Progress 09/01/13 to 08/31/18
Outputs
Target Audience:The ultimate audience for this project are the children and youth of Air Force Active Duty, Air Guard, and Air Force Reserve service members. The children and youth have opportunities to belong to 4-H clubs on bases and in communities and participate in camping and other 4-H program opportunities throughout the year. Military connected youth are at increased risk as they face the challenges of having parents deployed to dangerous places. Moving from the comforts of what they have grown to know is also a reality form ilitary youth as their parents are frequently PCSd to new installations every few years. Extension 4-H Military Liaisons are the audience for the 4-H Military Partnerships Grant programs. An RFA is released in the early fall for proposals to support 4-H clubs and programming on bases and in communities for military connected Air Force youth. Through the 4-H Military Partnership Grants, states reach the Air Force Child and Youth Program staff on bases to provide professional development training for establishing and maintaining 4-H clubs on Air Force bases. Changes/Problems:The prior Project Director, Marlene VerBrugge retired in January 2018. A new Project Director, Meredith Butler, began leadership of the Partnerships in January 2018. The transition to Ms. Butler's leadership will continue over the course of the next several months. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?4-H positive youth development training is offered to Air Force Youth Programs staff members by Land Grant University Extension 4-H faculty based on the training needs of the Air Force programs. The trainings include topics such as the Essential Elements of 4-H, Experiential Learning Model, Conducting 4-H Club Meetings, and specific 4-H project curriculum. Air Force installation Child and Youth Program professionals work hand in hand with experienced 4-H Extension Educators to provide an array of diverse training topics, 4-H resources, and curriculum as well as technical support through the Land Grant University System. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?In collaboration with Kansas State University, project staff members develop and produce an annual report on the accomplishments of the 4-H Air Force Partnership. The report includes snapshots of 4-H club programs from Air Force Bases around the world, testimonials from youth, parents and staff involved in the 4-H programs, and articles about special projects. The report is available on the 4-H Military Partnership website and is disseminated to Extension 4-H Military Liaisons, Air Force Child and Youth Programs and 4-H National Headquarters at USDA to be shared with stakeholders and participants. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Forty states/territories provided 4-H experiences in citizenship, healthy living, and science to military youth on and off military installations through the 4-H Military Partnership Grant program. Extension 4-H Military Liaisons provided leadership to this project on behalf of the 4-H Youth Development departments in each state. Liaisons serve as a link between the state extension programs, military service branches in their state, and 4-H National Headquarters located within USDA/NIFA. The Liaisons coordinate, network, and facilitate programs and resources working with a variety of partners at the university level, with military partners, and with partners across their states in support of military children, youth, and family programming. Local Extension 4-H educators provide leadership to installations through professional development for Child and Youth Programs staff. Efforts to assist local sites with identifying outcomes and providing activities/curriculum to support those outcomes reached 33,925 youth on installations and 20,954 youth in local communities. These funds assisted with providing hands-on training opportunities for 277 CYP Directors and/or Trainers, 1,697 CYP front-line staff, 436 adult volunteers (providing 59,201 hour of support) and 281 teen volunteers "paying it back" through working with younger youth and community projects with 15,830 hours. Funds also allowed for 378 total virtual training opportunities for these same groups. State reporting efforts identified five primary outcomes: engagement in community awareness; decision-making and problem solving; engagement in physical activity; healthy decision-making; and interest and engagement in science. Feedback received from youth on 4-H clubs, programming and camps included statements such as: "We liked learning to cook foods from different cultures and use ingredients we grew ourselves", "The robotic kits were awesome and fun to build. The 3D printer was really cool and it was fun designing things to be printed", and "Wow! I thought 4-H was always about the animals. We had no idea you could do so much in the program." Parent comments received from states included: "In the Youth Center hosted 4H program, my daughter is exposed to a wide range of life skills taught in a kid-friendly atmosphere and geared toward inspiring her to a more enriched life. She sees the value in the program and seeks out all chances to participate turning away other opportunities when they conflict with 4H programming. While she has grown as a military child over the four locations... I consider it invaluable." Staff feedback from states included: "... Through the opportunities made available through the 4-H Military Partnership we have introduce many to 4-H and the 4-H Club program that offers the long term local support. This year ... all four districts of the state showed significant participation. Additionally, many 4-H Clubs now make honoring military kids a part of their annual recognition programming" and "The youth enjoy a sense of "belonging" when joining a club. They work together for the same goal." Funding identified for the Air Force 4-H Specialist through North Carolina State University assisted with several