PLAN OF WORK FOR (Assoc.(s) or Area): Otsego County

MAJOR PROGRAM TITLE: Youth Development

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Context/Situation: Youth & families are "bombarded" with a variety of issues that impact their daily lives. Skill development to foster self-esteem, cultivate significant adult-youth relationships and how to cope and thrive as individuals and families is needed for healthy communities. The goal of positive youth/family development should be to increase assets and reduce risks.

Broad Program Goals (Overall Purpose/Outcome Statements):

To offer high quality educational experiences that foster the overall mission of the Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development Program. The mission States "To create supportive learning environments in which diverse youth and adults Reach their fullest potential as capable, competent and caring citizens."

Objectives (Specific Outcomes for Specific Audiences):

1. 1,000 youth will develop skills including subject matter, leadership, decision making and community betterment through the 4-H Club system.
2. 2,,000 youth will increase their knowledge in areas of safety, science & technology and workforce preparation subject areas through school enrichment initiatives.
3. 500 adults will learn and/or enhance their skills through meaningful relationships with youth (ages 5-19) through on-going volunteerism. Training opportunities will facilitate their learning.
4. At least 150 senior citizens and youth will strengthen relationships through intergenerational programming utilizing a computer mentoring program; photography contest focused on community service, family involvement, friendships & helping relationships; and 4-H Club events utilizing the talents of senior citizens in concert with youth to learn new skills together.
5. Provide the necessary resources to support educational programming for the five promises. - ongoing relationship with a caring adult; youth will have safe places with structured activities during non school hours; youth will have a healthy start and future; youth will have an opportunity to give back through community service; and youth will have marketable skills (workforce preparation) through effective education. A youth summit and mini grant opportunity will continue.
6. Provide for shared leadership with the Leatherstocking Promise Steering Committee to encourage and increase active participation of youth in nearly every phase of volunteerism in the community, in particular a youth summit to involve students to speak out on needs they see as important.
7. Support the NYS Reality Check in Otsego County by recruiting, involving and maintaining a diverse group of youth ages 13-18 throughout the county by empowering them to lead the anti-tobacco movement. (This is a new initiative for Otsego County).
8. Support Family Ties, the program to assist grandparents and other relatives who care for younger relatives by sharing expertise and resources as related to parenting, family wellness and meaningful activities for youth.

How will goals be met? (Educational Strategy):

• 4-H Clubs
• School Enrichment
• Intergenerational programs
• Volunteer development opportunities
• Newsletters and other printed resources
• Coalition building
• Marketing, including media, public exhibits & presentations to public
• 4-H Camp
• Press releases, brochures, fact sheets and bulletins from CCE.