Progress 04/01/10 to 03/31/15
Outputs
Target Audience: The target audience for this program is urban, at-risk Latino youth in grades K-13 (one year out of high school). Efforts include the development of culturally relevant, bilingual educational programs and activities, and life skill development opportunities for both youth and adult volunteers. The program provides opportunties for Rutgers University Students and AmeriCorp volunteers to participate as resource personnel, 4-H club leaders, and activity leaders within the 4-H program. Collaborations are formed with cultural and educational community organizations within the communities of New Brunswick and Newark to develop and deliver educational activities, leadership programs and services to the 4-H youth and their families. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? -The project continues to providing training and mentoring for all adult 4-H volunteers working both in the Newark and New Brunswick 4-H programs. All AmeriCorp volunteers, University students and community adult volunteers receive 4-H volunteer training along with information and resources specific to the responsibilities they will have with the program. - NJ Get Moving, Get Healthy Food and Nutrition programming has been utlized throughout the program and volunteers and Rutgers University students have been trained to be facilitators of this program in schools, after-school, club and special interest programs. New Brunswick High School interns have particiapted in a Train-the-Trainer program to allow them to assist with program implementation. -Ongoing teenleadership training has been provided for 4-H teens in both sites and teens have also taken part in service learning opportunities in their county programs. -AmeriCorp volunteers were trained in the areas of program management, youth development, community youth development, program promotion, evaluation and life skill development. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? - Both sites produce newsletters that are sent to clientele and partners. Both the New Brunswick and Newark sites have active websites and Facebook pages that are used for program promotion, outreach, education and communication among 4-H members, volunteers and partners. - 4-H events have been publicized through local media outlets and program reports have also been shared through these outlets. - New Brunswick 4-H teens presented at a County Freeholder (legislator) meeting about the impact of 4-H on the teens and the community. 4-H teens have also done similar presentations at community events. - Program promotional materials, newsletters and educational materials continue to be translated into Spanish to ensure there is outreach to Spanish speaking clientele in both communities. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
- The New Brunswick and Newark 4-H programs collaborate with over 50 different community organizations including libraries, community youth and service organizations, schools and after school programs, teen centers, community recreation departments, environmental commissions and boy and girl scout organizations. Community partner evaluations have indicated that these organizations are satisfied with the level of programming provided by 4-H and feel the partnership is valuable to their organization. Partners indicate "the 4-H program impacted the youth in the YES/SACC program in a positive way by providing hand on activities with arts and crafts, showing the children healthy eating habits, and the introduction to Lego technology"; and "4-H helped to outreach to and teach adult residents in New Brunswick about the importance of soil testing for reducing the risk of lead exposure while gardening. Without New Brunswick 4-H this outreach and education would not have happened since they were the primary distributors of the information and the ones conducting the onsite trainings to individual residents.- New Brunswick 4-H youth and adult volunteers trained and conducted soil testing for approximately 25 residents, primarily backyard gardeners. - New Brunswick and Newark 4-H implemented 4-H clubs for community youth in the areas of robotics, environmental science, arts and crafts, dance, leadership, gardening, Lego robotics, sports and fitness and general science. Special interest, short terms programs in the areas of robotics, fitness and nutrition, arts and crafts and science have been developed and implemented in the community throughout the spring and summer of 2015. In both communities, 4-H has provided educational programming for community summer camp programs. - In New Brunswick, over 1700 youth were reached through 4-H educational special interest programs, after-school programs and educational 4-H events. In 2014, 568 youth were reached through enrichment programs and camps. End of year evaluations indicate an increase in skills in the area of communication and cooperation along with an increase in the involvement of youth in community service opportunities. -The New Brunswick 4-H Green Titans club, formed in 2011 and focuses on environmental science, leadership and community service. The membership grew from 8-20 members in the past year and teens worked with 4-H staff to assist with community lead-safe educational programs, and have assisted with the planning, promotion and leadership of New Brunswick 4-H community events. They have collaborated with the New Brunswick