Progress 09/01/14 to 08/31/19
Outputs
Target Audience:At-risk youth and their families' lack of exposure, education, and life's experiences complicate an already delicate situation poverty. Enhancing the health of at-risk teens in Bexar County is crucial because in the past, this target audience has been challenging. As a result, a tailored 4-H Youth Development Program was chosen to provide a sound foundation in an environment that fosters teamwork, socialization, and building leadership skills. St. John Berchmans' Catholic School in San Antonio is an urban food desert in a low-income area that will benefit from the CYFAR grant. Hands-on activities, gardening, field- trips, campus visits, 4- H, and exposure to careers in agriculture will provide opportunities for the at-risk teens to explore the agricultural field. The community will play an integral role. Volunteers and community organizations will serve to assist in teaching lessons, interacting, and serving as role- models. The plethora of volunteers will aid the at-risk teens in making choices that will affect their continued academic pursuit and possible agricultural careers. Changes/Problems:Harris County endured two hurricanes within two years that resulted in loss of supplies at the Extension office.This past year residents in the Southeast Region of Texas were affect by the damages of Hurricane Harvey. Over the course of five years, Harris County had a high turn-over for the part-time assistant program coordinator position. The Harris County Sustainable Communities Project Program Assistant was hired in late Fall 2018. The PI has also changed since original PI left Extension. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Program Coordinator had papers accepted to the following conferneces and presented: Global Leadership Opportunities Beyond Education (GLOBE) -4-H trip to Costa Rica-agriculutral immersion, Summer 2019 ESP Texas Chapter Professional Development, Summer 2019-Received award for Diverstiy on reaching minorities National Urban Extension Conference in Seattle, WA, Spring 2019, presented and attended sessions National Extension Conference on Volunteerism, Billings, Montana, Spring 2019, attended sessions Joint Council of Extension Professionals-San Antonio, TX, Spring, 2019 Presented : "Together Empowering At-Risk Minorities (TEAM): A Texas A&M University-San Antonio and Extension 4-H Partnership to Cultivate Future Leaders Universality of Global Education Conference: Education for Culturally Sustaining Practices, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas, Spring 2019: "A Psychological Capital Perspective to Hispanic Students and Volunteer Parents in 4-H After School Programming: A Mixed Methods Investigation of Hope, Resilience, Optimism, and Self-Efficacy National Association of Hispanic and Latino Studies, Dallas, TX, Spring 2019 ; "Presented: A Psychological Capital Perspective to Hispanic Student and Volunteer Parents in 4-H After-School Programming: A Mixed Methods Investigation of Hope, Resilience, Optimism, and Self-Efficacy Children Youth and Familie At-Risk: Healthy Living (Nutrtion/Physical Acitivity), Spring 2019, Chosen as BEST PRACTICE for INNOVATIVE STRATEGIES: Presented on "Innovative Strategies of Building Relationship and Social Media" Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP) National Conference, Manhattan, Kansas, Fall 2018, presented with Dr. Lupita Fabregas and Russel Collins on ESP Affinity Group: Responding to New Audiences in Urband and Latino Communities. Children Youth andFamilies At-Risk: Professional Development, Washington, DC, Summer 2018, Presented with Dr. Jan Carroll, CYFAR mentor/coach, "Can you Hear Me Now? How Presentations, Publications, & Awards VOCALIZE CYFAR Success to Support Sustainability National Urban Youth Summit, Maryland, Spring 2019 ESP Connection, October/November 2018: The Newsletter of Epsilon Sigma Phi Urban and Latino Affinity Groups-Word Café Summary Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP) National Conference, Manhattan, Kansas, Fall 2018 Presented with Dr. Lupita Fabregas and Rusell Collins on ESP Affinity Groups: Responding to New Audiences in Urban and Latino Communities Business Communication Class, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, Dr. Velma Gooding (2 classes) Presented about 4-H and CYFAR grant, Partnered as non-profit for student experiential learning American Association of Behavioral and Social Sciences (AABS), Las Vegas, Spring, 2018, present with Dr. Dianna Carmenaty Con Un Poquito PsyCap Spice: Social and Institutional Stereotypes Can Be Overcome National Land Grant University Conference, Kentucky, Spring 2018 Including At-Risk Populations in Urban 4-H? Texas 4-H Summit, Brownwood, Texas, Fall 2017 Including At-Risk Minorities in 4-H Urban After-School Programs ESP National Professional Development Conference in Wilmington, North Carolina, Fall 2017 The Impact of Learn Grow Eat and Go! Curriculum on At-Risk 4-Her's in an Afterschool Program Texas 4-H Faculty Retreat, Texas A&M University, College Station, Fall 2017 Children Youth and Families At-Risk Juntos 4-H Journal of Medical Diagnostic Medicine. Including At-Risk Minorities in 4-H Urban After-School Programs. 6(3), 252.2017 Presentation at Cisco College for Ladies Soccer Team, Summer 2017 Leadership Emotional Intelligence Teambuilding Journal of Psychology and Psychotherapy. Follower's Perspective Does Matter! (Follow up to You Have What? Personality! Traits that Predict Leadership Styles for Elementary Principals) 2017 (7)4. Student Conference on Latino Affairs (SCOLA) sponsored by MSC Committee for the Awareness of Mexican American Culture (CAMAC), Texas A&M University, College Station, Spring 2016 Echar Pa'lante: Efforts to Improve a Diverse Workforce for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results have been disseminated via presentations at professional conferences, social media, Facebook, Twitter, 4-H meetings, and Extension staff meetings. Meetings with those interested allowed for sharing to take place and possible collaborations. The Hispanic Service Institutions grants by Our Lady of the Lake Univeristy and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension (Conservation Awarenss in Resource Education-C.A.R.E.) was a conference awarded to share information from Hispanic Serving Institutions so those interested in school districts, NGO's., government agencies, foundations, and local colleges and universities can share ideas for possible grant collaboration. Shared knowlege by USDA/NIFA, Department of Education, and conferences for the CARE grant allows for follow-up to take place for those interested in pursuing grant opportunities. At SJB, 4-H Family Nights are opportunities to invite community members to inform them of what is taking place at SJB so they can be aware of the opportunities CYFAR/IFA grant provides the school in San Antonio and in Harris County. Articles written by Extension Communicaiton Specialist are written when major events takes place. Videos are taken, pictures are taken and uploaded to CYFAR blog and all social media. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
For education and Science Literacy (STEM), Students and parents visited the following colleges and universities throughout the grant as methods of exposure to higher education and STEM literacy with hands-on, high impact learning opportunites at: Texas A&M University, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, Sam Houston State University & Gibbs Research Ranch, Our Lady of the Lake University, UTSA, UT Austin, Texas A&M University-Galveston, Prarie View A&M -Ag-Day, Texas State University, Stephen F. Austin. At Bexar County, students conducted a FREE STEM camp, had a field trip to IFly, Educational Tour at Houston Live Stock Show and Rodeo, Summer Leadership Camp, The Renaissance Festival, one week Robotic campt at St. Mayr's University, 4-H Tech Wizards, coding, Science 4-H week, 4-H curriculum, and college interns helped share their love for science. STEM-themed movie lock-in, Summer Leadership Camp, Leadership Worshiop at Our Lady of the Lake University, CODE your World STEM night at Cristo Rey, Animoto videos created, Earth Day Project, and a few Harris county 4-Her's attended the National Youth Summit on AgrScience-Chevy Chase, MD allowed students to explore many avenues in education and STEM. Six SJB 4-Her's attended a 3-week Science & Math Academy at St. Philips College. Six students participated a one-week Leadership Academy at Our Lady of the Lake University with Juntos 4-H program students. As a result of educational and STEM exposure, students are more aware of choices for school and careers in STEM. For Nutrition and Obesity, students built gardens and harvested. Nutritional meals were made from harvests. Students' were taught nutrition using 4-H Curriculum: Learn Grow, Eat & Go, Kids Kows & More, STEPS 4-H Run Club, competed in 4-H Food Challenge, learned about rain barrel harvesting, Biology lessons, competed at the San Antonio Live Stock Show and Rodeo Baking Challenge, competed in the 4-H Project Show, live demonsrations by Better Living for Texans and EFNEP during Family Nights. UTSA students conducted lessons on healthy eating to avoid obesity. Students conducted a community health fair at Texas A&M University-San Antonio where they also had a blood drive and learend about Diabetes.. At Harris County, they had gardens and water towers. Extension EFNEP collaborated with the 4-Her's as well to teach them about nutrition and making healthy meals. Community service was conducted by helping plant trees, cleaning school gardens, providing school supplies, and conducting food drives for the less fortunate allowed our students to learn and grow with 4-H. Results from the exposure for the aforementioned has allowed students to make better healthier choices when eating with and knowledge of vegetables, nutrition, and gardening to help them be more informed. For low-income, at-risk teens and minorities to become Extension agents with exposure to agriculture, natural resources, and related sciences field trips that included opportunities for high-impact, experiential leanring took place at: Corn Maize, Braune Farm, Feed a Bee, King Ranch, Rancho Cortez (Bandera, TX), FINCA Tres Urban Garden (Katy, TX)s, San Antonio Live Stock Show & Rodeo tours, 4-H Rodeo Youth Day, Houston Live Stock Show and Rodeo, Moody Gardens, Enchanted Rock (Fredericksburg, TX), 4-H camp, community service at Corpus Christi to clean beach, trip to Houston Aroboretum.Two students attended Global Leadership Opportunities Beyond Education (GLOBE) to Perryville, AK to learn about poverty, sustainability, teambuilding, & agriculture. As a result, one student was able to attend Costa Rica to learn about their culture, agriculture, and sustainability. Collaboration with Bexar County colleges and universities allowed students to learn about careers in agriculure, natural resources, and related sciences with worskhops from TAMUSA-kinesiology, San Antonio Police Department, Service animals, Math & Science (St. Philips College), Nutrition (Incarnate Word University), San Antonio Parks and Recreation Mobile Fit Unit, Financial literacy (New York Life), teambuilding with recycled materials. Students now have a