Enrichment Programs

4-H Partners with in-school, after-school or summer sessions to offer fun hands-on science activities for children with our Teens as Teachers Program.

Youth Experiences in Science (YES)

YES is led by teens in partnership with school staff, who serve as trainers and facilitators for the activities, interacting with younger learners as they solve problems, record data, and make inferences in school and out-of-school settings. YES curriculum unit options include:

Magic Bubbles -- Bubbles provide a fun and interesting way for children to learn the processes of science. Hands-on experiences teach them to observe, communicate, compare, and organize information about bubbles.
The Collection Connection -- As children develop and share collections, they use many of the same skills that scientists use everyday: observation, comparison, classification, and communication.
Kitchen Science -- The kitchen is full of sensory experiences that encourage children to learn about scientific thinking processes in a fun, hands-on way.
Wonderful Worms -- Worms provide a wonderful medium for applying science concepts and encouraging creative exploration in young children.

Cooking Academy

An additional in-school or after-school program is available with a partnership of 4-H, CalFresh Healthy Living and Teens as Teachers. Cooking Academy offers 5-6 weeks of healthy living cooking activities for 3rd - 5th grade students.

To implement YES or Cooking Academy in your in-school or after-school program contact Susan Weaver, 4-H Program Representative at sjweaver@ucanr.edu or (408)282-3119.

Resources to implement Wonderful Worms

Computer Sciences (CS) Pathway Program

We seek to empower the next generation to succeed in any career field. Beyond the technical skills, learning CS builds skills in a wide range of important areas, including problem solving, digital fluency, and creativity.

To implement the 4-H CS Pathway Program in your in-school or after-school program contact Evelyn Rumsby,Community Education Specialist, erumsby@ucanr.edu

Resources for Computer Science Pathways:

Teens Make a Positive Impact on Their Communities

Susan Weaver, Region 7 RPC

As a program of the University of California, 4-H offers a variety of programs that meet the needs and interests of young people from 5-19 years old. 4-H is one of the largest youth development programs in the U.S. with more than 6.5 million young people ages 5-19, and 540,000 youth and adult volunteers. Through community clubs and in-school programs, young people learn skills like leadership, teamwork, and how to make a positive impact in their communities.

This month, we're spotlighting the Teens as Teachers Program (TAT). In 4-H TAT programs, 7th and 8th grade students are mentored by a trusted adult who supports their development, trains, and supports their delivery of science-based hands-on activities. In Santa Clara County, 4-H Community Educators guide students at Escuela Popular and Sacred Heart Community to become confident Teen Teachers.

4-H Teens as Teachers working with elementary school students

The teens learn and deliver a variety of 4-H curriculum to elementary age students in their community. They cover many engaging topics like Mindfulness, Wonderful Worms, Magic Bubbles, Collections, and Snail Adventures. A favorite activity among third graders is a five-week course called Cooking Up Healthy Choices, where they get to cook (eat) and learn about nutritious recipes.

It's all about having fun while learning important life skills! The largest benefits are demonstrated by the teen teachers as they develop their leadership skills, and “experience what it’s like to be in charge,” and “be a teacher.”

For more information about the 4-H TAT program or to learn more about joining the 4-H Youth Development Program in your community, please email zmahmood@ucanr.edu