Environmental Commission to assist with educational events, community clean ups and environmental outreach. These teens have also taken part in county-wide leadership and community service events, participated on the Planning Committee for the North Jersey 4-H Teen Conference, taken part in the State 4-H Teen Action Council, Rutgers Climate Change Summit, and the Rutgers Summer Science Program. The 4-H Green Titans also will be participating in the implementation of a New Jersey 4-H Wal Mart Grant to educate younger youth in food, nutrition and exercise. Evaluations of these youth indicate a self-reported increase in communication skills, involvement in community service activities, and an increase in the development and practice of leadership skills. - The Newark 4-H teens have participated in county public speaking programs, the county fair, North Jersey 4-H Teen Conference and winter camp weekend. 4-H teens were also represented on the North Jersey 4-H Teen Conference planning committee. The Newark program 4-H members had the greatest percentage increase in participation at the conference in 2014 with over 18 urban youth members participating through partial scholarships through CYFAR funding. - Through a partnership with AmeriCorps, eight (8) AmeriCorps volunteers have served in the past year with the New Brunswick and Newark 4-H programs. These volunteers assist with program outreach and implementation, community collaborative efforts, fundraising, evaluation and program promotion. - Both Newark and New Brunswick 4-H programs have developed strong collaborations with the Rutgers University campuses in their communities. In New Brunswick, 13 Rutgers University student and 5 Rutgers Interns were placed with the 4-H program as club volunteers or have assisted with program support and outreach. New Brunswick 4-H partners with three Rutgers University departments and 5 Rutgers Student Organizations to develop and deliver programs for youth. In Newark, 3 Rutgers University students assisted with evaluation and research of the program including a thesis project assessing best practices for 4-H to include Latino communities in programming. In addition, one student from Montclair University assists with teaching 4-H health programs in the community. -In Both New Brunswick and Newark, high school interns are involved with learning and teaching 4-H curriculum to elementary students and assisting with outreach and general administration to support program efforts. In New Brunswick and Newark, 21 high school student interns were trained to teach educational programs to elementary students in after-school programs trough the Health Ambassadors and Science Ambassadors Clubs. Students indicate they have learned how to plan and implement various community educational programs and have developed skills in communication and leadership through assisting with promotion of 4-H educational programs. - In both communities, 4-H has established a reputation as a positive youth development organization with valuable educational programs for youth. Both programs have shown a marked increase in requests for educational programs and collaborative efforts. -This year of programming was focused on sustainability. Newark programs will continue with teen leadership clubs including science ambassadors and health ambassadors lead by already trained volunteers. In addition, 4-H is continuing partnerships with community centers and schools pursuing 21st century grant funding to offer an afterschool program involving over 200 youth. -New Brunswick 4-H and the Unity Square Partnership have collaborated on special events since 2012. . Unity Square sought out New Brunswick 4-H to provide high quality and engaging youth programs for the youth population in its neighborhood. This collaboration resulted in ongoing workshops and events for youth and families.In November 2013, Unity Square confirmed that it was receiving funding from the Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit program (NRTC) from the State of New Jersey. Middlesex County 4-H was encouraged to apply for a sub-grant of this funding, to run traditional 4-H after-school clubs for youth in New Brunswick at the new Unity Square Community Center at 81 Remsen Ave.Middlesex 4-H was granted this sub-award. These funds have been used to make certain New Brunswick 4-H clubs, which were previously supported by CYFAR funding, sustainable after CYFAR funds had run out. During the 2014-2015 school year, New Brunswick 4-H ran two bi-weekly after-school clubs for youth: one in Robotics and other engineering or technology challenges, and one in dance and fitness. New Brunswick 4-H also worked with Bristol-Myers Squibb to run six once-a-month Science Saturdays, where youth in grades 4-7 completed science experiments and challenges. For 2015, New Brunswick 4-H will be supported with $70,000 of funding to support a full time staff member to oversee 4-H programming in this community.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Blodnick, M., Bovitz, L., Kesely, A. Recruitment and Retention of 4-H Volunteers in Non-Traditional Settings. National Association of Extension 4-H Agents Conference, Minneapolis, MN. October 2014.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Bakacs,M., Eppinger, L. Teaching Latino immigrants safe soil practices for contaminated urban properties National Urban Extension Conference, Atlanta, GA. May 2015.