plethora of choices for possible careers in Extension. Community Service at both counties provided students opportuniteis on local, regional, national, and global issues. Students collected supplies for 4-Her's in Lousiana and Houston affected by hurricanes, made Valentine Day's Cards for Sisters of Divine Providence, helped Little Flower Catholic School build a garden, wrapped gifts at the San Antonio Fire Academy, made 150 cinch bags with hygiene products, blankets for the homeless, collected canned food for San Antonio Food Bank, assisted with Any Baby Can at Christmas party, helped clean the national seashore after Hurricane Harvey in Corpus Christi, cleaned gardens, planted trees, cleaned windows, helped at a nursing home, advocated for youth at Community Health Fair at TAMUSA, took part in One Day 4-H, and participated in Leaders in the Gardens Service Project in Harris County. Students also visited McGovern Centennial Gardens as a Service Project. Harris County harvests have been used by Cristo Rey's culinary arts department and donated to community. Students from Harris County attended Peck Elementary to lead young students in Code Your World STEM in National Youth Science Day Experiment. Students at Cristo Rey set-up a booth for Earth Day to teach peers about using homemade hydroponic system to grow fruits and vegetables. As a result of implementing 4-H programs to minorites, awards have been given for/to: Recognized in Texas A&M University-San Antonio President's Report for conducting 4-H programming to minorities, Spring 2019 Spring-2019 -4-H Bexar County Project Show 45 students entered and many placed 1-3rd in many categories Spring-2019-San Antonio Live Stock Show and Rodeo-4-H Youth Day-Baking Challenge Sophia Ortiz-Best in Show-Junior Baking Contest Adam Ortiz-2nd Place in Candy Dr. Melinda Garcia-Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP) Alpha Zeta State Chapter Multicultural Diversity,Spring 2019 Recipient of the 2018 Diversity Multicultural Award (Individual) Spring 2019-San Antonio Live Stock Show and Rodeo 4-H Youth Day-Wagon & Wheelbarrow Parade 3rd Place-Most Original Presentation of 4-H 2nd Place-Most Original Presentation, overall for wagon decoration 2nd Place-Most Spirited Spring-2018, 4-H Bexar County Project Show 55 students entered and placed in contest 2017-2018 St. John Berchmans 4-H Honor Club Award Spring 2018-San Antonio Live Stock Show and Rodeo 4-H Youth Day-Wagon & Wheelbarrow Parade 3rd Place-Most Spirited Dr. Melinda Garcia-Superior Service Award, Texas A&M University, Spring 2018 Diversity for both the Children Youth & Families At-Risk and Juntos 4-H grants I lead Vice Chancellor's Award in Excellence for Team Collaboration, Texas A&M University, Fall 2017 Diversity Team Award-Children Youth & Families At-Risk (Bexar & Harris County) NAE4-HA, Search for Excellence in Teen Programming Awared-Team, 2017 National- Search for Excellence in Teen Programming- Team Award from NAE4HA, 2017 Regional- Search for Excellence in Teen Programming- Team Award from NAE4HA, 2017 State- Search for Excellence in Teen Programming- Team Award from TAE4HA, 2017 State- 4-H & Youth Development-Team Award from TEAFCS, 2017 State- Curriculum Enrichment- Team Award from TEAFCS, 2017 4-H Food Challenge-District 10, Fall 2017 Team of 4 placed 1st to advance to regional/district St. John Berchmans-Named Designated Bee Pollinator Site, 2017, Bayer Research Mr. & Mrs. Benito Revilla were recognized as Volunteers of the Year and awarded the 2017 Salute to Excellence for St. John Berchmans, District 10.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
" National Urban Extension Conference, Seattle, Washington, Spring, 2019
o Panelist for: Essential Competencies and Innovative Practices for Urban and Latino Engagement
o IGNITE Session: Latino and Urban Affinity Group: Innovate, Invigorate, and Collaborate
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
" Universality of Global Education Conference: Education for Culturally Sustaining Practices, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas, Spring 2019
o A Psychological Capital Perspective to Hispanic Students and Volunteer Parents in 4-H After School Programming: A Mixed Methods Investigation of Hope, Resilience, Optimism, and Self-Efficacy
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
" National Association of Hispanic and Latino Studies: Dallas, Texas, Spring 2019
o Presented: A Psychological Capital Perspective to Hispanic Student and Volunteer Parents in 4-H After-School Programming: A Mixed Methods Investigation of Hope, Resilience, Optimism, and Self-Efficacy
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
" Joint Council of Extension Professionals (JCEP), San Antonio, Texas, Spring 2019
o Together Empowering At-Risk Minorities (TEAM): A Texas A&M University-San Antonio and Extension 4-H Partnership to Cultivate Future Leaders
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
" Children Youth and Families At-Risk: Healthy Living (Nutrition/Physical Activity), Spring 2019
o Chosen as Best Practice for Innovative Strategies
o Presented on Innovative Strategies of Building Relationships and Social Media
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
" ESP Connection, October/November 2018: The Newsletter of Epsilon Sigma Phi
o Urban and Latino Affinity Groups-Word Caf� Summary
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
" Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP) National Conference, Manhattan, Kansas, Fall 2018
o Presented with Dr. Lupita Fabregas and Rusell Collins on ESP Affinity Groups: Responding to New Audiences in Urban and Latino Communities
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
" Children Youth and Families At-Risk Grant (CYFAR)-Professional Development Conference in Washington, DC, Summer 2018
o Presented with Dr. Jan Carroll, CYFAR Coach/Mentor
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
" American Association of Behavioral and Social Sciences (AABS), Las Vegas,
Spring, 2018, present with Dr. Dianna Carmenaty
o Con Un Poquito PsyCap Spice: Social and Institutional Stereotypes Can Be Overcome
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
" National Land Grant University Conference, Kentucky, Spring 2018
o Including At-Risk Populations in Urban 4-H
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
https://today.agrilife.org/2019/04/03/4-h-clubs-tamu-sa-collaborate-on-community-health-wellness-event/
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Progress 09/01/17 to 08/31/18
Outputs
Target Audience:Our target audience will be composed of low-income, at-risk teens, predominantly, African-American and Hispanic (ages 14-19) in two counties, Harris County [Houston, Texas at the Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory School (Cristo Rey) and Mickey Leland College Preparatory Academy for Young Men (Young Men's Academy)] and Bexar County {San Antonio, Texas at St. John Berchmans Catholic School (SJB)]. A second audience will be the parents and/or guardians and family members of the teens. A tertiary audience will be the Extension faculty and staff, leaders in the community-based organizations, and volunteers in the counties. It should be noted that this is the end of our second year which was the first year of implementation. The activities we are reporting occurred during the school year 2016-2017 for which we have only output data, i.e., action-oriented activities. Outcome data, i.e., the impact of the activities, will be collected in the early Fall to capture outputs and outcomes of summer activities. Furthermore, in early Fall, IRB approved pre-survey data already collected will be analyzed and post-survey data will be collected and analyzed. Additionally, pre-survey data will also be collected in the early fall. These data, submitted to the USDA and analyzed locally will allow making informed adjustments to the program. Changes/Problems:The Harris County Sustainable Communities Project Program Assistant resigned in February 2017. The project was without an aide until August 2017. This past year residents in the Southeast Region of Texas was affect by the damages of Hurricane Harvey. Several schools and homes were flooded and families were displaced. Project plans were delayed during the fall semester of the school year and many supplies were lost to the flood. Dr. Dodd replaced Dr. Boleman as he no longer works for Extension. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Marcos Castillo, undergraduate student at TAMU has contributed to the project by assisting Dr. Manuel Piña, Jr., program evaluator, with data input, coding, and compiling results from the USDA and TAMU surveys. His part-time work was instrumental in ensuring that all data was organized and kept confidential. Paid staff are allowed to attend CYFAR PDTA and Professional Extension conferences with memberships, and are encourage to publish. CYFAR mentor sends monthly updates for webinars for professional development as does Extension. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results have been disseminated via presentations at professional conferences, social media, Facebook, Twitter, 4-H meetings, and Extension staff meetings. Meetings with ithose interested allows for sharing to take place and possible collaborations. The Hispanic Service Institutions grants by Our Lady of the Lake Univeristy and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension (Conservation Awarenss in Resource Education-C.A.R.E.) was a conference awarded to share information from Hispanic Serving Institutions so those interested in school distrcits, NGO's., government agencies, foundations, and local colleges and unvierisities can share ideas for possible grant collaboration. Shared knowlege by USDA/NIFA, Department of Education, and conferences for the CARE grant allows for follow-up to take place for those interested in pursuing grant opportunities. At SJB, 4-H Family Nights are opportunitieis to invite communtiy members to inform them of what is taking place at SJB so they can be aware of the opportunities CYFAR/IFA grant provides the school in San Antonio and in Harris County. Articles written by Extension Communicaiton Specialist are written when major events takes place. Videos are taken, pictures are taken and uploaded to CYFAR blog and all social media. 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 3rd for FREE STEM summer camp at SJB for 50 students and parents included collaboration from local universities and community programs. The impact of the camp positively affected students in urban food deserts. Six SJB 4-Her's and parents learned leadership skills and interacted with students at the TX 4-H summer camp. Lessons learned will help build needed skills for college as they shared dorms, followed schedules, and learned to work in teams. 