Public Issues Addressed by NEP

Youth Development

How UMass Extension addresses Youth Development pdf icon

All youth need positive developmental experiences that promote their physical, mental and emotional health. Caring relationships with adults and peers, and structured activities and opportunities for civic engagement help ensure individual well-being and enhance the vitality of Massachusetts communities. 4-H fosters positive youth development in young people ages 5 to18 through the efforts of over 1,700 volunteers and collaborators.

The Situation

Young people need to develop the skills that will allow them to be healthy, engaged citizens. These skills are best nurtured in environments that offer safety, interaction with caring adults, and opportunities for authentic learning experiences. Adults who work with youth are more effective when they receive appropriate training in youth development and have access to resources that are up-to-date and research-based. Resources and training become powerful tools when placed in the hands of caring adults who are passionate about working with youth.

Selected Projects

Operation Military Kids (OMK)

OMK provides educational, recreational and social activities for thousands of children in Massachusetts who are experiencing the deployment of a family member. 4-H leads a statewide team of collaborators who conduct Ready, Set, Go! educational programs at schools and in communities, focusing on the effects of the deployment cycle on military youth. The team coordinates a mobile technology computer lab at military family functions; this allows children and families to send messages to their deployed loved ones.

4-H Urban Programs

These programs are reaching out in Boston, Springfield, Holyoke, and North Adams where caring adults are connecting with youth, bringing 100 years of experience in successful youth programming. 4-H is working with new partners, responding to local needs and reaching new audiences with programs that focus on getting youth excited about college, celebrating cultural heritage through music and dance, and establishing youth-run businesses that support the local economy. SPIN (Strength and Power In Nutrition) teaches youth how to shop, save money, eat better and be more active. The curriculum was designed by nutrition educators and researchers who talked to adolescents in western Massachusetts for two years to find out what kind of health-related messages are the most persuasive. The program engages youth with art, music, and dance, to help them recognize the importance of good health.

Envirothon

This state-wide environmental education program for high school students stresses the interdependence of natural resources, team approaches to problem solving, and the importance of being involved in the community. Envirothon teams represent their schools in a statewide environmental competition that tests students’ knowledge of aquatics, forestry, soils and wildlife. Massachusetts teachers supervise teams, attend workshops on environmental education techniques and receive resource materials to use in their classrooms throughout the year.

Veterinary Science Camp

These camps bring high school students to the UMass Amherst campus and provide an introduction to the pre-vet undergraduate program. Current and former students from the pre-vet program share their experiences and give advice on preparatory coursework. Local veterinarians discuss the various specialties in equine, livestock and exotic animal science. Campers have “hands-on” experiences with horses, sheep, alpacas and beef cattle, taking animal vital signs and using microscopes to test for parasites.

Priorities

Support youth to develop the essential life skills of effective communication, successful teamwork and thoughtful decision-making.
Develop and deliver educational programming focused on science, technology and engineering; animal science; and environmental science and stewardship.
Promote healthful living.
Provide youth with opportunities in citizenship education, leadership development, and community service.