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Progress 04/01/13 to 03/31/14
Outputs
Target Audience: The target audience for this program is urban, at-risk Latino youth in grades K-13 (one year out of high school). Efforts include the development of culturally relevant, bilingual educational programs and activiiies and life skill development opportunites for both 4-H youth and adult volunteers. The program provides opportunities for Rutgers University students and AmeriCorps volunteers to participate as resource personnel, 4-H club leaders, and activity leaders within the 4-H program. Collaborations are formed with cultural and educational community organizations within the communities of New Brunswick and Newark to develop and deliver educational activities, leadership programs andservices to the 4-H youth and their families. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? - The project has provided training for all community 4-H club volunteers, Rutgers University student volunteers and Rutgers University student interns focusing on 4-H youth development, life skill development, club management and risk management. - Get Moving, Get Healthy (food and fitness) "train the trainer"workshops were given to 4-H club volunteers, community partners, Rutgers student interns, andhigh school interns in order for them toteach youth in school and after-school 4-H programs. - Food and fitness educational training sessions were held for youth and adults through special interest programs in New Brunswick and Newark. - Training sessions were provided for AmeriCorp volunteers in the area of program management, youth and volunteer development, risk management, life skill development, community youth development, promotion and marketing,and evaluation on the community and state level. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? - Newsletters are distributed to 4-H members and families enrolled in 4-H club and special interest programs, community partners and collaborators, and county administrators. - A New Brunswick 4-H website is used to communicate educational opportunities and 4-H programs to the public.http://newbrunswick4h.wix.com/nb4h - 4-H programoutcomesare shared through contact with local media and involvement in the New Brunswick Press Advisory Meetings. In both New Brunswick and Newark, 4-H programs have received much publicity.http://newbrunswick.patch.com/search?keywords=New+Brunswick+4-H - Social media is used to share information on 4-H programs and accomplishments and is successful in reaching 4-H participants and others in the community. https://www.facebook.com/NewBrunswick.4.H?fref=ts - A New Brunswick 4-H program advisory council (C.L.A.Y.) includes 4-H staff, 4-H volunteers and members from community organizations, and provides direction for the 4-H program and assists with program promotion and outreach. - Program promotional materials, newsletters, brochures and educational materials are translated into Spanish to ensure outreach to the large number of Spanish speaking clientele in both New Brunswick and Newark. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? - Efforts to collect additional qualitative data on life skills developed and practiced by 4-H club members will be expanded. - Outreach to include Cloverbud (grades K-3) will be empasized in both New Brunswick and Newark. - A focus on continuing involvement of 4-H youth in county, regional and state 4-H events will be emphasized, with a focus on providing opportunities for New Brunswick and Newark 4-H youth to attend National 4-H events. - There will be continued efforts to raise funds to support 4-H club and community events, and to secure grant funding to provide for program sustainability after the grant period ends. The 4-H program itself has shown that it can be sustainable as long as there is funding for staff support in each community.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
- The New Brunswick and Newark 4-H programs collaborate with over different community organizations including libraries, community youth and service orgazniations, schools and after school programs, teen centers, community recreation departments, environmental commissions and boy and girl scout organizations. Community partner evaluations have indicated that these organizations are satsified with the level of programming provided by 4-H and feel the partnership is valuable to their organization. Partners indicate "the 4-H program impacted the youth in the YES/SACC program in a positive way by providing hand on activities with arts and crafts, showing the children healthy eating habits, and the introduction to Lego technology"; and "4-H helped to outreach to and teach adult residents in New Brunswick about the importance of soil testing for reducing the risk of lead exposure while gardening. Without New Brunswick 4-H this outreach and education would not have happened since they were the primary distributors of the information and the ones conducting the onsite trainings to individual residents. New Brunswick 4-H trained and conducted soil testing for approximately 25 residents, primarily backyard gardeners." - New Brunswickand Newark 4-H implemented 4-H clubs for community youth in the areas of