Program Objective:
To create supportive educational environments in which culturally diverse youth and adults can reach their fullest potential and become productive citizens and catalysts for positive change.
Program Description:
The 4-H Youth Development Program is an informal educational program that operates at the local level through the Cooperative Extension Service. The program reaches 5.6 million youth between the ages of 5 and 19. This initiative uses knowledge and skills development programs to help youth develop coping, competency, and contributory life skills. Courses include social sciences (communications, leadership, citizenship, and community development); biological sciences (health, safety, natural resources, and nutrition and food); physical sciences (mechanical and electrical, aerospace, energy, and computers); and arts and humanities (outdoor education, cultural heritage, and recreational leadership). Volunteers with skills and knowledge about working with youth run leadership development programs.
Sites:
Every U.S. territory and 3,150 counties across the country have 4-H programs.
Agency Contact:
Alma Hobbs
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Ag Box 0925
Washington, DC 20250
202-720-2908
Children, Youth, and Families At Risk National Initiative
Program Objective:
To help make communities places where children and youth can lead positive and secure lives while developing the necessary skills for a fulfilling and responsible adulthood.
Program Description:
Through this initiative, 96 community-based programs are working together to provide safe, secure environments for families with children; help parents take primary responsibility for meeting their children's needs; and improve skills, knowledge, and behaviors necessary to help youth lead productive lives.
Funds for 15 State Projects to Strengthen Community Programs were awarded to strengthen community-based programs across State systems. This initiative also supports the Children, Youth, and Family Network, a human network of Federal, State, county, and local staff and volunteers linked via the Internet to focus on childcare, family resiliency, science, and technology literacy.
Sites:
Project sites include schools, community centers, service facilities, and public housing across the country.
Agency Contact:
Nancy Valentine
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
Ag Box 0925
Washington, DC 20250
202-720-5578