efforts to expand 4-H opportunities for Air Force connected youth. Key accomplishments of the 4-H Air Force Specialist included: Logistical support and coordination for 15 Air Force 4-H Camps in 12 states that served more than 500 military youth and teens; Facilitation of learning activities with Air Force Youths of the Year to identify top issues facing military teens; Development of topics that will be used to enhance the 2019 USAF Teen Movement Projects and address themes identified by teens to include: Peer Pressure, Awareness, Resiliency, and Life Skills; Collaboration with the University of Tennessee 4-H Specialist to develop educational sessions on Youth/Adult Relationships and Positive Guidance to be used by all military services for the CYP Inspectors; Coordination of positive youth development training sessions for Air Force installations in Japan with the University of Alaska and installations in Italy, England and Germany with the University of Florida. Funding identified for the Air Force 4-H Specialist through the University of Georgia assisted with several efforts to expand 4-H opportunities for Air Force connected youth. Key accomplishments of the 4-H Air Force Specialist included: Completion of four, teen leadership summits to Air Force dependents, serving 285 youth. FY17 data included 80% of campers indicated that it was at least a little more true today than before camp that they had good friendship skills and 81% indicated that it was at least a little more true today than before that they had good independence skills. Representation of the 4-H Military Partnership in USDA's Positive Youth Development Summit/Call to Conversation, leading to a strategic plan for youth development within the NIFA. Technical support and assistance as requested at local installations, the BGCA Military Leadership Institute, and other state and national extension professional development opportunities. Fourteen camps occurred between April and September 2018 for Air Force dependents. Geographically dispersed families including Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve members received priority in selection. Kansas State University managed the request for application process and the issuance of the sub-awards. Extension 4-H Military Liaisons collaborated with local Air Force Units while developing the camping opportunities. Camps occurred in twelve (12) different states and included day camps, and residential camps, with several camps inviting adult members of the family to participate alongside the 324 youth who participated in the fourteen camps. Youth attending these camps reporting practicing skills such as communicating, appreciating new things, making decisions, gaining a better understanding of new information, and forming new friendships/connections.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/16 to 08/31/17
Outputs
Target Audience:The ultimate audience for this project are the children and youth of Air Force Active Duty, Air Guard, and Air Force Reserve service members. The children and youth have opportunities to belong to 4-H clubs on bases and in communities and participate in camping and other 4-H program opportunities throughout the year. Military connected youth are at increased risk as they face the challenges of having partents deployed to dangerous places and moving often. Extension 4-H Military Liaisons are the audience for the 4-H Military Partnerships Grant programs. An RFA is released in the early fall for proposals to support 4-H clubs and programming on bases and in communities for military connected Air Force youth. Through the 4-H Military Partnership Grants, states reach the Air Force Child and Youth Program staff on bases to provide professional development training for establishing and maintaining 4-H clubs on Air Force bases. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?4-H positive youth development training is offered to Air Force Youth Programs staff members by Land Grant University Extension 4-H faculty based on the training needs of the Air Force programs. The trainings include topics such as the Essential Elements of 4-H, Experiential Learning Model, Conducting 4-H Club Meeings, and specific 4-H project curriculum. Air Force installation Child and Youth Program professionals work hand in hand with experienced 4-H Extension Educators to provide an array of diverse training topics, 4-H resources, and curriculum as well as technical support through the Land Grant University System. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?In collaboration with Kansas State University, project staff members develop and produce an annual report on the accomplishments of the 4-H Air Force Partnership. The report includes snapshots of 4-H club programs from Air Force Bases around the world, testimonials from youth, parents and staff involved in the 4-H programs, and articles about special projects. The report is available on the 4-H Military Partnership website and is disseminated to Extension 4-H Military Liaisons, Air Force Child and Youth Programs and 4-H National Headquarters at USDA to be shared with stakeholders and participants. 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 4-H Air Force partnership provides opportunities for Air Force youth to gain valuable life skills, develop leadership abilities, and engage in meaningful contributions in their community as well as the military community as a whole. Youth demonstrate their leadership and service learning skills in 4-H clubs on the base. Air Force Youth Programs staff demonstrate knowledge and skills gained in 4-H Extension trainings by being leaders of 4-H clubs in the child and youth programs. Air Force youth gained leadership skills and healthy living habits through opportunities supported by the Land Grant University Extension Youth Development Professionals. 