robotics, environmental science, arts and crafts, dance, leadership, gardening,Lego robotics,sports and fitness and general science. Special interest short terms programs in the areas of robotics, fitness and nutrition, arts and craftsand science have been developed and implemented in the community throughout the spring and summer of 2013. In both communities, 4-H has provided educational programming for community summer camp programs. In New Brunswick, over 1700 youth were reached through 4-H educational special interest programs, after-school programs and educational 4-H events. End of year evaluations indicate an increase in skills in the area of communication and cooperation along with an increase in the involvement of youth in community service opportunities. -The New Brunswick 4-H Green Titans club, formed in 2011 and focuses on environmental science, leadership and community service. The membership grew from 8-20 members in the past year andteens worked with 4-H staff to assist with community lead-safe educational programs, and have assisted with the planning, promotion and leadership of New Brunswick 4-H community events. They have collaborated with the New Brunswick Environmental Commission to assist with educational events, community clean ups and environmental outreach. These teens have also taken part in county-wide leadership and community service events, participated on the Planning Committee for the North Jersey 4-H Teen Conference, taken part in the State 4-H Teen Action Council, Rutgers Climate Change Summit, and the Rutgers Summer Science Program. The 4-H Green Titans also will be participating in the implementation of a New Jersey 4-H Wal Mart Grant to educate younger youth in food, nutrition and exercise. Evaluations of these youth indicate a self-reported increase in communication skills, involvement in community service activities, and an increase in the development and practice of leadership skills. - The Newark 4-H teens have participated in county public speaking programs, the county fair, North Jersey 4-H Teen Conference and winter camp weekend. 4-H teens were also represented on the North Jersey 4-H Teen Conference planning committee. The Newark program 4-H members had the greatest percentageincrease in participation at the conference in 2013. - Through a partnership with AmeriCorps, eight (8) AmeriCorp volunteers have served in the past year with the New Brunswick and Newark 4-H programs. These volunteers assist with program outreach and implementation, community collaborative efforts, fundraising, evaluation and program promotion. - Both Newark and New Brunswick 4-H programs have developed strong collaborations with the Rutgers University campuses in their communities. In New Brunswick, 13 Rutgers University student and 5 Rutgers Interns were placed with the 4-H program as club volunteers or have assisted with program support and outreach. New Brunswick 4-H partners withthree Rutgers University departments and 5 Rutgers Student Organizations to develop and deliver programs for youth. In Newark,4 Rutgers University interns assist with the teaching of school enrichment programs, and 3 graduate students assist with program evaluation. In addition, one student from Montclair University assists with teaching 4-H health programs in the community. -In Both New Brunswick and Newark, high school interns are involved with learning and teaching 4-H curriculum to elementary students. In New Brunswick, 19 high school student interns were trained to teach educational programs to elementary students in after-school programs. In Newark, 4 high school interns assist with teaching of enrichement programs to younger students.Student indicate they havelearned how to plan and implement various community educational programs and have developed skills in communication and leadership through assisting with promotion of 4-H educational programs. - In both communities, 4-H has established a reputation as a positive youth development organization with valuable educational programs for youth. Both programs have shown a marked increase in requests for educational programs and collaborative efforts. Many community organizations who provide outreach to underserved adults request youth based programming for their children due to the fact that in the past youth accompanied parents to adult focused programs, and a demonstrated need for educational opportunities for youth during these events was indicated.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Bovitz, L., Blodnik, M., Pierre, S., Lyons, R. Successes and Challenges in the Recruitment and Retention of Urban Youth Development Volunteers. Electronic conference proceedings (abstract), Galaxy Conference, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (September 2013).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Kalenak, R., Bovitz, L., Blodnick, M., Pierre,S. Successes and Challenges in the Recruitment and Retention of Urban Youth Development Volunteers. National Conference on Volunteerism, May 2013.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Bovitz, L., Blodnick, M. Urban 4-H Club Programs in Underserved New Jersey Communities. CYFAR Program Showcase Display at CYFAR Professional Development Event, Washington, DC. May 2013.