25 and parents attended Texas A&M University (TAMU), College Station for Texas 4-H Round-Up in summer. Students observed competitions in various categories and contributed to community service quilt made from plastic bags. Dr. Garcia, nominated Mr. & Mrs. Benito Revilla for Texas 4-H Salute to Excellence Award District 10 and they won. 25 and 10 parents visited TAMU in Galveston, TX in summer. They toured dorms, informed about financial aid, and student organizations. They visited Moody Gardens to learn about the Botanical Gardens and careers in marine biology and water conservation, i.e., educational tours. . Six SJB 4-Her's took part in the three-week Science and Math Academy (SAMA) at St. Philip's College. The girls took part in science and math and a show and tell on the last day. Six SJB 4-H 8th graders participated in Juntos 4-H Summer Leadership Academy at Our Lady of the Lake University. They stayed on campus to experience college. They were taught by college professors, including STEM, hands-on, high-impact, veterinary science, cooking, Watch Your Back (Drunk Driving simulation), team building, leadership, writing, bullying, ate three meals a day, and took park in team sports. College campus tour by 25 students and 5 parents at TAMU in the fall was successful. The students were taught how to give shots to animals (cows and horses), rope, and check for diseases. The students were give succulents to learn about plants as they also took a tour of the Howdy Garden. For community service, SJB 4-Hers collected school supplies and canned goods for the flood victims of Hurricane Harvey. They made Valentine's Day cards for the nuns at OLLU, and collected toys for the San Antonio Fire Department to help wrap gifts for those kids less fortunate. Four teams consisting of four team members competed in the Bexar County 4-H Food Challenge. The Clover team, consisting of one girl and two boys advanced to District 10 Food Challenge in Kerrville, Texas. 40 and several parents took part in the IFly STEM field trip. They learned about flying, space, force, gravity, and experienced flying for three minutes. They received certificates for the flying lessons and were positively impacted. Over 60 students and parents from SJB, took part in One Day 4-H in October. The students and parents cleaned the entire school's windows, playground, and the SJB Giving Garden and Bee Pollinator site. SJB 4-Her's took part in the 4-H Youth Day at the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo. Information boards with activities were displayed. The students had "make and take" hands-on activities. The SJB 4-Her's took part in the parade and placed third for "Most Spirited." Students competed in the Food Challenge and Photography contest; four students won 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in the baking challenge. Over 45 students and parents took part in the One Day National Seashore Clean Up at South Padre Beach for global community service in the spring. They were sworn in as Junior Rangers. They learned about water conservation, marine life, and career opportunities. Over 40 students and parents attended the Saturday agricultural immersion field trip to King Ranch in Kingsville, TX in the spring. Students were exposed to farm operations, feeding yards, and animals. The students watched a video, saw cows, horses, alligators, snakes, turkeys, wild hogs, ducks, deer, antelope, armadillos, and insects. OVer 50 students took part in the San Antonio Bexar County Project Show in the spring. Many students, Clovers and 4-Her's placed first, second, and third. One team placed "Best in Show" for their efforts in the wood category. Two Family Nights with over 300 attendees included 4-H meeting for families and Extension BLT live food demonstrations in the fall (Arts & Crafts Day) and spring (Importance of College and Tejano artist, Dr. Patsy Torres). Family Nights are a big hit as it is a time for parents to have a sit-down meal with their kids and family while working on hands-on projects. Weekly gardening at SJB continues with little assistance of Master Gardeners for sustainability. The SJB Giving Garden is maintained by Clovers and parents when the weather is good. Garden activities will continue through summer to try and plant new crops. Weekly 4-H activities take place in the designated 4-H classroom. 4-H curriculum is used to teach lessons and parent volunteers are present to assist with programming. One major accomplishment was the continuation of the CYFAR Blog for over a 1 ½ years by Dr. Garcia. The blog is used to share stories, showcase 4-H competitions and Extension activities, and highlight field trips and activities in both counties. As a result, the blog has generated more interest in 4-H. HARRIS COUNTY: After-school sessions, educational tours, garden construction and management and classroom lessons all make up the many methods the Sustainable Communities Project benefits students of Cristo Rey Jesuit and students at Mickey Leland Young Men's Preparatory School. Educational Tour at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo: Students toured the AGventure exhibits and were assigned an Agricultural Scavenger Hunt to gain a greater understanding of the Texas Agriculture. Finca Tres Urban Farm: Agricultural Immersion Tour. The tour began with a presentation of food sustainability, urban farming, and a tour of the farm grounds. Students were put into work groups to assist with picking produce for lunch and sifting soil. Prairie View A&M University: Ag Field Day. Students attended the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences to gain knowledge of ag-related career options and opportunities offered at the university. Students toured the campus and attend a result demonstration of row crops at the university farm. 2017 Leadership Camp - Huntsville, Texas: Leadership Camp was a training that offered learn-by-doing leadership development experiences. Students engaged in team-building activities to enhance communication and problem-solving skills and worked in groups to create presentations on critical issues affecting urban agriculture. Leaders in the Garden: Service Project. Youth volunteers from various schools in the Houston area aided students at Cristo Rey Jesuit in cleaning and prepping the school garden for the fall 2017 semester. On the third day of service students travelled to Galveston Island State Park to clean trash from the beach. McGovern Centennial Gardens: Service Project. Students from both project sites visited the Centennial Gardens to learn the daily operations and aide the horticulture staff with maintenance of the 8-acre garden. The Sustainable Communities Project Received 5 awards throughout 2017 1)Texas Extension Association of Family and Consumer Science 2) 4-H & Curriculum Enrichment Team Award 3) Texas Association of 4-H Extension Agents Search for Excellence in Teen Programming State Team Award 4)National Association of 4-H Extension Agents Search for Excellence in Teen Programming Southern Region Team Award 5) National Association of 4-H Extension Agents Search for Excellence in Teen Programming National Team Award 6) Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service 2017 Vice Chancellor's Award in Excellence for Team Collaboration . Dr. Garcia received the Superior Service Award for Diversity for her work in both CYFAR and Juntos 4-H grants she leads.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Garcia M, Pi�a M, Dromgoole D (2017) Including at-risk Populations in Urban 4-H After-school Programs. J Med Diagn Meth 6:252. doi:10.4172/2168-9784.1000252
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Progress 09/01/16 to 08/31/17
Outputs
Target Audience:Our primary audience is low-income, at-risk teens (ages 14-19), secondary audience is the parents and/or guardins of the teens, and tertiary audience is Extension faculty and staff, leaders of community-based organziations and volunteer leaders. Changes/Problems:Co-PI, Dr. Chris Boleman left 4-H Foundation this past Spring. He has not been replaced. Instead of Co-PI,s Dr. Darrell Dromgoole is the PI for the CYFAR grant. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Students and parents are informed of Extension training for Master Gardeners, Junior Master Gardener, 4-H volunteers, and opportunities to grow with 4-H at both counties. Some parents at Bexar County have been trained in 4-H Club Managers to allow them to help with weekly 4-H activities. Volunteers take training in order to assist program coordinator. The project has provided opportunities for Harris County team to attend national conferences. Both cites attended CYFAR Professional Development training in May 2017. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results from year one from Learn Grow Eat and Go curriculum taught at St. John Berchmans in Bexar County provided program coordinator with an opportunity to write an abstract based on results from pre-and post evaluations. Dr. Garcia's article on the impact of the implementation alongwith gardeningin Bexar Countywas accepted to be presented in the Fall of 2017 at the National Conference in North Caroline for the Epsilon Sigma Phi organization. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?In the next reporting report period, both cites will continue to provide field trips to students to expose them to higher educaiton, provide tours of farms, gardening areas, and agriculture and related sciences careers. Collaboration with Extension agents at both sites will continue so students can maximize opportunities for live food demonstrations, eating healthy, and nutrition. Students will continue to have opportunities to compete in 4-H competitions in STEM related academic areas as well as cooking challenge, and other areas of interests that meet the needs of the students while complying with grant objectives.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
For Nutrition and Childhood Obesity and Educaiton adn Science Literarcy, in Bexar County, weekly gardening at the St. John Berchmans Giving Garden (15raised-beds)takes place. A Master Gardener assists students in cleaning, planting, and harvesting. Students learn about nutrition, eating healthy, composting, and sustainability. The students are also taken on field trips to observe frams and how agricutlure works on a larger scale. A tour of the San Antonio Live Stock Show and Rodeo also provides opportunities to expose students to not only agricutlure, but also possible careers in agriculture and related sciences. Students are sharing with their parents about gardening and as a result, some parents have started gardens at home. The students and parents are excited about gardening and eating healhty. Collaboration with Extension agents to provide live cooking and nutritious demonstrations allows students to the many facets of nutrition and eating healthy. Guest speakers will be provided during afterschool/Family Nights to address Science and STEM related careers. Students also had opportunities to compete in 4-H competitions allows them to take part in food, nutrition, cooking, and STEM related academic areas. Taking part in the FREE STEM camp hosted by CYFAR grant school, St. John Berchmans provided not ony students from St. John Berchmans to take part in STEM related activities, hands-on experiences, and presentations, but also students from the communtiy. In Harris County, students have a garden and two aquaponics towers that help with growing vegetables. The students make meals with harvested items. Students are also taken on field trips to be exposed to agricutlure. The students were taken to the Houston Live Stock Show and Rodeo to learn about agriculture and possible careers in agriculture and related sciences.
