Progress 09/01/21 to 06/28/23
Outputs
Target Audience: The primary audience for the 4-H Military Partnership Project is children of military service members (including Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve), and Child and Youth Program professionals. The target audience for the Request for Applications for the 4-H Military Partnerships Outreach and Support grants are Extension 4-H Military Liaisons / land-grant universities. Changes/Problems:Despite the performance period beginning October 1, 2021, USDA did not share official Award documents with K-State until January 2022, resulting in a loss of three months of work on project efforts (October 2021 - December 2021). States and project officials believe this loss of time reduced the anticipated number of DAF-connected youth and professionals ultimately served through project efforts. In addition to the tardy start-up for sub-awards, COVID, staff turnover, scheduling conflicts, limited registration numbers, or other unique challenges all contributed to balances remaining in the award. Since K-State did not receive official documentation on the Award until January 2022, the Project team requested, and USDA approved, an NCTE extending the performance period through August 31, 2023. The goal of the NCTE was to continue supporting state efforts in FY23, as included in the original IAA (sub-awards, the 4-HYDS, and camping opportunities). With the NCTE in place, work began in September 2022 to fund sub-awards to states for deliverables included in the original Scope of Work for FY23. This work involved developing and issuing an RFA, creating/hosting/facilitating a review committee that selected the projects that would receive financial support, setting up the official documents for sub-awards, and developing the reporting systems. Subs were slated to go out in March 2023 for Summer 2023 state projects. Due to concerns with the IAA between the USDA and the Department of the Air Force, in March 2023, USDA notified K-State that it was terminating the award immediately. K-State project staff informed 17 states anticipating funds for Summer 2023 projects that Project dollars could not support the DAF 4-H Camps and 4-H Camp Scholarships. The early termination of the USDA Award also required the closeout and defunding of the sub-award used to support the DAF 4-H Youth Development Specialist (DAF 4-HYDS) position and the fiscal/salary support of the K-State Project Team. These unanticipated changes caused a complete work stoppage for the DAF4-HYDS and the support and oversight of the K-State Project team on DAF CYP 4-H Military Project efforts for the remainder of FY2023. The early termination of the DAF 4-HYDS sub-award and changes to the FTE of the K-State project team also added to the balance remaining in the award. Throughout FY23, DAF and USDA officials shared that they were near a resolution on new funding avenues to continue supporting state and project efforts. The K-State Project team remains at a standstill on all efforts to support the DAF 4-H Military Partnership. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Based on the training needs of the programs, Land Grant University Extension 4-H professionals offered 4-H positive youth development training to DAF Child and Youth Programs. The training topics included the Essential Elements of 4-H, the Experiential Learning Model, conducting 4-H Club Meetings, and 4-H project curricula. DAF CYP professionals worked with experienced 4-H Extension Educators who provided an array of diverse training topics, 4-H resources, curriculum, and technical support through the Land Grant University System. Webinars and in-person events offered a variety of opportunities for staff to gain knowledge and skills in the areas of the National 4-H STEM Challenge and other STEM topics, Leadership, Public Speaking, Forensics, Financial Planning, Healthy Snacks, and Small Animals. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The K-State Project team electronically shared the 4-H Military Partnership Project 2021 Annual Report with all state and military stakeholders and USDA in April 2022. The team also shared the Department of the Air Force 4-H Military Partnership Annual Project Report for FY22 with project stakeholders in May 2023. Both reports were placed on the project website, https://4-hmilitarypartnerships.org/, for any interested parties to access. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
State Sub-awards In FY22, Kansas State University (K-State) implemented a "Notice of Interest (NOI)" funding application in place of the Request for Application process that the Project had used for over 15 years. In September 2021, K-State released a funding announcement explaining the target deliverables the Department of the Air Force (DAF) was interested in funding for FY22. Twenty-four states submitted applications for 190 potential 4-H programs, camps, and projects. States received funding and awards to provide 135 DAF 4-H projects for FY22, including 4-H Clubs, 4-H Experiences and Opportunities, 4-H Camps, and Professional Development for Child and Youth Programs educators. These 4-H projects introduced skills and expanded knowledge to DAF-connected youth and teens in various project areas, including STEM, Robotics, Entomology, Health Living, Cooking, Photography, Civic Engagement, Financial Management, Mindfulness, and much more. Youth in every county and parish of the United States can benefit from 4-H programming. As such, every