1) Provide sub-awards to Land Grant Universities through Extension 4-H Military Liaisons to support 4-H clubs on military bases and support children, youth and families of National Guard and Reserve members in communities. Kansas State University managed 41 sub-awards to 39 states and 2 territories, 14 from this funding, to Extension 4-H Military Liaisons for the 4-H Military Partnership Grant program. This grant program is a collaboration of 4-H National Headquarters, Army Child and Youth Services, Air Force Child & Youth Programs, and Navy Child & Youth Programs. The program impacted more than sixty bases world-wide. In 2016, 4-H Clubs were established on Air Force bases with 13,930 Air Force youth enrolled in the clubs. Air Force Youth are mastering knowledge, developing new skills and attitudes through various 4-H projects, and experiencing belonging through their club programs. They are connecting with their community and learning how to give back to others through service learning projects. 2) Provide sub-awards to Land Grant Universities to provide outreach and support to the Air Force/4-H Military partnership in planning and conducting training and technical assistance to emphasize youth/teen leadership, health and fitness initiatives, science initiatives, and Air Force youth camping programs. In 2016, 560 4-H National Youth Science Day Motion Commotion kits were purchased, distributed and utilized in Air Force Youth Programs around the globe that introduced the physics of motion and warned youth and teens of the dangers of distracted driving. As a result of programming from the University of Georgia and North Carolina State University, training and resource were provided to more than 150 Air Force Training and Curriculum Specialists at the 2017 Core Course. The 4-H Specialists conducted educational sessions on positive youth development, school-age environments, ages and stages of youth development, Minnesota REACH modules, and reviewed pertinent materials to assist AF Training and Curriculum Specialists professionals who work in Air Force Child Development Centers, School-Age Programs, and Youth Centers. Participant thoroughly enjoyed the experiential sessions and stated, "Dr. Mull and Mr. Brittain are an amazing team. Their presentation was fun, interactive, and engaging. I learned a great deal and will utilize the resources provided." As a result of programming offered by 17 land grant universities, the University of Georgia conducted a formative and summative evaluation of the programming offered. More than 525 individuals participated in camping programs that emphasized leadership, health and fitness, and science initiatives. At these camps, staff members indicated that 100% practiced communication skills with adults, 100% practiced communication skills with peers, and 89% practiced communication skills when experiencing conflict at camp. Indicators of youth outcomes included: 83% take better care of themselves, 94% take more responsibility for their actions, 100% make better decisions, 89% fix their mistakes and 83% make decisions by themselves. A secondary goal of a subset of these camping opportunities were to strengthen relationships between the land grant universities and the Air National Guard. As a result of this programming, 28% of land grant university staff members indicated a coalition or collaboration relationship with the Air National Guard; other options included no interaction, cooperation, or coordination. As a result of these relationships with their Air National Guard partners, 67% of 4-H staff members developed a stronger understanding of the Air Guard, 94% are willing to work more closely with the Air Guard in the future, and 67% understand the differences between the Air Guard and Army Guard. As a result of programming provided by Texas A&M University, 14 Teens were selected to serve on the Air Reserve Component Teen Council (ARCTC). The teen members serve as a voice to Air Force Reserve Leadership on the issues that face geographically dispersed military youth. ARCTC provides an opportunity to experience leadership and growth in a supportive environment for geographically dispersed youth. "ARCTC did not create my identity, rather it helped me recognize it. It opened my eyes to a world I previously had no knowledge about. They helped me to realize my full potential and assisted in my development".
Publications
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Progress 09/01/15 to 08/31/16
Outputs
Target Audience:The ultimate audience for this project is the children and youth of Air Force Active Duty, Air Guard and Air Force Reserve service members. The children and youth have opportunities to belong to 4-H clubs on bases and in communities and participate in camping and other 4-H program opportunities throughout the year. Military connected youth are at increased risk as they face the challenges of having parents deployed to dangerous places and moving often. Extension 4-H Military Liaisons are the audience for the 4-H Military Partnerships Grant program. An RFA is released in the early fall for proposals to support 4-H clubs and programming on bases and in communities for military connected Air Force youth. The target audiences for the evaluation of the Air Force Teen Programs are: Air Force Youth Programs staff and volunteers who work with teens - including but not limited to Youth Directors, Youth Sports Directors, Training and Curriculum Specialists, Teen Coordinators, SVPY ("Operations") - through an online survey, telephone interviews, and at six installations with strong teen programs; Air Force Youth Programs teen participants - at six installations with strong teen programs and at national events; Parents of Air Force Youth Programs teen participants - at five installations with strong teen programs. The target audience for the Youth Development Training Project is the Air Force Training and Curriculum Specialists. These Specialists train and support program staff in the Air Force Child and Youth Programs on Air Force installations. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?4-H training is offered to Air Force Youth Programs staff members by Land Grant University Extension 4-H faculty based on the training needs of the Air Force bases. The trainings include topics such as the Essential Elements of 4-H, Experiential Learning Model, Conducting 4-H Club Meetings, and specific 4-H project curriculum. Air Force installation Child and Youth Program professionals work hand-in hand with experienced 4-H Extension Educators to provide an array of diverse training topics, 4-H resources, and curriculum as well as technical support through the Land Grant University System. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?In collaboration with Kansas State University, project staff members develop and produce on annual report on the accomplishments of the 4-H Air Force Partnership. The report includes snapshots of 4-H club programs from Air Force Bases around the world, testimonials from youth, parents and staff involved in the 4-H programs, and articles about special projects. The report is available on the 4-H Military Partnership website and is disseminated to Extension 4-H Military Liaisons, Air Force Child and Youth Programs and 4-H National Headquarters to be shared with stakeholders and participants. The evaluation team for the Air Force Teen Program evaluation project prepared detailed reports containing results from each of the four data collections. These reports were provided to Air Force HQ staff, and the evaluation team met with the Air Force HQ team by conference call to discuss each report. When requested, the evaluation team also prepared shortened versions of the national staff survey and site visit reports (e.g., by removing the original report's appendices and or removing the evaluation team's recommendations) that could be distributed more broadly to other interested parties. Finally, the evaluation team prepared a summative report that highlighted themes encountered across data collections and stakeholder groups in response to the key evaluation questions. This final report was submitted to the Air Force HQ team in four formats: detailed narrative, executive summary, PowerPoint presentation, and infographic. The evaluation team met with the Air Force HQ team in April 2016 to discuss this final report and potential next steps. 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 4-H Air Force partnership provides opportunities for Air Force youth to gain valuable life skills, develop leadership abilities, and engage in meaningful contributions in their community as well as the military community as a whole. Youth demonstrate their leadership and service learning skills in 4-H clubs on the base. Air Force Youth Programs staff demonstrate knowledge and skills gained in 4-H Extension trainings by being leaders of 4-H clubs in the child and youth programs. Air Force youth gain leadership skills and healthy living habits through opportunities supported by the Land Grant University Extension Youth Development Professionals. 1) Provide sub-awards to Land Grant Universities through Extension 4-H Military Liaisons to support 4-H clubs on military bases and support children, youth and families of National Guard and Reserve members in communities. Kansas State University managed 41 sub-awards to 39 states and 2 territories, twelve from this funding, to Extension 4-H Military Liaisons for the 4-H Military Partnership Grant program. This program is a collaboration of USDA/NIFA/4-H National Headquarters, Army Child, Youth, & School Services, Air Force Child & Youth Programs, and Navy Child & Youth Programs. The program impacted sixty-three bases world-wide. In 2015, 4-H Clubs were established on Air Force bases with 11,799 Air Force youth enrolled in the clubs. Air Force Youth are mastering knowledge, developing new skills and attitudes through various 4-H projects, and experiencing belonging through their club programs. They are connecting with their community and learning how to give back to others through service learning projects. 2) Provide sub-awards to Land Grant Universities to provide outreach and support to the Air Force/4-H Military partnership in planning and conducting training and technical assistance to emphasize youth/teen leadership, health and fitness initiatives, science initiatives, and Air Force youth camping programs. As a result of the programming provided by North Carolina State University, 77 Air Force Youth Programs staff at five installations in Europe were provided 4-H youth development training and technical assistance in several topic areas, including: Essential Elements, targeting life skills, Bloom's Taxonomy, Experiential Learning Model, intentional program planning, how to start 4-H clubs and facilitate club meetings, using 4-H curriculum and STEM programming. Sixty-eight participants returned evaluations and 95% reported an increase in knowledge and 85% stated they will use what was learned immediately in their program. In 2015, 560 4-H National Youth Science Day Motion Commotion kits were purchased, distributed and utilized in Air Force Youth Programs around the globe that introduced the physics of motion and warned youth and teens of the dangers of distracted driving. Twelve Air Force teen delegates from five Air Force Youth Programs attended the National 4-H Conference where they gained valuable knowledge and skills to use in their Youth Programs, schools, and communities. As a result of programming offered by 12 land grant universities, the University of Georgia conducted a formative and summative evaluation of the programming offered. Over 500 individuals participated in camping programs that emphasized leadership, health and fitness, and science initiatives. At these camps, staff members indicated that 100% practiced communication skills with adults, 100% practiced communication skills with peers, and 89% practiced communication skills when experiencing conflict at camp. Indicators of youth outcomes included: 89% take better care of themselves, 95% take more responsibility for their actions, 100% make better