Publications
|
Progress 09/01/15 to 08/31/16
Outputs
Target Audience:Our target audience will be composed of low-income, at-risk teens, predominantly, African-American and Hispanic (ages 14-19) in two counties, Harris County [Houston, Texas at the Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory School (Cristo Rey)] and Bexar County {San Antonio, Texas at St. John Berchmans Catholic School (SJB)]. A second audience will be the parents and/or guardians and family members of the teens. A tertiary audience will be the Extension faculty and staff, leaders in the community-based organizations, and volunteers in the counties. It should be noted that this is the end of our second year which was the first year of implementation. The activities we are reporting occurred during the school year 2015-2016 for which we have only output data, i.e., action-oriented activities. Outcome data, i.e., the impact of the activities, will be collected in the early Fall to capture outputs and outcomes of summer activities. Furthermore, in early Fall, IRB approved pre-survey data already collected will be analyzed and post-survey data will be collected and analyzed. Additionally, pre-survey data will also be collected in the early fall. These data, submitted to the USDA and analyzed locally will allow making informed adjustments to the program. Bexar County CYFAR Program Coordinator and Extension Specialist, Dr. Garcia, met with Principal Beverly Abbott (Hispanic) to discuss and plan activities. Pre-survey evaluations (CYFAR and Extension) were handed out in the Fall to students, faculty, staff, and volunteers. The post- surveys will be administered in the Fall of 2016 to close out the 2015-2016 school year. Dr. Garcia met with the County Extension Director and Extension agents and specialists to inform of upcoming activities. Dr. Garcia was able to secure three Master Gardeners: John Mayer (White), Andrew Waring (African-American), and Carol White (White). Rosemary Fuentes taught the Learn Grow Eat and Go! (LGEG) lessons to the 4-H Clovers. Carol (MG), taught students in 6th-8th graders in late Fall and early Spring. LGEG evaluations were provided. Volunteers were recruited for 4-H activities. In the Fall, 4-H agent, Natalie Cervantes, collaborated with Dr. Garcia and Principal Abbott to secure St. John Berchmans Catholic School for the Bexar County4-H Food Challenge. SJB students assisted with preparation and took pictures. Dr. Garcia volunteered at County and District events. She kept District 10 Director Kathleen Greer abreast of upcoming events and taught her to create IPhone and IPad videos. Assisting with the First Annual Bug Banquet, HEB Buckaroo tent, judging at District 10 Round Up, and assisting with other programs, allowed Dr. Garcia to have a better understanding of the depth of agriculture activities. In Fall 2015, outreach efforts for community service by the SJB 4-Her's were utilized to collect personal hygiene items, food, games, and cards for the overseas military via County-wide 4-H effort. St. John Berchmans Catholic School has a large military presence. In early Spring, 4-H students made Valentine's Day cards for Our Lady of the Lake University Convent nursing home. In late Spring, Dr. Garcia, Dr. Dromgoole, Fralonda Aubrey, Dr. Sonja Davis, and Rocio Reyes attended the CYFAR Professional Development conference. Dr. Garcia presented at the Ignite Session to review activities for Bexar and Harris Counties. Per SJB Principal, a free STEM camp was held in June. Collaboration with CYFAR, Juntos 4-H, and 4-H Tech Wizards allowed Principal's Abbott's idea to come to fruition. Dr. Garcia collaborated with local universities and the community to prepare for the four day camp which included: Our Lady of the Lake University, Texas A&M University-SA, Prairie View A&M, Extension Agents, SAPD, Pet Therapy Dogs, Better Living for Texans, New York Life Insurance Company, a senior 4-H student, and S.A. City Park and Recreation. Fifty at-risk minority teens (Hispanic, White, and African-American) and ten parents were able to participate. The positive experience resulted in planning for a STEM camp next year. In the Summer, as a method of sustainability, six Hispanic students from SJB attended a one week Robotics Camp at St. Mary's University in June sponsored by Juntos 4-H. During the week, the students were taught about robotics, programming, operations, and application. Harris County A site based part-time assistant program coordinator, Rocio Reyes, was hired in late Fall. Site visits were made to Cristo Rey to view progress of garden, water towers, and meet with Science Teacher, Mr. Peter Rispin (White), by Dr. Manuel Piña, Jr., Dr. Dromgoole, and Dr. Melinda Garcia. Meetings were held at the County office. Collaboration with another urban at-risk minority school to provide opportunities became a reality late Spring. The addition of Mickey Leland College Preparatory Academy for Young Men will allow more at-risk minority students to take advantage of the wonderful opportunities provided by the project. In the Spring, 4-H students from Cristo Rey attended the Houston Live Stock Show and Rodeo to learn and be immersed in an agricultural setting. Students were able to experience behind the scenes of how a rodeo comes to life. In the Spring, a Texas A&M University Educational Tour was taken. Students learned about Texas A&M traditions, the Rosenthal Meat Science & Technology Center, Howdy Farm, and the Horticulture and Forest Science Building Atrium. Araceli Trejo, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Recruiter, provided a brief presentation about various Agri-Science majors. In the Spring, an Agricultural Immersion Tour was taken to Finca Tres Robles, a farm where twenty one Cristo Rey AP Environmental Health Students participated. Mr. Thomas Garcia-Prat, farm owner, led the tour. He explained farm operations. Experiential learning took place as the students engaged in weeding, prepping seedlings, sifting compost, and planting sweet potato seedlings. Harvested produce was used to prepare black bean and kale salad. A presentation on agri-business and economics was used to spurn a discussion on food deserts in urban areas for sustainability. In Summer, students from Cristo Rey and Young Men's Academy were taken to Texas A&M Galveston for a 4-H Leadership Adventure. The students were immersed in leadership: creativity, communication, teamwork, ethics, character, politics, and marketing. The students would have many activities that would allow them to experience experiential learning while visiting a college campus to expose them to institutions of higher education. To ensure activities occurred as planned, Fralonda Aubrey, communicated with Cristo Rey Science teacher and Mr. Peter Rispin, Dean Geopfert-Moore to discuss curriculum, gardening, and future activities. Xiomara Diaz, 4-H agent, was involved in the Fall. A 4-H Charter Club was created in the Fall. Garden towers and a shed to house garden supplies were constructed in the Fall. Fralonda and Rocio collaborated to schedule field trips and plan summer activities. Dr. Garcia communicated regularly with both site County agents, and Texas AgriLife Extension Services faculty and staff to ensure everyone was kept abreast of activities, budget, timelines, and needed documentation. Dr. Garcia made visits to College Station, to meet with the PI, Co-PI, and faculty, to plan and implement next steps to meet grant goals, objectives, and guidelines. She also visited Harris County to conduct site visits. Monthly CYFAR calls between the two community sites and calls with the CYFAR mentor, Dr. Jan Carroll, were held to address issues/concerns. Sttudent schedule conflicts at Cristo Rey, resulted in the addition of another school, Mickey Leland College Preparatory Academy for Young Men. Additional at-risk minority teens were secured as a result of new school Changes/Problems:CHANGES- Bexar County: Graduate student, Rachel Landtrip, from Texas A&M University, was hired to assist with data entry for evaluation purposes in the Fall of 2015. She has since graduated in the Spring of 2016. A change in Harris County resulted in hiring an assistant program coordinator, replacing new assistant program coordinator, and adding another school: Harris County- Lorenzo D. White was hired in the Fall 2015 and left to pursue other job opportunities Rocio Reyes was hired in late Fall 2015 and is site based in Cristo Rey and will share her time and responsibilities at both sites: Cristo Rey and Young Men's Academy New School- Mickey Leland College Preparatory Academy for Young Men, 1510 Jensen Dr., Houston, Texas, 77020, 713-226-2668 IRB approval was amended to include new school. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?BEXAR COUNTY- Training Rosemary Fuentes -Health & Wellness Program Specialist UTSA Coordinated Dietetic Student interns (Preceptor), Fall 2015 Fall Youth Gardens Educational Training Class, San Antonio, Texas (Facilitator) LEGE Curriculum to SJB 4-H (Presenter), Fall 2015 Bexar County Health Fair, San Antonio, Texas (Exhibitor), Fall 2015 4-H Food Show/Challenge (Judge and UTSA student volunteer supervisor), Fall 2015 UTSA Coordinated Dietetic Student interns (Preceptor), Spring 2016 28th Annual Student Conference of Latino Affairs, Texas A&M University, College Station, "Echando Pa'lante: Efforts to Improve a Diverse Workforce for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service", Spring 2016, Presenter Spring Youth Garden Educational Training (Presenter), Phil Hardberger Park, San Antonio, Texas, Spring 2016 Palo Alto Elementary School, Learn, Grow, Eat and Go! Teacher orientation/training (Presenter), San Antonio, Texas, Spring 2016 Dr. Melinda Garcia- Extension Specialist: 4-H Youth Development-CYFAR Program Coordinator Mentored Texas A& M University, College Station Graduate student, Diana Juarez, on her Professional Paper: Echando Pa'lante: Efforts to Improve a Diverse Workforce for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Mentored Texas A&M University, College Station Graduate student, Rachel Landtrip, on her project that was implemented at St. John Berchmans-4-H running club & nutrition and her Professional Paper: STEPS Program, Spring 2016 Mentored Texas State University Graduate student, Violeta Monzano, on her course in nutrition. I assisted with ideas and guidance on her final project: Sana Bites, Spring 2016 Leadership Workshop, Our Lady of the Lake University, for Sustainable Communities Project 4-H at-risk teen students, Spring 2016 LGEG Curriculum, John Glen Elementary School, in San Antonio, Texas (Assisted Presenting), Spring 2016 28th Annual Student Conference of Latino Affairs, Texas A&M University, College Station, "Echando Pa'lante: Efforts to Improve a Diverse Workforce for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service", Spring 2016, Presenter Judge-4-H District 10 Round Up, Luling, Texas, Spring 2016 Ignite Session, CYFAR Professional Development Workshop, MD, Spring 2016 Power Up, Diabetes Camp for teens, Leadership and Bullying, Boys and Girls Club, Summer 2016 Summer Leadership Academy, Juntos 4-H, Our Lady of the Lake University, Leadership, Summer 2016 Professional Development- Bexar County Dr. Darrell Dromgoole, Assistant Professor Texas A&M University, College Station and Co-PI CYFAR Sustainable Communities Project Virtues Training-Houston Archdiocese Rosemary Fuentes - TxAgriLife Extension, South Region Program Planning Workshop, San Antonio, Texas, Fall 2015 Tx AgriLife Extension, 2015 Texas Urban Summit, San Antonio, Texas, Fall 2015 2nd Annual Nutrition Summit "In Defense of Food to Prevent Pre-Diabetes" -San Antonio Food Bank, Spring 2016 "Together at the Table", San Antonio Hunger and Poverty Summit, Baylor Hunger Initiative, San Antonio, Texas, Spring 2016 Regional Professional Development Event: Parks Promote Quality of Life State-Wide Initiative. San Antonio, Texas, Spring 2016 Dr. Melinda Garcia- Ovace Training-San Antonio Archdiocese, Fall 2015 Virtues Training-Houston Archdiocese, Fall 2015 USDA/NIFA Grants Development Workshop, Texas State University, Fall 2015 Wilderness First Aid Training, Longleaf Wilderness Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, Fall 2015 Continued mentoring from Dr. Pina in grant writing, proposals, reports, budgeting, and IRB. Coca Cola Valued Youth Program, San Antonio, TX, Fall 2015 WEBINAR on Hispanic Education Progress under the Obama Administration, Fall 2015 Tx AgriLife Extension, Texas Urban Summit, San Antonio, Texas, Fall 2015 Naturally Slim Program, Texas A&M University, College Station, Spring 2016 Puerto Rico: Missionary Work, Our Lady of the Lake University, helped the homeless, elderly, drug addicts, Spring 2016 Extension Specialist Academy, Texas A&M University, College Station, Spring 2016 ADA Child Protection Title IX: Applications to Youth Programming (Dr. Jill Martz), Extension Specialist Academy, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, Spring 2016 Corporate Projects (Robert V. Avant, Jr.) Extension Specialist Academy, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, Spring 2016 Federal Grant Proposals (Julie Svetlik), Extension Specialist Academy, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, Spring 20156 Enlisting Youth Voice in Program Evaluation and Refinement (Laurie L. Meschke), Extension Specialist Academy, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, Spring 2016 Library Resources and Services for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension (Jenni Simonsen), Extension Specialist Academy, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, Spring, 2016 Measuring and Communicating Program Impact (Dr. Dean McCorckle and Dr. Stephen Green), Extension Specialist Academy, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, Spring, 2016 Name that Tool (Dr. Holly Jarvis), Extension Specialist Academy, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, Spring 2016 Roles and Responsibilities of Extension Specialist (Dr. Buddy Faries), Extension Specialist Academy, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, Spring 2016 Financial Tools, Partnerships, and Grants (Dr. Kevin Wagner), Extension Specialist Academy, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, Spring 2016 Video Storytelling: Tell me a story (Jennifer J. Chilek), Extension Specialist Academy, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, Spring 2016 Webinar: Developing Skills Through 4-H Leadership and Citizenship Opportunities, Spring 2016 Webinar: i3 Development Pre-Application, Department of Education, Spring 2016 Webinar: Understanding Bullying, Spring, 2016 CYFAR Professional Development Workshop, Spring 2016, MD Texas Extension Specialist Association Annual Conference, Montgomery, TX, Summer 2016 Mexico: Missionary Work, Our Lady of the Lake University, helped the homeless, drug addicts, mobile schools, Summer 2016 Dr. Manuel Piña- Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Ovace Training-San Antonio Archdiocese, Fall 2015 Virtues Training-Houston Archdiocese, Fall 2015 USDA/NIFA Grants Development Workshop, Texas State University, Fall 2015 HARRIS COUNTY- Training- Fralonda Aubrey Train Traq On line Classes Virtues Training-Houston Archdiocese Rocio Reyes- County Extension Orientation Train Traq On-line Classes Virtues Training-Houston Archdiocese Professional Development- Fralonda Aubrey Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Texas Urban Summit, San Antonio, Texas, Fall 2015 District 9 4-H Training, Spring 2016 CYFAR Professional Development Workshop, Spring 2016 Rocio Reyes CYFAR Professional Development Workshop, Spring 2016 Junior Master Gardener Adult Leader Training Class-San Antonio, TX Summer 2016 How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?BEXAR & HARRIS COUNTY- Dr. Garcia shares learned knowledge from conferences, workshops, and consultancies during meetings via phone conference or face-to-face meetings with both sites. Dr. Garcia shares information with Paul Schattenberg, Extension Communications Specialists so he can write a featured article to share with the Texas A&M Agricultural community. Dr. Garcia also shared results of the CYFAR Sustainable Communities Project at the Juntos 4-H training held in North Carolina, Harlandale Independent School District Assistant Superintendent (Dr. Carol Harle), Power-Up Diabetes Teen Camp, Puerto Rico Missionary Trip, Mexico Missionary Trip, and at the CYFAR Professional Development Workshops. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?4. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish goals? 1. Goal: Nutrition and Childhood Obesity BEXAR COUNTY- Purchase supplies to accommodate activities 4-H charted club, County and District 10 contest, activities, hands-on experiences, field trips Innovative teaching Collaboration with Extension Finding different avenues for outreach HARRIS COUNTY- The gardens and water towers at both sites 4-H meetings with activities in the garden Collaboration with Extension Continued activities, hands-on experiences, field trips 2. Goal: Education/Science Literacy BEXAR & HARRIS COUNTY- Verneer Agriculture curriculum, agriculture curriculum Through 4-H club Collaboration with local universities 3. Goal: Healthy low at-risk teens BEXAR & HARRIS COUNTY- Community chefs, volunteers, and Extension Specialist Continued gardening Food demonstrations 4. Goal: More minority agents BEXAR & HARRIS COUNTY- The use of college volunteers and mentors in agriculture Field trips to local farms, farmer's market, universities, guest speakers, and workshops Collaboration w/local college and universities and community leaders
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Visible strides have been made improving the health of at-risk teens and their families with a plethora of experiences related to agriculture and related fields. Campus visits to institutions of higher education allowed students to explore careers in agriculture. Gardens and 4-H chartered clubs tailored to meet the cultural needs of students and collaboration with Extension programs reinforced nutrition, healthy eating, and exposure to careers in agriculture. Strong partnerships with Extension Agents, Specialists, and local colleges and universities provided sound programs. Opportunities to network with college professors and minority mentors were used as a platform to build self-confidence while emphasizing the importance of nutrition, agriculture, and higher education. The many individuals involved with the activities provided the foundation for networking to propel students to continue higher education with exposure to and activities at institutions of higher education. These at-risk students now have an understanding about careers in agriculture and can apply for Extension jobs fill the minority gap in the future. 