support from our 4-H Extension office. |
Your Thoughts Matter (Mental Health)
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Teaches youth about what mental health means and provides strategies for self-help and helping others. |