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Progress 04/01/12 to 03/31/13
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Two full-time community staff members are hired and working with the implementation and evaluation of the New Brunswick and Newark Urban Latino 4-H club programs. In addition, 13 AmeriCorp volunteers and 3 AmeriCorp VISTA volunteers provide assistance with program promotion, educational programs and evaluation. Adults from the New Brunswick and Newark communities and Rutgers University students serve as club leaders and resource leaders. In 2012, four Rutgers University students completed semester long internship programs (for credit) working with the 4-H program in New Brunswick. Volunteer training sessions are held regularly to provide basic information on 4-H clubs, youth development, leadership, community service and program policies. 4-H teen leadership training is provided for teens and in both sites teens participate in 4-H Teen Council programs and are responsible for working in partnership with adults to plan and run leadership and service projects. Volunteer training materials, educational club materials and promotion materials have been translated into Spanish and all translated items are being compiled into a booklet to be shared with other states who have Latino audiences. Video technology and social networking are in use by all 4-H clubs and in both sites. Youth participate in 4-H clubs focusing on a variety of project areas including science, healthy lifestyles, citizenship and leadership and special interest programs are operating in schools and in cooperation with after-school sites. PARTICIPANTS: One full-time 4-H Program Associate was hired in Newark at the beginning of 2012 and Shane Pierre replaced Karl McClean as New Brunswick 4-H Program Associate in January of 2013. These staff members are responsible for overseeing the 4-H program at each site and working in collaboration with County 4-H Agents. Their responsibilities include overseeing 4-H club programming, volunteer training, mentoring, working with program advisory committees, implementation of promotional and educational events, and assisting with supervision of part and full time AmeriCorp volunteers. AmeriCorp volunteers have been utilized to teach 4-H programming, assist with program outreach, serve as club leaders, and help with program fundraising and promotion. Part-time temporary staff members have been hired to assist with translation of program materials, and compilation of evaluation forms. Partner organizations and collaborations include: In New Brunswick: New Brunswick Youth Services System (YSS), Elijah's Promise, New Brunswick Tomorrow, Puerto Rican Action Board, Civic Engagement Service Education Partnership; Lazos America Unida; Greater Brunswick Charter School, New Brunswick High School, New Brunswick HUB Teen Center, Rutgers Center for Latino Arts and Culture, Raices Cultural Center - New Brunswick, New Brunswick Citizens Campaign, Unity Square Partnership, New Brunswick Environmental Commission, New Brunswick Science and Technology High School. In Newark: Office of Campus and Community Relations - Rutgers, Newark, Rutgers T.E.E.M. Gateway, Belleville High School, Public School #7 Belleville, La Casa De Don Pedro, Citizen Schools, Newark Area YMCA, Newark Conservancy, Montclair Community Farms, Let's Move! Newark, Iron Bound Community Center, The City of Newark Youth Policy Board, Lincoln School, Pride Academy Charter School, Rosa Parks Central Community School, City of Newark, Newark Public Library, Irvington Community Farms, Township of Irvington, and Rotary Club of Irvington. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience for this program is urban, at-risk Latino youth in grades K-13 (one year out of high school). Efforts include the development of culturally relevant, bilingual education materials and experiences for both 4-H youth and adult volunteers. The program provided opportunities for Rutgers University students and AmeriCorps volunteers to participate as resource personnel, staff members, and 4-H club leaders within the 4-H program. Collaborations have been formed with cultural and educational organizations within the communities of New Brunswick and Newark to bring opportunities and services to the 4-H youth and their families. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
