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Full-Text Articles in University Extension

Increasing Extension Volunteer Knowledge And Preparedness With Youth Protection Training Across Program Areas, Keri G. Hobbs, Sheri Dorn Dec 2023

Increasing Extension Volunteer Knowledge And Preparedness With Youth Protection Training Across Program Areas, Keri G. Hobbs, Sheri Dorn

Journal of Extension

The University of Georgia (UGA) has a training requirement for adults working with youth. To meet this requirement for Georgia 4-H and Extension Master Gardener volunteers, a standardized online training module was created and delivered across program areas. Volunteers were surveyed to evaluate training effectiveness and experience. Understanding of UGA youth protocols and service preparedness increased after training for both volunteer groups, though preparedness may be affected by life stage, engagement in youth service roles, and/or comfort with virtual training. The module was considered accessible and convenient by respondents, thus providing a successful approach for offering trainings across program areas.


Connecting Diverse Communities Through A 4-H Urban-Rural Experience, Laurie Murrah-Hanson, Brittani Lee, Pamela Bloch Dec 2022

Connecting Diverse Communities Through A 4-H Urban-Rural Experience, Laurie Murrah-Hanson, Brittani Lee, Pamela Bloch

Journal of Extension

Misconceptions regarding agricultural careers are exacerbated by increasing urbanization and are one of many differences in perspective between urban and rural communities. The One Georgia 4-H Urban-Rural Experience addresses this divide through a statewide youth exchange focusing on the agricultural sector. The program includes a multifaceted look at agricultural careers through visits to urban and rural communities. Focus group evaluations revealed the impact on youth through exposure to new careers, increased understanding of the diversity of agriculture, awareness of the interconnected nature of urban and rural communities, and a sense of belonging to a diverse group of youth.


4-H Portfolios: A Practical Model For Assessing Youth Impact In Utah Communities, Kelsey W. Romney Oct 2021

4-H Portfolios: A Practical Model For Assessing Youth Impact In Utah Communities, Kelsey W. Romney

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

A statewide youth needs assessment ranked writing cover letters and résumés as top life skills needed by Utah’s youth. The Utah 4-H Portfolio program has taught over 1,600 youth in grades 3 to 12 to write cover letters and résumés since 2019. Working with adult leaders in their communities, youth are using 4-H Portfolios to solidify a clear pathway from their 4-H experience to a successful career.


Value Of Assessing Personal, Organizational, And Community Impacts Of Extension Volunteer Programs, Rebecca Harrington, Tillie Good, Kandi O'Neil, Samantha Grant, Sarah Maass, Rachelle Vettern, Patricia Mcglaughlin Jun 2021

Value Of Assessing Personal, Organizational, And Community Impacts Of Extension Volunteer Programs, Rebecca Harrington, Tillie Good, Kandi O'Neil, Samantha Grant, Sarah Maass, Rachelle Vettern, Patricia Mcglaughlin

Journal of Extension

Extension volunteers demonstrate personal, organizational, and community benefits. Our group of Extension professionals in the North Central Region applied these three levels of benefit to gather quantitative and qualitative data in a comprehensive evaluation of volunteer impact. Survey responses were received from 2,978 4-H youth development volunteers in 12 states. A mixed-methods approach, such as the one we used, can provide Extension professionals with evidence to communicate the value of volunteer programs and improve their practice in volunteer systems management.


Hosting An International Exchange Youth: The Influence On The Family, Mark Mains Jan 2016

Hosting An International Exchange Youth: The Influence On The Family, Mark Mains

Theses and Dissertations--Family Sciences

This study explores how hosting an international exchange youth influences families. Participants in the study took part in a four-week summer exchange by hosting a middle school aged Japanese youth through the Kentucky 4-H/Labo program. Labo is a Japanese club program that encourages youth to learn about American culture through international travel. As society becomes more globalized, the skills and abilities associated with international travel are increasingly important (Anderson, Lawton, Rexeisen & Hubbard, 2006). Hosting international youth through exchange programs is one method of developing these skills and abilities. This qualitative study uses thematic analysis to analyze three primary data …