state provides 4-H opportunities to military-connected youth and professionals, regardless of receiving additional funds from the 4-HMP. Unfortunately, since our state partners collect 4-H data differently, sharing an accurate number of military-connected youth reached through 4-H in the Project's annual report is challenging and not directly related to reporting the impact of Project dollars. Therefore, in FY22, the focus of data collection for the 4-HMP shifted away from reporting the number of military-connected youth involved in 4-H programming in states receiving Project funds to tracking only the number of youth and CYP professionals reached through specific projects funded by the awarded dollars. This reporting design allows us to analyze better the impact and success of our military partner's funds and to provide a better picture of how their money is making a difference in an extensive system of land grant universities and local programs. To help with the shift in data collection, K-State designed a tool to collect information only about the impact of 4-HMP-funded projects. Thus, data for FY22 looks much different than previous years. K-State required After-Action Reports after a state completed each funded project. Qualtrics allowed the Principal Investigators on sub-awards to satisfy reporting requirements quickly and provide better data for the Project team and DAF officials to review and consider when making future decisions. States that received funding were also required to complete an Annual Report. In 2022, states provided: More than 1,200 Air Force, Space Force, Air National Guard (ANG), and Air Force Reserve (AFR) youth with the opportunity to participate in 4-H projects on installations and local communities. Opportunities for CYP professionals, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve Airman & Family Readiness Program Managers to attend 4-H trainings. Nearly 500 DAF professionals participated in professional development opportunities to increase their knowledge of 4-H and positive youth development and to expand 4-H initiatives in Child and Youth Programs. 19 unique camping experiences for more than 460 DAF-connected youth and teens. State partners design 4-H youth camps for DAF youth to develop leadership skills, increase resiliency, introduce STEM initiatives, prepare students for college and careers, foster teamwork, and enhance communication while having fun in a camp environment. In FY22, DAF also offered the opportunity for DAF youth to experience 4-H via camp experiences. DAF provided scholarships for over 300 DAF youth and teens to attend 4-H camp, learn new skills, and build connections. DAF 4-H camp scholarships were well received and provided another opportunity for military families. DAF 4-H Youth Development Specialist The Department of the Air Force has supported project efforts for over 18 years by funding a DAF 4-H Youth Development Specialist. The Specialist serves a vital role through online and in-person training opportunities, building collaborations, networking for CYP and 4-H professionals, and answering questions about positive youth development for the Department of the Air Force. In addition, the DAF Specialist: Hosted the Department of the Air Force Youth of the Year Teen Leadership Summit and provided educational experiences and training for teens and advisors. Facilitated conversations to identify pertinent issues experienced by military teens, brainstormed potential solutions, and worked with teens to develop a presentation with the findings to share with stakeholders. Worked with the Office of Educational Innovation and Evaluation (OEIE) at K-State, to develop a survey for Child and Youth Programs (CYP) professionals, Family Child Care (FCC) providers, and Food Service Workers. The CYP Retention Survey will provide insight into why CYP professionals stay employed and why they may leave the field to analyze trends, enhance incentives, and identify effective recruitment and retention strategies. Coordinated 40 DAF 4-H youth camps and scholarship opportunities with Land Grant Universities in 20 states to expand 4-H experiences for Air Force, Space Force, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve youth, teens, and families. Provided 4-H Positive Youth Development training and 4-H resources and supported the 4-H Military Partnership Virtual Conference to expand options and opportunities for military Child and Youth Programs professionals and 4-H educators. The Specialist developed the Department of the Air Force virtual college fair booth and participated in the Army CYS Virtual College & Career Fair. Joint Service Teen Council Event Since the Joint Service Teen Council Event (JSTC) was not offered in 2022, DAF officials requested K-State to instead assist with logistics to present an opportunity for approximately 25 DAF-connected youth and CYP professionals to participate in the Department of the Air Force Youth of the Year Teen Leadership Summit in conjunction with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) Military Youth of the Year celebration. The K-State Project team delivered the requested logistical support. Similar to the goals of JSTC, the DAF Teen Leadership Summit provided opportunities for DAF-connected teens to engage with other military-connected teens, develop leadership skills through opportunities, foster team building, and explore Washington, D.C. This event culminated in the youth attending the National Military Youth of the Year ceremony. DAF officials intended to utilize the remaining funding to support another event in August 2023; however, with the early termination of the grant award, this could not transpire, and funds remain on the award.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/21 to 08/31/22