4-H has a strong presence in Newark and New Brunswick through 4-H clubs, after-school and special interest programs. There is a vested interest in 4-H programs in the community and 4-H programs have been formed to meet these needs, and potential for long term sustainability is strong. New and ongoing community partnerships have resulted in a 50% increase in educational programs for youth, including a strong relationship with Rutgers University students. Students from four university departments are completing internships with the New Brunswick and Newark 4-H programs. 4-H Program Advisory committees include representatives from the community and provide input and direction to the local programs in the area of program development, outreach and fundraising. Over 30 community agencies and schools collaborate to provide special interest programming for youth, assist with fundraising efforts and provide resources for 4-H programs. By creating multiple avenues of partnership and resource development, Essex and Middlesex County 4-H have put into place a structure that can be maintained once grant funding has ended. Observational assessments of 4-H members indicate an increase in communication and cooperation skills. Assessments indicate an increase in the ability for youth to lead discussions, facilitate groups to reach goals, share ideas, and assist 4-H leaders with running an activity. Youth self-reported an increase in ability to plan and set goals, be responsible, listen to others, work on a team, and work cooperatively with adults. The greatest increases were in the areas of goal setting, decision-making, cooperation and public speaking. Youth also indicate that their ability to be involved in, and lead community service projects increased throughout the 4-H year. Urban 4-H club members have also become integrated into the county, regional and state 4-H programs, and are beginning to take leadership in these programs through serving on planning committees and councils. 4-H youth are actively participating in county 4-H events and 4-H community and county service projects and also participate in county and state level camping programs. Teens have taken part in the state level programs including the Rutgers Summer Science program and the Rutgers Climate Change Summit. 4-H teens have progressed from participation in regional and state level leadership projects to active leadership on planning committees and councils including the North Jersey 4-H Teen Conference and State 4-H Teen Action Council. 4-H teens are working in partnership with adult volunteers and 4-H staff to plan and run educational programs, fundraisers and promotional events.
Publications
- Bovitz, L., Kalenak, R., Blodnick, M., Powell, V., Pierre, S. 2012. Traditional 4-H in Non-Traditional Settings - Building a 4-H Club Program in an Urban Underserved Environment. Electronic Conference proceedings (abstract). National Association of Extension 4-H Agents Conference, Orlando, FL. October 2012.
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Progress 04/01/11 to 03/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Two full-time staff members are hired and are working with the implementation and evaluation of the New Brunswick and Newark Area Urban Latino 4-H club programs. In addition, 8 AmeriCorps staff members and 3 AmeriCorps VISTA provide assistance with program promotion, implementation, and evaluation. Adults from the community and Rutgers University students serve as club leaders and resource leaders. Volunteer training sessions are held regularly to provide basic information on 4-H clubs, 4-H program philosophy and policies, youth development, and leadership and public speaking. 4-H teen leadership training has been held for members interested in this project area. 4-H promotion, registration, volunteer training, and educational materials have been translated into Spanish for use by 4-H volunteers, parents, and members. A Spanish 4-H parent welcome packet has being compiled. 4-H club kits have been developed in Newark and are in use with traditional 4-H community clubs and in-school 4-H clubs. Video technology has been integrated into 4-H clubs and will be used by members to document club accomplishments and by staff to document program impact. 