Spring 2008 Training

One Degree

At 211 degrees, water is hot…..

At 212 degrees, it boils…….

Current State of Texas 4-H• Texas 4-H reaches approximately 550,000 youth

annually.• Texas 4-H is the largest state 4-H program in the

United States.• Seven percent of the U.S. 4-H enrollment is in

Texas.• More than 1,500 Extension professionals assist

and support in the delivery of the 4-H program.• For 100 years, 4-H has been serving the youth of

Texas.

What we are seeing…..• Declining 4-H enrollment • Increased Time Demand of youth and adult• Increased interest in short-term involvement• Balancing club and outreach delivery methods • Transitioning all youth to “high impact”• Multitude of curriculum with little time to package

and market • Lack of time & commitment to start new 4-H clubs• Challenges of meeting marketing needs of counties

Current State of Texas 4-H

• All 4-H projects do not have the same educational support

• Prioritize projects for phasing out old projects and phasing in new projects

• Projects need to meet address needs of current youth

• 4-H enrollment vs. project enrollment• Decreasing volunteer enrollment• Volunteers need clear expectations• Increased use of episodic/random volunteers

Current State of Texas 4-H

1997-1998

1998-1999

1999-2000

2000-2001

2001-2002

2002-2003

2003-2004

2004-2005

2005-2006

2006-2007

0

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

70,000

80,000Club Enrollment Trends

1997-1998

1998-1999

1999-2000

2000-2001

2001-2002

2002-2003

2003-2004

2004-2005

2005-2006

2006-2007

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500Club Units Trends

1997-1998

1998-1999

1999-2000

2000-2001

2001-2002

2002-2003

2003-2004

2004-2005

2005-2006

2006-2007

0

200,000

400,000

600,000

800,000

1,000,000

1,200,000

Special Interest

Curriculum Enrichment

Total Outreach Enroll-ment

Outreach Enrollment Trends

1997-1998

1998-1999

1999-2000

2000-2001

2001-2002

2002-2003

2003-2004

2004-2005

2005-2006

2006-2007

0

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

70,000

Volunteer Enrollment Trends

• Review of the process to address issues• Addressing six components of program • Building framework for the future of the

Texas 4-H Program

Overview

• Strengthening Clubs• Expanding Outreach Efforts• Marketing and Technology• Engaging Volunteers• Projects and Opportunities• Program Development

Six Elements/Initiative Teams

Strengthening ClubsExpanding Outreach

Marketing & Technology

Enga

ging V

olun

teer

s

Proj

ects

& Opp

ortu

nitie

s

Program Developm

ent

Quality, Local 4-H Experience Model

• Increased quality will result in increased quantity

• Potential and readiness to reach new audiences

• Future of 4-H is secure• Funding for Texas AgriLife Extension

Service for the future

Benefits – Expanding Initiative

• Provides 4-H members with a great, life changing 4-H experience

• Provides volunteer resources to manage, recruit and retain youth members in 4-H clubs

• Provides options for emphasizing project clubs

Strengthening 4-H Clubs

• Reach youth who would not traditionally join a 4-H club OR youth who want a short term involvement

• Youth can experience unique, educational experiences

• Makes the 4-H program available to more youth

Expanding Outreach Efforts

• Technology-based marketing leads to:

Recruitment of new members

Retain current members

Provides the opportunity to engage youth in learning experiences

Interprets to donors and key stakeholders

Marketing and Technology

• Vital component of a member’s experience• Correspond with youth interests and

educational trends• Represents why youth join 4-H!

Projects & Opportunities

• Lack of support material and learning opportunities for some projects

• Need plan to add new projects and phase out others

• Projects offered need to match current interests of youth

• Scheduling• 4-H enrollment vs. project enrollment

Projects & Opportunities

• The Science of Agriculture & Natural Resources

• Plant Science• Foods & Nutrition• Environmental Education/Earth Sciences• Consumer & Family Science• Technology & Engineering• Leadership & Personal Development• Animals

Top Projects: 2006-2007

• HeadDeliberate with appropriate elements

• HeartVolunteer led

Exposes youth to positive role models

Enhancement of experiences

4-H Learning ExperiencesBest Practices

• Hands5-10 learning experience

Minimum duration of two week

Minimum 30 minutes

• HealthSequential

Integration

4-H Learning Experiences

4-H Learning ExperiencesBest Practices

• Crucial to the success of the 4-H program• Serve as backbone in operation of 4-H

clubs• Supports reaching youth from diverse

backgrounds

Engaging Volunteers

• Current research and resources are imperative to the continuation of the 4-H program’s vitality

• Quality training and resources are essential for CEAs to facilitate a successful 4-H program

Program Development

Our Program is……..

Stand up when the following statements describe your county 4-H program.

Provides fun and educational opportunities

for youth

An increase in enrollment and participation has

occurred over the last 3-5 years.

Clientele have an interest in short term involvement

Volunteers have taken advantage of resources

and trainings online

Have 10 new 4-H volunteers this year

Started a new 4-H project this year

One Degree Challenge!• Internally define!

• Take ownership!

• Actionable focus!