decisions, 74% fix their mistakes and 100% make decisions by themselves. A secondary goal of these camping opportunities were to strengthen relationships between the land grant universities and the Air National Guard. As a result of this programming, 48% of land grant university staff members indicated a coalition or collaboration relationship with the Air National Guard; other options included no interaction, cooperation, or coordination. As a result of these relationships with their Air National Guard partners, 84% of 4-H staff members developed a stronger understanding of the Air Guard, 95% are willing to work more closely with the Air Guard in the future, and 79% understand the differences between the Air Guard and Army Guard. As a result of programming provided by Texas A&M University, 14 Teens were selected to serve on the Air Reserve Component Teen Council (ARCTC). The Orientation led by the 4-H Youth Specialist and returning ARCTC members was held during the Air Force Reserve/Air National Guard Teen Leadership Summit. Air Force Youth Programs held a Winter Camp including both the Air Force Teen Council (AFTC) and the ARCTC. The Camp program focused on enhancing leadership skills; Team Dynamics Consensus; Ethics in Leadership/Youth Voice; and Digital Citizenship. Each of the Councils briefed Air Force Services Activity Leadership. The ARCTC created Action Plans for the year, including a Social Media Plan and Purple Up! Campaign strategies. Working with a videographer the ARCTC members were featured in five videos: "13 Voices, 13 Stories, 1 Goal" https://youtu.be/DgYGo7UgpHQ ; "Thank You" video and three videos promoting Purple Up! for Military Youth. A Pre and Post was given to the participants. The two most significant changes related to Action Planning were "My knowledge of action planning (ARCTC)" increased by 1.7; "I have set an individual plan of action for the ARCTC/AFTC" increased by 1.45. The overall satisfaction for the Winter Camp, measured on a 5 point scale, was 4.6. Nine ARCTC members participated in 3 Yellow Ribbon Events: Orlando, FL, Denver, CO, and San Diego, CA. During the events they assisted the Yellow Ribbon staff as Room Monitors, staffed a Resource Booth, and briefed senior leadership on the role of the ARCTC. Air Force Leadership attending the event were impressed with the confidence and poise of the ARCTC Members. The Youth Specialist collaborated with University of Georgia in conducting two Air Force Teen Leadership Summits. 3) Additional objective for 2014-2016: Collaborate with the Office of Educational Innovation and Evaluation at Kansas State University as an external evaluator to design, implement, and coordinate the evaluation of Air Force Teen programs for youth, ages 13-18. The evaluation team collected participants' perceptions of benefits or impacts of teens' participation in Air Force Youth Programs. Such data on benefits/impacts were presented in the evaluation reports to Air Force HQ. Collecting these evaluation data from Air Force Youth Programs stakeholders across the nation (i.e., staff, teens, and parents) has increased the knowledge of Air Force HQ regarding teens' participation in Air Force Youth Programs, which will assist in making decisions related to teen programming policies and procedures. The evaluation team looked across data collections and participant groups to identify common themes for the final report. Of the 45 benefits themes identified, the most prominently encountered benefits include a safe, positive environment, social connections, exposure to new things/experiences/interests, development of leadership skills, life skills and public speaking skills, preparation for the future, a sense of belonging/community/extended family, opportunities for community service, volunteering, and mentoring, personal growth and emotional wellness/resilience, building self-confidence, and developing teamwork skills. The Youth Development Training Project has developed a website for youth development resources which is currently being beta tested with the Air Force Training and Curriculum Specialists.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/14 to 08/31/15
Outputs
Target Audience:The ultimate audience for this project is the children and youth of Air Force Active Duty, Air Guard and Air Force Reserve service members. The children and youth have opportunities to belong to 4-H clubs on bases and in communities and participate in camping and other 4-H program opportunities throughout the year. Military connected youth are at increased risk as they face the challenges of having parents deployed to dangerous places and moving often. Extension 4-H Military Liaisons are the audience for the 4-H Military Partnerships Grant program. An RFA is released in the early fall for proposals to support 4-H clubs and programming on bases and in communities for military connected Air Force youth. The target audiences for the evaluation of the Air Force Teen Programs are: Air Force Youth Programs staff and volunteers who work with teens - including but not limited to Youth Directors, Youth Sports Directors, Training and Curriculum Specialists, Teen Coordinators, SVPY ("Operations") - through an online survey, telephone interviews, and at five installations with strong teen programs; Air Force Youth Programs teen participants - at five installations with strong teen programs and at national events; Parents of Air Force Youth Programs teen participants - at five installations with strong teen programs. The target audience for the Youth Development Training Project is the Air Force Training and Curriculum Specialists. These Specialists train and support program staff in the Air Force Child and Youth Programs on Air Force installations. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?4-H training is offered to Air Force Youth Programs staff members by Land Grant University Extension 4-H faculty based on the training needs of the Air Force bases. The trainings include topics such as the Essential Elements of 4-H, Experiential Learning Model, Conducting 4-H Club Meetings, and specific 4-H project curriculum. Air Force installation Child and Youth Program professionals work hand-in hand with experienced 4-H Extension Educators to provide an array of diverse training topics, 4-H resources, and curriculum as well as technical support through the Land Grant University System. A Webinar training was developed and conducted by the University of Georgia that detailed the 4-H National Youth Science Day experiment - Maps and Apps. They provided resources and shared program ideas to help Air Force Youth Programs staff execute an effective and meaningful learning experience for military youth. Texas A&M University offered a webinar on Building 4-H Partnerships to Air Force Youth Program staff. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?In collaboration with Kansas State University, project staff members develop and produce on annual report on the accomplishments of the 4-H Air Force Partnership. The report includes snapshots of 4-H club programs from Air Force Bases around the world, testimonials from youth, parents and staff involved in the 4-H programs, and articles about special projects. The report is available on the 4-H Military Partnership website and is disseminated to Extension 4-H Military Liaisons, Air Force Child and Youth Programs and 4-H National Headquarters to be shared with stakeholders and participants. The evaluation team prepared a 71-page report of the results from the national Air Force Youth Programs Staff Survey. This report was provided to Air Force HQ staff on May 27, 2015. The evaluation team met with the Air Force HQ team on June 9 to discuss the report. Upon request, the evaluation team also delivered a 4-page report (by removing the original report's appendices) that could be distributed more broadly to other interested parties. 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 4-H Air Force partnership provides opportunities for Air Force youth to gain valuable life skills, develop leadership abilities, and engage in meaningful contributions in their community as well as the military community as a whole. Youth demonstrate their leadership and service learning skills in 4-H clubs on the base. Air Force Youth Programs staff demonstrate knowledge and skills gained in 4-H Extension trainings by being leaders of 4-H clubs in the child and youth programs. Air Force youth gained leadership skills and healthy living habits through opportunities supported by the Land Grant University Extension Youth Development Professionals. 1) Provide sub-awards to Land Grant Universities through Extension 4-H Military Liaisons to support 4-H clubs on military bases and support children, youth and families of National Guard and Reserve members in communities. Kansas State University managed 45 sub-awards to 43 states and 2 territories, eleven from this funding, to Extension 4-H Military Liaisons for the 4-H Military Partnership Grant program. This grant program is a collaboration of 4-H National Headquarters, Army Child, Youth, & School Services, Air Force Child & Youth Programs, and Navy Child & Youth Programs. The program impacted sixty-three bases world-wide. In 2014, there were 452 4-H Clubs established on Air Force bases over 13,650 Air Force youth enrolled in the clubs on Air Force Bases. Air Force Youth are mastering knowledge, developing new skills and attitudes through various 4-H projects, and experiencing belonging through their club programs. They are connecting with their community and learning how to give back to others through service learning projects. 2) Provide sub-awards to Land Grant Universities to provide outreach and support to the Air Force/4-H Military partnership in planning and conducting training and technical assistance to emphasize youth/teen leadership, health and fitness initiatives, science initiatives, and Air Force youth camping programs. As a result of the programming provided by North Carolina State University, the USAF Fit Family program has more than 22,000 members enrolled. Air Force youth were actively involved in Teen Movement Projects and base-wide lock-ins that offered fitness challenges and healthy cooking activities. 4-H clubs sponsored at Air Force Youth Programs include 4-H gardening clubs, cooking clubs, biking clubs and a variety of other health and fitness experiences. Air Force Youth Programs staff on bases in Europe gained knowledge and skills through the training and technical assistance provided by North Carolina State University and the University of Florida. Professional development topics included 4-H 101, Youth and Adult Partnerships, Communication, STEM, and 4-H Curriculum, to enhance youth programming opportunities and provide tools for Air Force Child and Youth Programs staff. 4-H Youth Development Specialists taught at Teen Leadership Camps, and facilitated teen working groups at Air Force Teen Council and Office of the Secretary of Defense Joint Services Teen Council meetings. Teen Council members received mentoring, training and guidance in order to work effectively with installation council members, share issues with senior leaders, and develop programs military teens and families. As a result of the programming provided by the University of Georgia, the 4-H National Youth Science Day experiment, Rockets to the Rescue, was another huge success at Air Force Youth Programs. Staff members were able to execute an effective and meaningful learning experience for military youth due to the webinar that was conducted by the University of Georgia that detailed the 4-H National Youth Science Day experiment, provided resources, and shared program ideas. The University of Georgia evaluated the 2014 Air National Guard/Air Force Reserve 4-H Camping program which served 587 youth participants in 14 states. As a result of these camps, program directors indicated that 95% of youth learned to take more responsibility for their actions, 89% practiced making decisions