4-H educational programs and demonstration events have been implemented in both sites to introduce 4-H program resources to the community. PARTICIPANTS: Rebecca Kalenak, Essex County 4-H Agent was hired and replaces Phil Myers as Co-PI for the grant. A full time 4-H Program Associate has been in place in New Brunswick since November of 2010, and a part time 4-H Program Assistant is in place in Newark. These staff members are responsible for overseeing 4-H club programming, volunteer training, mentoring, working with program advisory committees, implementation of promotional and educational events, assisting with supervision of part and full time AmeriCorps volunteers, and connecting 4-H members to county and state level 4-H opportunities. AmeriCorps volunteers have been utilized to teach 4-H programing and help communicate 4-H opportunities to youth and community members. AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers coordinate information session and leader training sessions that are easily accessible to various communities. A part-time translator has been in place in both New Brunswick and Newark to assist with translation of promotion, registration, and educational materials. Partner organizations and collaborators include: In New Brunswick: Youth Services System, City of New Brunswick; New Brunswick Tomorrow; Puerto Rican Action Board; Rutgers UniversityCivic Engagement Service Education Partnership; Greater Brunswick Charter School; New Brunswick Public Library; Rutgers Center for Latino Arts and Culture; New Brunswick HUB Teen Center; Lazos America Unida; Rutgers University New Brunswick 4-H Team; Raices Cultural Center, New Brunswick; New Brunswick Citizens Campaign; Unity Square Partnership; New Brunswick Environmental Commission; New Brunswick Science and Technology High School In Newark: Office of Campus and Community Relations, Rutgers Newark;; Rutgers T.E.E.M. Gateway/Ye2s Center; GlassRoots, Barat Foundation; Abington Avenue School; Belleville High School, Belleville; Public School # 7, Belleville; Park Place School, Newark; La Casa De Don Pedro; Citizen Schools; Newark Area YMCA; Newark Conservancy; Miller Street Farm, Montclair; City of Newark, Deputy Mayor; Let's Move! Newark; Iron Bound Community Center TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience for this program is urban, at-risk Latino youth in grades K-13 (one year out of high school). Efforts include the development of culturally relevant, bilingual education materials and experiences for both 4-H youth and adult volunteers. The program provides opportunities for Rutgers University students and AmeriCorps members to participate as resource personnel, staff members, and club leaders within the 4-H Program. Meeting places, program sites, and places of recruitment are all focused in urban areas with high Latino populations and partnerships have been formed with cultural and religious centers within communities to bring opportunities and services to the youth and their families. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Rebecca Kalenak, Essex County 4-H Agent now serves as Co-PI replacing Phil Myers.
Impacts
The New Brunswick and Newark area 4-H programs are providing opportunities for youth to participate in 19 different 4-H project clubs which include project areas such as cultural dance, sports, food and nutrition, gardening, the environment, chess, ping pong, leadership, community service, sewing, art, LEGOS, and soccer. Over 40 adults, community leaders, partners, and Rutgers University students have been trained to serve as volunteers. In the Newark area 18 school based clubs and nine community based clubs have been initiated piloting 4-H club kits.In New Brunswick a Program Advisory, Fundraising, and Parent Input Committee have been formed and are meeting monthly. 4-H web pages, wiki spaces, and Facebook pages have been developed and are in use by 4-H members and leaders. An urban program 4-H newsletter has been developed and distributed. New Brunswick and Newark area 4-H youth are actively participating in county and state level 4-H programs including; weekend and summer camp programs, the County Fair, 4-H community service projects, NJTC, Rutgers Science Saturday, The Teen Climate Change Summit, and the Rutgers 4-H Summer Science Program. Eight Americorp volunteers, three Americorp VISTA, and two Rutgers University interns have provided support to the New Brunswick and Newark area 4-H programs through educational programming, parent communication, and community outreach/marketing.Collaborations have been formed with over 32 different community and university organizations. An end of 4-H year survey of 4-H youth in four different New Brunswick clubs resulted in 63% of youth self-reporting an increase in public speaking skills, and the ability to plan and organize activities. A pre-post survey of all 4-H club members and observational assessments will be analyzed in July of 2012, and video impact reports will be implemented at the end of the 4-H project year as well.
Publications
- Bovitz, L., Powell, V., McClean, K. 2011. Ten Steps to Success with Latino 4-H Club Programs. Electronic Conference proceedings (abstract), Children, Youth and Families at Risk Conference, Chicago, IL. April 2011.