1. Goal: Nutrition and Childhood Obesity 1) Major activities completed / experiments conducted Bexar County- SJB Giving Garden EFNEP and LGEG lessons SJB hosted 4-H Food Challenge A TAMU graduate student implemented Students Train to Empower and Promote Self-Confidence (STEPS) Harris County- Garden built and two water towers constructed in the Fall Field trips to colleges and universities, leadership camps 2) Data collected- Bexar County & Harris County- Pre-test for both CYFAR and Extension were provided 3) Summary statistics and discussion of results and Bexar County- LGEG conducted a pre and post evaluation for thirty-five 4-H Clovers which yielded the following results Levene's Test for Equality of Variances t-test for Equality of Means F Sig. t df Sig. (2-tailed) Mean Difference Std. Error Difference 95% Confidence Interval of the Difference Lower Upper Exposure Score (Number of Vegetables Tried) Equal variances assumed .012 .914 -2.561 67 .013 -2.495 .974 -4.439 -.551 Equal variances not assumed -2.562 66.999 .013 -2.495 .974 -4.438 -.551 Preference Score (Number of Vegetables Liked) Equal variances assumed 1.967 .165 -3.053 67 .003 -2.545 .834 -4.210 -.881 Equal variances not assumed -3.041 61.839 .003 -2.545 .837 -4.219 -.872 Bexar County - LGEG conducted a pre and post evaluation for ten 4-H at-risk teens which yielded the following results Levene's Test for Equality of Variances t-test for Equality of Means F Sig. t df Sig. (2-tailed) Mean Difference Std. Error Difference 95% Confidence Interval of the Difference Lower Upper Exposure Score (Number of Vegetables Tried) Equal variances assumed 1.166 .290 -1.179 27 .248 -1.758 1.490 -4.816 1.300 Equal variances not assumed -1.268 22.442 .218 -1.758 1.386 -4.630 1.114 Preference Score (Number of Vegetables Liked) Equal variances assumed 1.664 .208 -.886 27 .383 -1.605 1.811 -5.322 2.111 Equal variances not assumed -.938 21.530 .359 -1.605 1.711 -5.159 1.948 Bexar County The STEPS 4-H Run Club resulted in a better awareness of nutrition, conditioning, exercise, healthy choices, and blogging. Harris County- Nothing to report 4) Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized. Bexar County- Consistency every Thursday for the garden upkeep LGEG and EFNEP brought an awareness to healthy eating and exercise Harris County- The water towers and garden planting set the tone for 4-H activities Field trip tours to TAMU Tour and the Finca Tres Urban Garden exposure of careers in agriculture 2. Goal: Education/Science Literacy 1) Major activities completed /experiments conducted- Bexar County LGEG, EFNEP nutrition lessons Kids Kows and More tour Rain barrel harvesting demonstration 4-H Prime Time Summer Camp Corn Maize tour Texas A&M University campus visit San Antonio Live Stock Show and Rodeo Texas A&M University SA campus tour FREE STEM camp Secured 4-H Tech Wizards Harris County Agri-Science 4-H curriculum < >ampus tour visit to Texas A&M University in College Station <!-- --> Trip to Finca Tres Urban Gardens 2) Data collected- Bexar County & Harris County Nothing to report 3) Summary statistics and discussion of results and- Bexar County & Harris County -Nothing to report 4) Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized. Bexar County- Interest was generated for areas that were not covered, such as archery Harris County- Recruit more students from new school 3. Goal: Healthy low at-risk teens 1) Major activities completed /experiments conducted- Bexar County - Garden maintenance, LGEG lesson The STEPS 4-H Run club Harris County- The water towers and garden 2) Data collected- Bexar County & Harris County- Nothing to report 3) Summary statistics and discussion of results and Bexar County & Harris County Nothing to report 4) Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized. Bexar County 4-H students are more cognizant of making healthy choices Harris County-Nothing to report 4. Goal: More minority agents 1) Major activities completed /experiments conducted- Bexar County- A master Thesis A Profession Paper Community outreach Harris County College campus visits to universities 2) Data collected- Bexar County- Thesis revealed youth practitioners are essential for benefiting from youth programs. Harris County- Nothing to report 3) Summary statistics and discussion of results and Bexar County & Harris County-Nothing to report 4) Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized Bexar County- The completions of a thesis and professional paper which can lead to submittal to peer-reviewed journals Harris County-Nothing to report
Publications
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Progress 09/01/14 to 08/31/15
Outputs
Target Audience:Our target audience will be comprised of low-income, at-risk teens, predominantly, African American and Hispanic (ages 14-19) in two counties, Harris (Houston, Texas) and Bexar (San Antonio, Texas). A second audience will be the parents and/or guardians and family members of the teens. A tertiary audience will be the Extension faculty and staff, leaders in the community-based organizations , and volunteers in those counties. It should be noted that this is the end of our first year, the planning year. The activities we are reporting occurred during the summer for which we have only output data. Outcome data will be collected starting in the fall now that we have IRB approval. In the coming years, data will be gathered to ascertain if modifications need to be made to meet the needs of our target audiences. In Harris County, a meeting was held at Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory School to discuss upcoming plans and explain the evaluation process, by the evaluator, Dr. Manuel Piña, Jr. He provided Principal Katherine Cater with copies of the evaluations and suggested to make changes as needed. In the two hour meeting, Harris County Extension staff that included a Hispanic, Texas AgriLife Extension Service faculty and staff (two Hispanics), school principal, and science teacher (both Whites). The meeting also involved brainstorming ideas for the Sustainable Communities Project. Several conference calls including Bexar and Harries County Extension Agents and Extension Administration involved with CYFAR were held to discuss project budget, current needs, and future plans to ensure that everyone understood his/her role and that all budget and grant guidelines are followed. Accommodations were made to meet the Harris County Extension Agents regarding purchasing supplies since Dr. Garcia is the person responsible for purchasing all supplies for both counties. In Harris County, Dr. Garcia (Hispanic) met with Harris County Extension Agents (2 African Americans and 1 Hispanic) to discuss project activities, plans of work, and related budget of the Harris County Project. Plans for summer leadership camp were shared via PowerPoint. In Harris County, the Extension agents met with 4-H Volunteers (mix gender and race) to discuss plans for Sustainable Communities Project Leadership Camp. The Extension agents provided details regarding camp agenda and preparing documents needed for students to complete. Supplies were purchased for the summer leadership camp when Dr. Garcia visited Harris County as she would be accompanying Harris County Extension Agents to Huntsville, Texas, the site for the camp, to support agents and conduct a workshop with the students on leadership and bullying. In June, the Sustainable Communities Project Leadership Camp 2015 was hosted in Huntsville to introduce Cristo Rey students and Harris County 4-Her's to Agri-Sciences and Kick-Off the Sustainable Communities Project in Harris County. Sessions included Team-building, Leadership, Nutrition, Vet Science, Agricultural Business, and Watershed Stewardship. The breakdown of demographics is as follows: 15 males and 30 females, 7 Whites, 19 African Americans, and 19 Hispanics. Chaperones included an administrator from Cristo Rey and four Harris County Extension Agents, and one State-Level Extension Specialist, based in San Antonio. These individuals assisted with all the camp activities, including making presentations, conducting workshops, and mentoring. In Bexar County, Extension Specialist, Dr. Garcia met with Principal Beverly Abbott (Hispanic) at St. John Berchmans Catholic School (SJB), to discuss implementation of 4-H, garden, volunteer background checks, summer camps, Learn Grow Eat and Go curriculum, technology, plan school activities, and evaluations. Bexar County Extension 4-H agent, Natalie Cervantes (Hispanic), met with Principal Abbott and Dr. Garcia to inform of 4-H procedures and guidelines. Dr. Piña, Texas AgriLife Extension Services faculty and grant evaluator also met with Principal Abbott and Dr. Garcia at SJB to discuss the evaluation procedures. Dr. Piña provided Principal Abbott with copies of evaluations to review. Dr. Garcia also met with Principal Abbott to discuss and plan summer Robotics Camp and 4-H summer camp so students and parents have time to complete needed documents. In Bexar County, Extension Specialist, Dr. Garcia met with County Director, Nelda Speller (Hispanic) to discuss collaboration with Bexar County Extension Agents so Agents can plan activities for the upcoming school year. Dr. Garcia is in constant communication with Extension Agent, Rosemary Fuentes (Hispanic) as she leads many of the activities and trains the Master Gardener volunteer (John Mayer-Anglo). In Bexar County, Dr. Garcia met with Rosemary Fuentes to discuss SJB's summer activities that include Robotics Camp, transportation, and chaperoning. Dr. Garcia, Rosemary, and John, Master Gardener volunteer, meet at SJB to work on the garden once a week with the students and for two hours while lessons about nutrition, health, plants, gardening, and responsibilities are taught. In June, Dr.'s Darrell Dromgoole (Anglo), Manuel Piña (Hispanic), Holly Jarvis (Anglo), and Melinda Garcia (Hispanic) attended the CYFAR conference in Washington DC. Dr. Garcia had a poster board session in which she shared the pilot program from San Antonio, via PowerPoint, scrapbook, and brochures. A Hispanic female Harris County Extension Agent and a Hispanic female Bexar County Agent have attended conferences as a means of professional development and to share from the conferences with other agents in their respective counties. One conference was the National Urban Extension Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. The other conference was attended in Austin, Texas for the National Children and Youth and Garden Symposium. Both agents are quite helpful in sharing their information to better meet the needs of the grant guidelines and reach out to the students to have maximum impact. In Bexar County, twenty students (a mixture of mostly Hispanics and Whites) from St. John Berchmans attended a Robotics Camp at St. Mary's University in June for one week. During the week, the students were taught by the university professors that were from different countries (all males), about robotics, programming, and operations. The students were able to learn, apply, and use the robotics that provided hands-on activities for this invaluable lesson that included Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. The