Outputs
Target Audience: Children and families of Department of the Air Force service members, including Active Duty, and National Guard and Reserve (Air Force and Space Force) DAF Child and Youth Program Professionals State 4-H Military Liaisons Changes/Problems:Unfortunately, not all projects were achieved due to the late startup of sub-awards, COVID, staff turnover, scheduling conflicts, limited registration numbers, or other unique challenges. Award details were shared late in FY22, resulting in a loss of three months' work of project efforts (October 2021 - December 2021). It is believed by states and project officials this loss of work reduced the number of DAF-connected youth and professionals served through project efforts. Due to K-State's inability to access new funds dedicated to the 4-HMP under the FY23 IAA, we have also been unable to move forward with project plans for FY23. Currently, we are at a standstill with applications. Though we anticipated a January 2023 performance period begin date, we likely will not be able to get FY23 sub-award documents to states until at least February 2023. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?4-H positive youth development training is offered to the military child and youth programs by Land Grant University Extension 4-H faculty based on the training needs of the programs. The training topics have included the Essential Elements of 4-H, the Experiential Learning Model, conducting 4-H Club Meetings, and 4-H project curricula. Military Child and Youth Programs professionals work together with experienced 4-H Extension Educators who provide an array of diverse training topics, 4-H resources, curriculum, and technical support through the Land Grant University System. Webinars and in-person events offered a variety of opportunities for staff to gain knowledge and skills in the areas of the 4-H National STEM Challenge and other STEM topics, Leadership, Public Speaking, Forensics, Financial Planning, Healthy Snacks, and Small Animals How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The Project electronically shared the 2021 Annual report with all State and Military stakeholders and USDA in April 2022. The report was also placed on the project website, https://4-hmilitarypartnerships.org/, for any interested parties to access. We will distribute the 2022 Annual report similarly in Spring 2023. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?To continue spending down DAF dollars available in the award, Kansas State University Project staff, in collaboration with DAF leaders, will continue efforts to provide states with funding for outreach and support of DAF-connected youth and professionals.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
In FY22, KSU implemented a "Notice of Interest (NOI)" funding application in place of a traditional Request for Application process that the Project had used for over 15 years. In September 2021, KSU released a funding announcement explaining the target deliverables DAF was interested in funding for FY22. Twenty-four states submitted applications for 190 potential 4-H programs, camps, and projects. Each state received funding and awards provided 135 DAF 4-H projects for FY22, including 4-H Clubs, 4-H Experiences and Opportunities, 4-H Camps, and Professional Development for Child and Youth Programs educators. These 4-H projects introduced skills and expanded knowledge to DAF-connected youth and teens in various project areas, including STEM, Robotics, Entomology, Health Living, Cooking, Photography, Civic Engagement, Financial Management, Mindfulness, and much more. Youth in every county and parish of the United States can benefit from 4-H programming. As such, every state provides 4-H opportunities to military-connected youth and professionals, regardless of receiving additional funds from the 4-HMP. Unfortunately, since our state partners collect 4-H data differently, sharing an accurate number of military-connected youth reached through 4-H in the Project's annual report is challenging and not directly related to reporting the impact of Project dollars. Therefore, in F22, the focus of data collection for the 4-HMP shifted away from reporting the number of military-connected youth involved in 4-H programming in states receiving Project funds to tracking only the number of youth and CYP professionals reached through specific projects funded by the awarded dollars. This reporting design allows us to analyze better the impact and success of our military partner's funds and to provide a better picture of how their money is making a difference in an extensive system of land grant universities and local programs. To help with the shift in data collection, KSU designed a tool to collect information only about the impact of 4-HMP-funded projects. Thus, data for FY22 looks much different than previous years. KSU required After-Action Reports after a state completed each funded project. Qualtrics allowed the PIs to satisfy reporting requirements quickly and provide better data for the Project to review and consider when making future decisions. States that received funding were also required to complete an Annual Report. This report specifically asked states to duplicate the number of CYP professionals and DAF-connected youth. In 2022, states provided: More than 1,800 Air Force, Space Force, Air National Guard (ANG), and Air Force Reserve (AFR) youth the opportunity to participate in 4-H projects on installations and local communities. Opportunities for CYP professionals, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve Airman & Family Readiness Program Managers to attend 4-H trainings. More than 300 DAF professionals participated in over 70 professional development opportunities to increase their knowledge of 4-H and positive youth development and to expand 4-H initiatives in Child and Youth Programs. 