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4-H Programs A Four-H curriculum provides enrichment for local school programs, as well as other programs for youth in the community. Many of the curricula available through county Extension offices in the state teach some of the competencies needed for the SAT tests which high school students take. Life skills, such as character development, decision-making and goal-setting, are learned along with the academic skills. Listed below are a few of the many programs offered through 4-H. SERIES This program encourages the use of the scientific processes in decision-making. It is geared toward 4-H'ers in grades 7-12. SERIES provides opportunities for young people to think and do more and it fosters a clearer understanding of the relationship of science to everyday life. PARTNERS IN COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP Designed for grades 7-12, this program focuses on the community development process. It involves youth in community leadership and decision-making, and encourages youth and adults to form partnerships. YOUTH LEADERSHIP The Youth Leadership
program helps youth discover their leadership skills. It emphasizes the
importance of citizen involvement in community life and facilitates the
development of beliefs, ethics, values and attitudes consistent with the
democratic process. Youth Leadership programs are designed for 4-H'ers
in grades 7-12.
AEROSPACE CHALLENGE This program concentrates on science, technology and aerospace education and is conducted in conjunction with the Civil Air Patrol. It provides hands-on learning in model rocketry, gliders, navigation and the solar system. It is for youth in grades 6-9. ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP More than 25,000 Alabama youth take part in forestry, wildlife, environmental stewardship, shooting sports and wood science projects. Programs are geared toward youth in grades 4-12. The focus of these programs is to bring a balance of understanding and knowledge to youth about the need for economic development while maintaining natural resources. The hands-on learning experiences improve decision-making skills, build team-working skills, and develop leadership and communication skills. LIVESTOCK PROGRAMS 4-H'ers can take part
in a wide variety of livestock programs including steer and heifer shows,
horse shows, livestock judging, meats judging, horse judging, dairy judging,
market hog shows, market lambs and breeding sheep shows, and dairy cattle
YOUTH PASTURE-TO-RAIL The youth pasture-to-rail program is for steers sent to a High Plains feedyard. As data is collected, 4-H'ers learn about the feedlot and carcass aspects of feeding cattle. YOUTH EMPOWERMENT (YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP) Youth Empowerment is a multi-faceted program that allows youth to explore the wonders of starting their own business. The 4-H'ers plan, start and run an actual business during the year. The youth keep a portion of the profits and save the remainder to fund the next project. The 4-H'ers also learn about proper eating habits, career choices and healthy lifestyles. SPACES A curriculum designed for grades 4-9, SPACES examines three dimensions: inner, outer and shared space. Inner space encourages self-awareness and looks at problem-solving and decision-making. Outer space encourages curiosity as students explore the invention process. Shared space encourages exploration of the earth's ecology. 4-H CARES Designed for grades 2-4, 4-H CARES is an award-winning substance-abuse prevention program. It provides information on socialization skills and self-reflection, and enhances self-esteem. TALKING WITH TJ This educational program is designed to improve the teamwork skills of youth in grades 2-5. It uses a creative mix of videos and hands-on activities to teach important skills of planning, cooperating and appreciating differences. It encourages children to work and play together in more caring and cooperative ways, a critical goal in today's culturally diverse society. YES I CAN PROGRAM This program is centered on the development of youth in obtaining their fullest potential morally, academically, socially and physically by assisting them in building self-esteem, adopting positive lifestyles and social values, improving study skills, and participation in recreational and leisure activities that promote wellness. FOOD PROJECTS A variety of learning experiences are available for youth ages 9 to 19 involved in food projects. They can choose to take part in bread, dairy foods, egg, beef, and food and nutrition projects. Four-H'ers learn about food preparation, food safety, developing shopping skills, nutrition and developing speaking skills. These projects provide opportunities for 4-H'ers to develop entrepreneurial skills and earn college scholarships. YOUTH MENTORING PROGRAM This program provides guidance for teenage parents through individual and group mentoring settings that will inspire teens to meet the challenges of teen parenthood. Mentors teach basic life, nurturing and survival skills for teen parents and children, such as learning to cope with parenting stress while completing educational responsibilities and preparing for the job market. INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE Four-H offers students
the chance to travel. Each summer students from Japan and Alabama cross
the ocean to stay in each other's homes for four weeks. The exchange program
gives young people a chance to get a first-hand look at and a better understanding
of different cultures.
Competitive events are vehicles to encourage youth to get involved. The awards from competitive events provide much more than ribbons, trophies, prizes, and scholarships. They encourage youth to be responsible, to further develop their individual talents and skills, and build confidence and self-esteem. In addition to livestock and food projects, 4-H offers competitive events in woodscience, tractor driving, lawn tractor driving, bicycle safety, public speaking, fashion revue, clothes judging, electric energy, photography and plant and soil science. S P A C E C A M P Four-H Missions in Space helps youth discover their potential in high technology fields. Specially designed curriculum topics include life sciences, living in space, environmental issues, basics of aerospace, rocketry, crew systems, space suits and more. Four-H recognizes the benefit of motivational education programs such as U.S. SPACE CAMP, which uses the excitement of the space program to encourage young people to select and achieve in math and science courses. SCIENCE ACADEMY This program presents experiences that challenge the minds of youth in grades six and up. Alabama Power Company joins with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System to provide hands-on learning in topics ranging from biology to astronomy, Meteorology, electric energy and optics, along with opportunities to work with others in learning and showing what is learned. PERFORMING ARTS CAMP A week-long camp teaches youth about everything involved with musical theatre, and at the same time builds and promotes strong teamwork, leadership and communication skills. It includes workshops in singing, acting, dancing, lights and sound, set designing and costuming, taught by college faculty, theatre professionals and college students. The annual camp also gives youth a little taste of what college life is all about because it is held on a college campus during summer class sessions. |