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Progress 04/01/10 to 03/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: One full time staff member and three part time staff members were hired to assist with project development and implementation in New Brunswick and Newark. Five Americorp staff members were appointed to assist with program development, 4-H club management and program outreach. In New Brunswick, 20 volunteer leaders were recruited and registered to assist with the running of 4-H clubs. Three Volunteer training sessions were held in New Brunswick to introduce 4-H program philosophy and policy, club development and management, and basic youth development principles. Four different 4-H recruitment events were held in New Brunswick through collaboration with local schools and in partnership with community cultural organizations. A 4-H teen leadership training session was held for new 4-H teen leaders. A New Brunswick 4-H website (www.newbrunswick4h.org) and Facebook page were developed. 4-H promotion,registration, volunteer management and educational materials were translated into Spanish for use by 4-H volunteers and program staff. Rutgers University students were trained to serve as 4-H club leaders. A Rutgers University 4-H team was established to serve as an advisory group for these 4-H students. A computer technology site was established in both New Brunswick and Newark to be used by 4-H volunteers and youth, and by newly established 4-H computer clubs. 4-H educational and demonstration events were held in New Brunswick to introduce the 4-H program to community residents. PARTICIPANTS: Project Staff: New Brunswick 4-H Program Associate (full time) - was hired in November of 2010 and is responsible for overseeing 4-H club programming, volunteer training and mentoring, working with program advisory committees, implementation of promotional and educational events, assisting with supervision of part time staff, connecting New Brunswick 4-H members to county and state level opportunities, assisting with development of educational workshops for 4-H members and assisting with development of educational tools for volunteers. Newark 4-H Program Assistant (part time) - responsible for community outreach, volunteer recruitment, and overall program promotion. (Please note that the Newark program began recruitment efforts in mid December). Newark 4-H Program Assistant (part time since January) - assist with program development data management Americorp Members (four part time New Brunswick staff) - responsible for individual club management, assisting with member recruitment and registration and community outreach Part time translator (January through March) - responsible for translation of promotional, registration and educational materials Partner Organziations: Lazos America Unida, Inc. (New Brunswick), Rutgers University Center for Latino and Culture, Rutgers University Bonner Program, Greater Brunswick Charter School, Americorp Collaborators: Newark Public Schools, Office of the Mayor (Newark), Sigma Lambda Beta National Fraternity (Newark Chapter), Hispanic Firefighter Association (Newark Chapter), New Brunswick Public Library, New Brunswick Tomorrow, New Brunswick Afterschool Program, New Brunswick 4-H Teen Center, Raices Cultural Center (New Brunswick), New Brunswick Puerto Rican Action Board, New Brunswick Roosevelt Elementary School, New Brunswick Middle School TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience audience for this program is urban, at-risk Latino youth in grades K-13 (one year out of high school). Efforts include development of cultural relevant, bilingual educational materials and experiences for both 4-H youth and adult volunteers. The program provides opportunites for Rutgers University students participating in the Introduction to Professional Youth work courses to observe and practice skills through involvement in the program. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
In New Brunswick, 12 different 4-H clubs were developed. Project areas include cultural arts and crafts, cultural dance, sports, computers, environmental science, gardening, food and nutrition, chess, leadership and film. A Program Advisory Board was established in New Brunswick through development of four volunteer committees: Program Advisory Board, Parent Council, Community Outreach Committee, and Fund Raising Committe. All 4-H volunteers serve on one committee and community representatives will be recruited to serve on the program advisory board. Involved New Brunswick 4-H teen leaders in civic engagement opportunities through involvement in a EPA Lead Safe Backyard Gardening grant. Teens have been trained in public speaking and will assist with survey implementation and providing educational programs for adults on safe backyard gardening techniques. Began integration of New Brunswick 4-Hers into county and state level 4-H programs through involvement in the county 4-H Open House, County Teen Council service project, participation in NJ 4-H Summer Camp program, participation in Rutgers 4-H Summer Science Program, Rutgers 4-H Teen Climate Change Summit and Rutgers 4-H Science Saturday programs. * Please note that program evaluation tools will be implemented in late summer due to the start date of 4-H clubs.
Publications
- Bovitz, L., Powell, V., Myers, P. 2010. Unleashing the Possiblibilies with Latino 4-H Clubs... Ninos Fuertes, Communidades Mas Fuertes (Strong Kids, Stronger Communities). Electronic conference proceedings (abstract), National Association of Extension 4-H Agents, Phoenix, Arizona. October 2010.
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