19 unique camping experiences for more than 460 DAF-connected youth and teens. State partners design 4-H youth camps for DAF youth to develop leadership skills, increase resiliency, introduce STEM initiatives, prepare students for college and careers, foster teamwork, and enhance communication while having fun in a camp environment. In FY22, DAF also offered the opportunity for DAF youth to experience 4-H via camp experiences. DAF provided scholarships for over 300 youth and teens to attend 4-H camp, learn new skills, and build connections. DAF 4-H camp scholarships were well received and provided another opportunity for military families. In FY22, DAF also offered the opportunity for DAF youth to experience 4-H via camp experiences. DAF provided scholarships for over 300 youth and teens to attend 4-H camp, learn new skills, and build connections. DAF 4-H camp scholarships were well received and provided another opportunity for military families. Responses from project participants suggest the importance of the project and its continued funding: New York: There are approximately 200 Air Force service members stationed with Fort Drum (predominately an Army installation). This funding gave us the impetus to seek connections with the Air Force families at Fort Drum, offer a 4-H Club program geared toward their interests, and provide connections these Air Force youth may not have achieved without a 4-H club opportunity. Hawaii: Youth participants spent a week exploring nature at the University of Hawaii's Urban Garden Center. Youth engaged in hands-on ecology activities to learn about the importance of pollinators. At the end of camp, DAF youths spoke about how they learned communication skills, teamwork, and friendships during their spring break experience. It was evident that the camp built project-specific skills, soft skills, and a sense of belonging. Kansas: Kansas 4-H hosted a youth camp during FY22. After the camp, one parent shared, "It was a great opportunity for our child and for our family as well. (4-H Camp) got them out of (their) comfort zone and in an electronic-free environment. My children were nervous for camp but came home so excited about 4-H as well as the program." Another shared, "It was extremely helpful to our family. (The scholarship) helped to alleviate the cost of camp and have use of funds that otherwise would have put a strain on finances." While the way 4-HMP allocates project dollars and how the project collects reports changed significantly, State 4-H Liaisons offered positive feedback on the changes in FY22. Comments have been omitted from the REEport due to the allowed reporting space. State 4-H Military Liaisons also shared lessons learned through FY22 projects and opportunities for project improvements that could be made through additional funding from DAF. To meet character restraints in the REEport tool, the quotes have been omitted from this progress report. DAF 4-H Youth Development Specialist The Department of the Air Force has supported project efforts for over 18 years by funding a DAF 4-H Youth Development Specialist. The Specialist serves a vital role through online and in-person training opportunities, building collaborations, networking for CYP and 4-H professionals, and answering questions about positive youth development for the Department of the Air Force. In addition, the DAF Specialist: Hosted the Department of the Air Force Youth of the Year Teen Leadership Summit and provided educational experiences and training for teens and advisors.Facilitated conversations to identify pertinent issues experienced by military teens, brainstormed potential solutions and worked with teens to develop a presentation with the findings to share with stakeholders. Worked with the Office of Educational Innovation and Evaluation (OEIE) at KSU to develop a survey for Child and Youth Programs (CYP) professionals, Family Child Care (FCC) providers, and Food Service Workers. The CYP Retention Survey will provide insight into why CYP professionals stay employed and why they may leave the field to analyze trends, enhance incentives, and identify effective recruitment and retention strategies. Coordinated 40 DAF 4-H youth camps and scholarship opportunities with Land Grant Universities in 20 states to expand 4-H experiences for Air Force, Space Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve youth, teens, and families. Provided 4-H Positive Youth Development training and 4-H resources and supported the 4-H Military Partnership Virtual Conference to expand options and opportunities for military Child and Youth Programs professionals and 4-H educators. The Specialist developed the Department of the Air Force virtual college fair booth and participated in the Army CYS Virtual College & Career Fair.
Publications
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