by themselves, and 100% became better at meeting new people. In addition, 4-H leaders engaged Air National Guard/Reserve points of contact, typically at the unit level. The 4-H staff members reported as a result of the camping partnership, 83% developed a stronger understanding of the Air Guard and 94% were more willing to work closely with the Air Guard/Reserve in the future. Air National Guard/Reserve points of contacted indicated that 62.5% developed a stronger understanding of 4-H, 75% formed a stronger partnership with 4-H, and 87.5% were more willing to work closely with 4-H in the future. The University of Georgia was responsible for the planning, logistics and implementation of the Air Force Reserve/Air National Guard Teen Leadership Summits. These teen camps resulted in 88% of youth becoming better at enjoying being with friends, 72% of teens placing group goals above the things that they want, and 85% of teens meeting other teens who are going through similar experiences. As a result of programming provided by Texas A&M University, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard teens participated in the Teen Leadership Summits. Through their experience teens identified targeted leadership skills, different ways of communicating, and resources in their community to support them. The Air Force Reserve Teen Leadership Council members demonstrated leadership skills at the Summits and Yellow Ribbon events. They were offered the opportunity to brief Senior Leadership attending the event. Working together with the Air Force Youth Programs staff, a DCO (webinar) "Building 4-H Partnerships" was offered to Air Force Youth Programs staff. They gained knowledge about the 4-H Military Partnership Grant, the Air Force Youth Programs Inspection Criteria, including the requirement for 3 4-H clubs per installations, using 4-H curriculum, the 4-H Military Partnership website, and the resources available. 3) Additional objective for 2014-2015: Collaborate with the Office of Educational Innovation and Evaluation at Kansas State University as an external evaluator to design, implement, and coordinate the evaluation of Air Force Teen programs for youth, ages 13-18. As part of the teen evaluation project, perceptions of benefits or impacts of teens' participation in the Air Force Youth Programs were collected through the national-level Air Force Teen Programs Staff Survey. The benefits that respondents selected most frequently (by over ¼ of the 134 respondents) when asked about potential benefits from participating in Air Force youth programs were: a) Support from adult mentors, b) Participation in community service activities, c) Self-confidence, d) A larger circle of friends, e) Support from peers. The skills that respondents selected most frequently (by over ¼ of the 134 respondents) that could be improved through participating in Air Force youth programs were: a) Leadership skills, b) Teamwork skills, c) Communication skills, d) Decision-making skills, e) People skills. Collecting this evaluation data from Air Force Youth Programs staff across the nation has increased the knowledge of Air Force HQ regarding teens' participation in Air Force Youth Programs, which will assist in making decisions related to teen programming policies and procedures. 4) Additional objective for 2014-2015: Develop and deliver a train-the-trainer program on youth development core knowledge and competencies for Air Force Training and Curriculum Specialists to be piloted at selected locations. Interviews with selected Training and Curriculum Specialists revealed information about their positions and quality of youth development resources currently used and desired from the team. This information confirmed a need for youth development resources and that the team's goals are purposeful and the end result will be useful.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/13 to 08/31/14
Outputs
Target Audience: The audience for this project is the children and youth of Air Force Active Duty, Air Guard and Air Force Reserve service members. The children and youth have opportunities to belong to 4-H clubs on bases and in communities and participate in camping and other 4-H program opportunities throughout the year. Military connected youth are at increased risk as they face the challenges of having parents depoyed to dangerous places, and moving often. The stresses of reunion and reintegration are as difficult, if not more so, than deployment. Extension 4-H Military Liaisons are the audience for the 4-H Military Partnerships Grant program. Through sub-awards to the Land Grant Universities, the Liaisons support 4-H clubs and programming for youth of Air Force service members who live on Air Force Bases and in geographically dispersed areas. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? 4-H training is offered to Air Force Youth Programs staff members by Land Grant University Extension 4-H faculty based on the training needs of the Air Force bases. The trainings include topics such as the Essential Elements of 4-H, Experiential Learning Model, Conducting a 4-H Club Meeting, and specific 4-H project curriculum. Air Force installation Child and Youth Program professionals work hand-in-hand with experiencd 4-H Extension Educators who provide an array of diverse training topics, 4-H resources, and curriculum as well as technical support through the Land Grant University System. A Webinar training was developed and conducted by the University of Georgia that detailed the 4-H National Youth Science Day experiment - Maps and Apps, They provided resources and shared program ideas to help Air Force Youth Programs staff execute an effective and meaningful learning experience for military youth. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? In collaboration with Kansas State University, project staff members develop and produce on annual report on the accomplishments of the 4-H Air Force Partnership. The report includes snapshots of 4-H club programs from Air Force Bases around the world, testimonials from youth, parents and staff involved in the 4-H programs, and articles about special projects. The report is available on the 4-H Military Partnership website and is disseminated to Extension 4-H Military Liaisons, Air Force Child and Youth Programs and 4-H National Headquarters to be shared with stakeholders and participants. 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 4-H Air Force partnership provides a variety of opportunities for Air Force youth to gain valuable life skills, develop leadership abilities and engage in meaningful contributions in their community as well as the military community as a whole. Youth demonstrate their leadership and service learning skills in 4-H clubs on the base. Air Force Youth Programs staff demonstrate knowledge and skills gained in 4-H Extension trainings by being leaders of 4-H clubs in the child and youth programs. Air Force youth gained leadership skills and healthy living habits through several opportunities supported by the Land Grant University Extension Youth Development Professionals. 1) Provide sub-awards to Land Grant Universities through Extension 4-H Military Liaisons to support 4-H clubs on military bases and support children, youth and families of National Guard and Reserve members in communities. Kansas State University (KSU) successfully managed eleven sub-awards to Extension 4-H Military Liaisons for the 4-H Military Partnership Grant project. This grant program is a collaboration of 4-H National Headquarters, Army Child, Youth, and School Services, Air Force Child and Youth Programs, and Navy Child and Youth Programs. Bringing together these entities to collaborate on a grant progarm focused on creating environments and offering experiences to military connected children and youth to promote their growth and development is significant. KSU successfully managed the 46 sub-awards, 11 through this funding, for this 4-H Club grant program. KSU developed an RFA and application for the grant program. A competitive review was developed which included a diverse team of reviewers. Extension 4-H Military Liaisons from 46 Land Grant Universities (45 states and 1 territory) received the grant. Sixty-three bases world-wide were impacted by the 4-H Military Partnership Grant Program. In 2013, there were 239 4-H Clubs that were established on Air Force bases with more than 16,500 Air Force youth enrolled in the clubs on Air Force Bases. More than 3,800 Air Force Youth were enrolled in 4-H off installations. There was an increase of about 20% in number of Air Force Youth involved in 4-H clubs and programming since last year. Air Force Youth are mastering knowledge, developing new skills and attitudes through various 4-H projects, and experiencing belonging through their club programs. They are connecting with their community and learning how to give back to others through service learning projects. 2) Provide sub-awards to Land Grant Universities to provide outreach and support to the Air Force/4-H Military Partnership in planning and conducting training and technical assistance to emphasize youth/teen leadership, health and fitness initiatives, science initiatives, and Air Force youth camping programs. As a result of the programming provided by North Carolina State University to the Air Force project, the Air Force FitFactor program continued to grow. The program also expanded to include a FitFamily component with military family members enrolled in the online fitness program. Youth were involved in fitness and nutrition activities on Air Force bases and family activities were included. These activities supported the 4-H Mission Mandate for Healthy Living. 4-H and the FitFactor program collaborated on some bases by establishing 4-H projects around fitness and nutrition and utilizing 4-H curriculum. North Carolina State University coordinated efforts to support Air Force teen leadership programs that included: Youth of the Year, Air Force Teen Council, Joint Services Teen Council, and Air Force youth camping programs. Air Force Teen Council members received leadership training and guidance in order to work effectively with council members in their respective regions, share issues with Air Force senior leaders and develop programs to provide additional opportunities for military teens and families. As a result of the programming provided by the University of Georgia (UGA), the 4-H National Youth Science Day Experiment – Maps and Apps – was successfully implemented in Air Force youth programs. UGS developed and conducted a webinar for Air Force Youth Programs staff that detailed the 4-H National Youth Science Day experiment, provided resources and shared program ideas to help Air Force Youth Programs staff execute an effective and meaningful learning experience for military youth. UGA was responsible for the planning, logistics and implementation of the Air Force Reserve/Air National Guard Teen Leadership Summits. These teen camps focused on healthy lifestyles through the Comprehensive Fitness Model and encouraged participants to identify attributes of the four pillars of wellness: social, mental, physical and spiritual. UGA assisted Air Force youth programs with 4-H technical assistance and provided training, resources, and support to U. S. Air Force Europe installations. As a result of programming provided by Texas A&M University (TAMU), Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard military teens gained leadership and service learning experiences through participation in the Air Force Reserve Teen Leadership Council, Yellow Ribbon events, and Teen Leadership Summits. Through the Air Force Reserve Teen Leadership Council, teens identified issues faced by geographically dispersed military families in order to understand the unique needs, build community support and develop appropriate teen projects to enhance and increase the quality of life programs for military youth.
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