students were eager to put their math and skills to the test. Dr. Garcia, Extension Specialist, based in San Antonio, communicates regularly with Bexar and Harris County agents, and Texas AgriLife Extension Services faculty and staff involved in the CYFAR Sustainable Communities Projects to ensure that everyone is kept abreast of activities, budget, timelines, and needed documentation via email, calls, and conference calls. Dr. Garcia also makes visits to College Station, Texas A&M University to meet with the PI, Co-PI, faculty, and technology specialist to plan and implement next steps to meet grant goals, objectives, and guidelines. Changes/Problems:While there have been some changes, these changes have been minor and have had no negative impact on program and budget activities. Additional Co-PI-Dr. Christopher T. Boleman, Assistant Director and State Leader4-H Youth Development. This addition was deemed appropriated due to large number of activities in the 4-H program at both counties. County Level-PI's changed. Due to personnel changes at both counties, this change was needed to reflect new directors. Bexar County-Nelda Speller, Bexar County Director Harris County -Dr. Allen Malone, Harris County Director Changes at both schools were necessary due to school administration and board officials electing to not pursue the partnership due to schedule conflicts. Bexar County- New School-St. John Berchmans Catholic School, 1147 Cupples Road, San Antonio, Texas 78226, 210-433-0411 Harris County- New School- Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory School, 6700 Mt. Carmel Dr., Houston, Texas, 77087, 281-501-1298 What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? BEXAR COUNTY- Training Activities-Mentoring in grant writing, proposals, reports, and budgeting by Dr. Piña (Texas AgriLife Extension Services faculty) with Dr. Garcia (Extension Specialist) has proven to be successful. Dr. Garcia continues to grow in learning to write and read reports, follow rubrics, analyze budgets, and assist others so the Sustainable Communities Project can be implemented at both Bexar and Harris Counties effectively. Professional Development- Dr. Darrell Dromgoole (Texas AgriLife Extension Faculty) and Dr. Holly Jarvis (Texas A&M University: Coordinator of Educational Media and Online Curriculum Development) attended the following conference: CYFAR National Conference-Summer 2015 Dr. Piña (Texas AgriLife Extension Services Faculty) attended the following conferences: Minorities in Agriculture Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) National Conference, Spring 2015 CYFAR National Conference, Summer 2015 Dr. Garcia (Extension Specialist) attending/participated in the following workshops, conferences, and webinars: Learn Grow Eat and Go! workshop-Fall-2014 San Antonio Mayo's Fitness Council, Fall 2014 CYFAR Webinar-Childhood Obesity: Are You Aware?, Spring 2015 Leadership Development Program for Spanish Speaking Audiences, Spring 2015 Leadership Competencies: A Framework, Spring 2015 MANRRS National Conference-Spring 2015 CYFAR Panelist Orientation, Spring 2015 CYFAR Panelist, Spring 2015 CYFAR Professional Development Training Workshop, Spring 2015 An Implementation Map: 4-H Teens Involvement and Engagement, Spring 2015 Developing Skills Through 4-H Leadership and Citizenship Opportunity, Spring 2015 ADA Child Protection Title IX: Application to Youth Programming, Spring 2015 CYFAR National Conference, Summer 2015 4-H Club Manager Training, Summer 2015 Rosemary Fuentes (Extension Health & Nutrition Specialist) attended the following conferences: Food Manager Certification, Fall 2014 - Certification American Public Health Association's Annual Meeting & Exposition, Fall 2014 CLRFS Food Security Conference, Fall 2014 16th Annual Congress on Children, Fall 2014 Vegetable and Fruit Improvement Center Conference, Spring 2014 Public Health and the Built Environment Conference, Spring 2014 Summit & Learning Collaborative, Spring 2014 Mayor's Fitness Council-Healthy Schools Summit, Spring 2014 Master Wellness Volunteer Certification, Spring 2014 Growing Healthy Texas Workshop, Summer 2014 CYFAR National Conference, Summer 2014 Texas Extension Association of Family & Consumer Sciences Annual Conference & Professional Development Training, Summer 2014 Learn Grow Eat and Go! Workshop, Spring 2015 National Children and Youth Garden Symposium, Summer 2015 Ruby Zavala (Extension Youth Gardener) attended the following workshops: Learn Grow Eat and Go! Workshop, Fall 2014 HARRIS COUNTY- Training- Nothing to report as this is the first year-planning. Professional Development- Fralonda Anderson-Aubrey (Extension Agent) attended the following conferences: National 4-H AgriScience Summit, Spring 2015 Xiomara Diaz-Hernandez (Extension 4-H & Youth Development) attended the following conferences: National Urban Extension Conference, Spring 2015 National 4-H AgiScience Summit, Spring 2015 How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? BEXAR COUNTY-Nothing to report as this is the first year-planning. HARRIS COUNTY-Nothing to report as this is the first-year-planning. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?1. Goal: Nutrition and Childhood Obesity BEXAR COUNTY- Learn Grow Eat and Go 4-H curriculum will be implemented by science teacher to inform students of eating healthy, nutrition, and to become aware of foods, agriculture, and sustainability. Activities, hands-on experiences, field trips to Rodeo, to show the effects of eating healthy, summer 4-H camps, agriculture exposure, and information about farming will serve to be teachable moments about agriculture and related fields, leadership, collaboration, and building self-confidence. Interdisciplinary collaboration to use innovative methods of reaching the students will be used. Students can journal about learned knowledge from the garden and lessons from Learn Grow Eat and Go. Math will be used when students create recipes. Science will be used when the robots are programmed to take rain measurements and measure growth of plants. Extension Agents and Specialist and EFNET instructors will speak to the students to share their knowledge about nutrition and obesity since eating healthy can reduce health problems. Through 4-H charted club, students will have opportunities to participate in activities relating to nutrition and attend workshops and conferences and interact with other teens as methods of collaborating and sharing ideas. A volunteer Master Gardener will teach lessons on gardening at least once a week after school and have the students maintain the garden by pulling weeds, harvesting, planting when available so students can apply their learned knowledge in caring for the garden. A possible issue that might pose a problem with garden activities might be the students who are involved in extracurricular activities. A schedule will be made and modified to meet the needs of the students. HARRIS COUNTY- A garden will be created with the help of Extension Agents, volunteers, school staff, and students can learn about taking care of something they helped to create while teaching them responsibilities and learning about nutrition with the garden. Volunteers and Extension Agents plan on teaching the students about nutrition to make better choices that lead to healthy eating habits to target childhood obesity. Activities, hands-on experiences, field trips to Rodeo, to show the effects of eating healthy, summer 4-H camps, agriculture exposure, and information about farming will serve to be teachable moments about agriculture and related fields, leadership, collaboration, and building self-confidence Through 4-H charted club, students will have opportunities to participate in activities relating to nutrition and attend workshops and conferences and interact with other teens as methods of collaborating and sharing ideas. Extension Agents and Specialist will speak to the students to share their knowledge about nutrition and obesity since eating healthy can reduce health problems 2. Goal: Education/Science Literacy BEXAR COUNTY- Through 4-H club, students will be able to attend conferences, workshops, and field trips throughout the year as methods of learning about careers in agriculture and related fields while having opportunities for real-word hands-on experiences. Collaboration with local universities will allow students to attend workshops on subject matters related to science, agriculture and related fields. The students will have opportunities to learn from university professors and participate on hands-on activities to apply knowledge learned. HARRIS COUNTY- AgriScience, a 4-H curriculum will be taught by the science teacher to inform the students about the importance of gardening, nutrition, and the effects of science present in their daily lives. Through 4-H club, students will be able to attend conferences, workshops, and attend field trips throughout the year as methods of learning about careers in agriculture and related fields. Collaboration with local universities will allow students to attend workshops on subject matters related to science, agriculture and related fields. The students will have opportunities to learn from university professors and participate on hands-on activities to apply knowledge learned. 3. Goal: Healthy low at-risk teens BEXAR COUNTY- Community chefs, volunteers, and Extension Specialist will teach students and families to prepare healthy foods with garden harvest at school on a bi-monthly basis. The principal wants to serve the harvest from the garden so students will have opportunities to eat what they grew and cared for as methods of making healthy choices at lunch. With the lessons from Learn Grow Eat and Go 4-H curriculum, students will have an awareness and knowledge to make healthy choices. Participation in garden activities throughout the year to teach students in being responsible for their health by eating healthy with garden harvests. HARRIS COUNTY- Participation in garden activities throughout the year to teach students in being responsible for their health by eating healthy with garden harvests. Volunteers and Master Gardeners will assist with teaching lessons about gardening that serve to benefit the students as methods of teaching students to eat healthier and eat harvest produced from the garden. 