Forefronting Youth Initiative (FYI)

The need for youth focused programs was recognized early on by the founders of the Cooperative Extension System. The youth component (4-H and Youth Development) was established to help young people build lifelong learning skills. In Alabama, and across the nation, 4-H and Youth Development programs involve youth in healthy learning experiences to increase self-esteem, and build problem solving and leadership skills. A wide-range of content offerings encourages youth to explore science, technology and citizenship.

According to statistics, Alabama has over a million children classified as school aged (5-18). These children are our future doctors, lawyers, and Extension educators. In times of extraordinary change and instability, every part of society has a role to play in helping to recognize and nurture the potential in youth to become contributing citizens. This involves providing skills, motivation and opportunities for youth to contribute to society through service and leadership.

The Urban Affairs and New Nontraditional Programs Unit of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System has initiated the Forefronting Youth Initiative (FYI) to provide enhanced programming to meet the needs of urban communities. The initiative focuses on building and engaging the service learning and prevention skills of young people who dwell in Alabama's metropolitan areas to promote positive citizenship and community development. The specific objectives of the initiative are to provide opportunities for youth to:

  1. build personal development skills that will enable them to become positive and contributing citizens within their home, community, state and world;
  2. engage in planning and implementing service learning activities;
  3. advance in physical and emotional health and maturity;
  4. develop practical life skills to support independent living in changing environments;
  5. explore career opportunities; and
  6. experience and value cultural diversity.


Lead Contact: Mrs. Edna Coleman
Extension Youth Development Specialist
P.O. Box 967
Normal, AL 35762
(256) 858-4983
 
Mrs. Mary Hurt
Extension Children, Youth and Family Specialist
P.O. Box 967
Normal, AL 35762
(256) 858-4981

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work in agriculture and home economics, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, and other related acts, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) offers educational programs, materials, and equal opportunity employment to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability.

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