School-Based 4-H Programs

Brian Myers and Linda Jones

Eric D. Rubenstein and Andrew C. Thoron

Debra M. Barry, John Diaz, Alyssa Shepherd, Jennifer Patton, andStephen Gran

This initial publication in the Understanding Extension for School-Based Agricultural Education series provides agricultural educators and the general public with a basic understanding of Extension.

Vanessa Spero

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Youth development

Vanessa Spero and Susan Munyan

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Academic and 4-H/Youth audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Developing organizational and volunteer systems to support youth development.

Debra Barry, John Diaz, Alyssa Shepherd, Jennifer Patton, and Stephen Gran

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: ==Special Handling==

Vanessa Spero-Swingle

All youth, regardless of age, are at risk for engaging in negative behaviors that can get them into trouble during the afterschool hours when parents and other family members are at work. Middle and high school-age youth are at an age where they can most benefit from increasing opportunities to participate in programs with a positive adult role model, gain necessary life skills, and increase their knowledge of accessible opportunities. Middle and high school programs have the potential to support graduation rates and increase post-secondary school success. This publication of the UF/IFAS Florida 4-H Youth Development Program provides strategies for success in developing these programs in your community.

Vanessa Spero
Other Contacts: Sarah Hensley

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Developing organizational and volunteer systems to support youth development

Ralph Easterly III, Debra M. Barry, Brian E. Myers, andEdward W. Osborne

An advisory council is an organized group of selected business representatives, community members, and school stakeholders who provide input in the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of a school-based agricultural education program. Recommendations and best practices are provided for implementing advisory councils. Written by R. G. Easterly III, D. M. Barry, B. E. Myers, and E. W. Osborne; published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication; 7 pp.

Andrew Toelle
Other Contacts: Sarah Hensley

4-H School Enrichment can give youth and parents a picture of the benefits of a longer commitment to 4-H. The purpose of this revised 8-page publication is to support 4-H agents as they plan, develop, and evaluate school enrichment programs. Written by Andrew Toelle.

Heather R. Nesbitt, Heather R. Nesbitt, andDebra M. Barry

This fourth publication of the Cooperating Teachers’ Best Practices for Mentoring series focuses on role modeling. Role modeling is achieved by the cooperating teacher positively modeling all aspects of teaching. This can be accomplished through demonstrating teaching methods, explaining classroom management techniques, and modeling effective communication. Through observation, the student teacher decides what and how they will implement or not implement as an educator in their own classroom. Written by Heather R. Nesbitt and Debra M. Barry and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication; 3 pp.

Debra Barry, Alyssa Shepherd, Jennifer Patton, and Stephen Gran

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: ==Special Handling==

Sharon K. Junge, Vanessa Spero, Laura Valencia, Nicole Crawson, J.R. Davis, Tara Dorn, Stacy Hall, Karen Henry, Heather M. Futch, Beth Kerr, Andrea Lazzari, Abby Morgan, Kristie Popa, Cindy Smalley, Melinda Souers, Katelin Stenroos, Tracy Winters, andMary-Louise Wood

This guide will assist Extension professionals in establishing new after-school programs in communities with insufficient programs available for school-age youth. The chapters cover a range of steps and considerations, including conducting needs assessments, hiring and training staff, and program sustainability. However, this guide cannot cover everything required. Additional resources that provide more in-depth information and tools are listed in this publication.

Vanessa Spero
Other Contacts: Sarah Hensley

Family engagement in 4-H programs allows family members, youth, and the community to become more aware, cohesive, and invested in youth development. This fact sheet discusses how to incorporate family engagement into your 4-H school programming. For the purposes of Florida 4-H, a school-based program can be defined as school enrichment (offered to groups of youth, taught by Extension staff or trained volunteers, and designed to support the school curriculum), an in-school club following a more traditional club approach during school hours, or an after-school club operating directly after school hours.

Michael S. Jackson andAndrew Toelle

4-H in School programs can reach large groups of youth in a narrow age range, yet they are difficult for many 4-H agents to implement. Building on Ask IFAS publication 4H324, the GROW model is a practical guide for agents to follow to increase the likelihood of beginning and sustaining a successful 4-H in School program. This model addresses who agents can reach out to when in the initial phases of beginning a 4-H in School program and steps to follow as it is being developed.  The model also outlines an organizational plan to eliminate miscommunication and unexpected mishaps by offering a clear understanding of expectations for all participants involved.  Finally, the model identifies tips to make a school enrichment program operate smoothly based on feedback from teachers and 4-H Agents with experience working with 4-H school enrichment programs.