4. Goal: More minority agents BEXAR COUNTY- The use of college volunteers and mentors in agriculture and related fields to guide and assist students to be college ready. Field trips to local farms, farmer's market, universities, guest speakers, and workshops that expose the students to agriculture careers to provide real-word experiences for the students to consider careers in agriculture and apply for Extension jobs. Follow students and continue to have them engaged in 4-H club despite leaving school to ensure that students enter college and pursue careers in agriculture and apply for Extension jobs. Collaboration to secure scholarship money with Les Dames D'Escoffier and the Texas A&M Hispanic Network. Both groups have committed scholarships money for minority females to attend Texas A&M University and major in agriculture and related fields to fulfill the objective of applying for Extension jobs and becoming Extension agents. These scholarships will serve minority females. Encourage students to have school join Minorities in Agriculture Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANNRS) to have opportunities to network, attend national conference, compete, and have opportunities for internships in agriculture and related fields to apply for Extension jobs. HARRIS COUNTY- The use of college volunteers and mentors in agriculture and related fields to guide and assist students to be college ready. Field trips to local farms, farmer's market, universities, guest speakers, and workshops that expose the students to agriculture careers to provide real-word experiences for the students to consider careers in agriculture and apply for Extension jobs. Encourage students to have school join Minorities in Agriculture Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANNRS) to have opportunities to network, attend national conference, compete, and have opportunities for internships in agriculture and related fields to apply for Extension jobs. Collaboration with the Houston chapters of the Texas A&M Hispanic Network, Texas A&M Black Former Student Network, and Les Dames D'Escoffier to provide scholarships to minority females to attend Texas A&M University and major in agriculture and related fields and apply for Extension jobs.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Impact Statement Efforts to improve the health of at-risk teens and their families and providing experiences related to agriculture and related fields for students to pursue careers in Extension and apply for Extension jobs, in low-income, inner-city communities in Houston, Texas and San Antonio, Texas have begun. Since this is the first year, the planning year, collaboration with Bexar and Harris County Extension Agents, Extension Specialists, Texas AgriLife Extension Services faculty and staff, Prairie A&M University, volunteers, school administration, and community leaders has taken place. The meetings addressed the objectives of the Sustainable Communities Project to partner to recruit, mentor, and enroll 210 students into college from both schools by the end of the fifth year for the Sustainable Communities Project. Through tailored, culturally and linguistically relevant 4-H programs, with extensive family involvement, planning has included activities, field trips, summer camps, gardens, and sustainability. Community dynamics and both sites are strong as there is much parent involvement and ties within the community are strong since both are private schools. Extension Agents and Extension Specialist at both counties have planned summer activities, attended professional development, prepared budgets, and purchased supplies for the upcoming school-year. Hands-on experiences, camps, 4-H clubs, and field trips to expose the students to colleges and universities to be taken in the upcoming school year will prove to be beneficial. Efforts include providing the students with experiential Extension service-learning to maximize the impact of the learning experiences. Team-building, college mentors/volunteers, leadership skills, communication, 4-H competitions, and opportunities to network with university faculty experience will allow the students to build their self-esteem and self-confidence. The teens will have built a network of resources to aid them in their pursuit of higher education and careers in agriculture and related fields. Awareness in nutrition, garden experience, and preparing healthy dishes will allow the teens to apply their learned knowledge to seek sound dietary habits. As a result of their learned knowledge and exposure to careers in agriculture and related fields, hands-on experiences, and field trips to colleges and universities, they can pursue careers in agriculture and apply for Extension jobs to fill the minority gap. 1. What was accomplished under these goals? 1. Goal: Nutrition and Childhood Obesity 1) Major activities completed / experiments conducted Bexar County-The garden was created at the end of the school year at St. John Berchmans School has provided opportunities for the students to learn about nutrition, healthy eating, sustainability, and agriculture. Lessons using the 4-H curriculum, Learn Grow Eat and Go have been used to provide the students hands-on opportunities on gardening and healthy living. No experiments have been conducted since this is the first-year, the planning year. Harris County-The garden will be implemented during the upcoming school-year as supplies and activities have been planned to incorporate 4-H curriculum by the school science teacher, volunteers, and Extension Agents and Specialists. 2) Data collected- Bexar County- Nothing to report as this is the first year-planning. Harris County- Nothing to report as this is the first year-planning. 3) Summary statistics and discussion of results and Bexar County- Nothing to report as this is the first year-planning Harris County- Nothing to report as this is the first year-planning. 4) Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized. Bexar County- The garden activities have allowed the students to become aware of gardening, seeds, vegetables, herbs, and caring for the garden, that leads to better nutrition and healthy living. Students who have participated in the summer garden lessons with the Master Gardener volunteer and Extension Specialists', are eager to share learned knowledge. The students can now identify the different vegetables, herbs, and flowers growth occurs. The can now make choices that affect their health. Harris County- Nothing to report as this is the first year-planning. 2. Goal: Education/Science Literacy 1) Major activities completed /experiments conducted- Bexar County-Robotics Camp, in summer, at St. Mary's University provided opportunities for hands-on real-world experience for twenty students from St. John Berchmans Catholic School. University professors taught robotics, programming, and operations. Students applied their math, science, and reading skills to program the robots. Hands-on applications with programming and operations proved to be beneficial as the students were able to identify programming errors and were able to immediately solve the problems. Communication and collaboration with university professors and partners was imperative for success to be attained when programming the robots. Harris County -Nothing to report as this was the first year-planning year. 2) Data collected- Bexar County- Nothing to report as this is the first year-planning. Harris County-Nothing to report as this is the first year-planning. 3) Summary statistics and discussion of results and- Bexar County-Nothing to report as this is the first year-planning. Harris County-Nothing to report as this is the first year-planning. 4) Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized. Bexar County-Nothing to report as this is the first year-planning. Harris County- Nothing to report as this is the first year-planning. 3. Goal: Healthy low at-risk teens 1) Major activities completed /experiments conducted- Bexar County -The garden at St. John Berchmans serves as real-world experience for the low-income at-risk teens that brings awareness to eating healthy and the importance of being healthy. Harris County-Nothing to report as this is the first year-planning. 2) Data collected- Bexar County-Nothing to report as this is the first year-planning. Harris County-Nothing to report as this is the first year-planning. 3) Summary statistics and discussion of results and Bexar County-Nothing to report as this is the first year-planning. Harris County-Nothing to report as this is the first year-planning. 4) Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized. Bexar County- The students who do participate in the summer garden are more cognizant of making healthy choices and the benefits of having a garden: self-sustaining, eating healthy, inexpensive. Harris County-Nothing to report as this is the first year-planning 4. Goal: More minority agents 1) Major activities completed /experiments conducted- Bexar County-Nothing to report as this is the first year-planning. Harris County-Nothing to report as this is the first year-planning. 2) Data collected- Bexar County-Nothing to report as this is the first year-planning. Harris County- Nothing to report as this is the first year-planning. 3) Summary statistics and discussion of results and Bexar County-Nothing to report as this is the first year-planning. Harris County-Nothing to report as this is the first year-planning. 4) Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized Bexar County-Nothing to report as this is the first year-planning. Harris County-Nothing to report as this is the first year-planning
Publications
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