Programmatic Goals and Objectives

Youth

Goal 1: Focus on Youth (Youth Development): The youth of Texas will experience imaginative, motivational learning experiences to build life skills by addressing priorities like character education, literacy, and leadership development.

Statement of Support: The future of Texas depends upon productive, positive, and prepared youth. Preparing today’s youth to be healthy, well-educated, involved, and capable of leadership portends a strong and secure future. 4-H youth development creates positive settings, focusing on the strong development of life skills.

Objective 1: Continue to implement Texans Building Character Program.

Strategy	Timeline/Measure(s)
Train 25 volunteers in Texans Building Character (TBC) resources.	2007–2012: Participants have an 80% knowledge grade concerning Texas Building Character at the conclusion of the training. This 80% knowledge score must be reached before they can utilize TBC curriculum in their counties.
Train 75 new county Extension agents annually.	2007–2012: Participants have an 80% knowledge grade concerning Texas Building Character at the conclusion of the training. This 80% knowledge score must be reached before they can utilize TBC curriculum in their counties.

Objective 2: Implement the “Putting the Pieces Together” and other leadership curriculum.

Strategy	Timeline/Measure(s)
Train 20 counties and the Texas 4-H Council and have them implement the program.	2007: Each county holds at least one club program on leadership during the club year.
Train club managers on leadership.	2007: Each county holds at least one club program on leadership during the club year

Objective 3: Promote positive futures and lifelong learning at the local and county levels.

Strategy	Timeline/Measure(s)
Develop a “Club Ed” educational program for club meetings emphasizing identified youth issues.	2007: Six new lessons developed for club managers relating to club meetings. 2008: Completion of “Club Ed” educational program curriculum. 2009–2012: Fifty percent of counties use “Club Ed” materials or other quality 4-H club resources.
Develop educational content for club newsletters that addresses positive futures, lifelong learning, leadership, and life skills.	2008–2012: Content available for e-letters and Web sites.
Develop online adult leadership curriculum for equipping volunteers and county Extension agents.	2008: Curriculum completed.

Objective 4: Develop, strengthen, and support Texas youth in creating healthy lifestyles and environmental understanding, addressing current and emerging issues including childhood obesity, substance abuse, and teen sexuality.

Strategy	Timeline/Measure(s)
Partner with Family Development Resource Management on cancer prevention resources including Towards No Tobacco Use (TNT) curriculum.	2007–2012:  Increase cancer prevention and early detection education program participation by 1% per year.* *contingent on funding.
Provide best practice wellness and prevention programs across the lifespan focusing on leading causes of morbidity and mortality.	2007–2012: Increase Walk Across Texas (WAT) participants by 2% per year. 2007-2012: Increase cancer prevention and early detection education program participation by 1% per year (with continued funding).
Develop program materials and agent training program addressing childhood overweight.	2007: Provide training to 31 agents to conduct pilot test of program delivery.
Train club managers to promote recreation at club meetings. Encourage club managers to conduct recreation at all clubs.	2007–2012: Recreation activities implemented.
Promote physical activity.	2007–2012: Strategies used to promote physical activity in 4-H.
Review food service programs at the 4-H Conference Center.	2007–2012: Continue the use of healthy menus.
Engage youth in developing programs on healthy lifestyles.	2007: Develop and begin implementing healthy lifestyles program. 2008–2012: Use healthy lifestyles program in 10% of counties.
Include “Health Rocks” decision-making curriculum.	2007: Complete revisions of decision-making curriculum to include “Health Rocks.” 2008–2012: Use “Health Rocks” in 10% of counties.
Implement youth Walk Across Texas Programs (WAT).	2007–2012: Seventy-five percent of WAT participants increase physical activity.
Develop strategic partnership with alliances, i.e. school health advisory.	2007–2012: Strategic partnership will increase.

Objective 5: Promoting the development of positive relationships among youth and caring adults.

Strategy	Timeline/Measure(s)
Promote the implementation of Junior Master Gardener Programs in new areas.	2007–2012: Train new county Extension agents to implement 20 new Junior Master Gardner programs annually.
Promote Youth Voice in the local and county 4-H program.	2007: At least 60% of counties will have a youth board. 2008–2012: At least 90% of counties will have a youth board.

Objective 6: Addressing constructive use of out-of-school time with the promotion of positive futures and lifelong learning.

Strategy	Timeline/Measure(s)
Implement new 4-H After-School Clubs.	2007: Develop Level 3 of Yea 4-H After-School curriculum. 2008–2012: Start 12 new 4-H After-School clubs in each region.

Objective 7: Assisting and promoting the development of knowledge, skills, and attitudes supportive of developing positive futures and lifelong learning for Texas’ youth.

Strategy	Timeline/Measure(s)
Develop/adopt a career exploration curriculum.	2007: Career materials made available to Texas counties. 2008–2012: Career materials used in 10% of counties each year.
Develop youth entrepreneurship and workforce preparation.	2007: Engage 20 counties to implement workforce preparation.

Objective 8: Engage youth as participants and decision-makers in programs, organizations, and communities of 4-H and beyond.

Strategy	Timeline/Measure(s)
Promote strong youth development through Youth in Governance (YIG).	2007–2012: One hundred new participants enroll in YIG.
Promote strong youth development through Preparing Youth for Leadership, Service, and Engagement (PULSE).	2007–2012: One hundred new participants enroll each year in 4-H PULSE.

Objective 9: Promote High School Financial Planning curriculum in 2007.

Strategy

Timeline/Measure(s)

Expand collaborations with Texas Education Agency, Regional Education Centers, local school districts, Texas 4-H and Youth Program, the National Endowment for Financial Education, Texas Credit Union Foundation, Financial Planning Association, Texas Jump$tart Coalition, and others to increase awareness and adoption of the curriculum enrichment program, "The NEFE High School Financial Planning Program"

2007–2012: Participation will increase by 5% per year.

Objective 10: Provide Youth Voice Opportunity.

Strategy	Timeline/Measure(s)
Organize/maintain an interactive Web-listening site for youth.	2007–2012: Five percent of youth in traditional audiences will give voice.

Table of Contents
Index of Programmatic Goals and Objectives

Youth

Goal 2: Focus on Local and County 4-H Programs (4-H Management): Texas youth, parents, and volunteers will develop life skills through involvement in local and county 4-H programs.

Statement of Support: The grassroots of the 4-H and Youth Development Program are in the local and county programs. Youth subscribe to involvement and recognition at the local and county levels with personal peers. Strongly supported local and county 4-H program will develop stronger leaders and youth for roles throughout the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program. We believe resources must be directed to our local and county level to make it strong and successful.

Objective 1: Continue to provide multiple educational options for individuals involved in large animal 4-H projects.

Strategy	Timeline/Measure(s)
Develop an online delivery system for large animal 4-H projects.	2007–2012: Six new lesson plans per year developed and posted for online delivery for large animal 4-H projects.

Objective 2: Ensure accountability and quality of local and county 4-H programs.

Strategy	Timeline/Measure(s)
Use 4-H Signals document to evaluate 4-H programs in counties.	2007–2012: One county per district will be reviewed using 4-H Signals.

Objective 3: Enhance club experience.

Strategy	Timeline/Measure(s)
Develop the Club Managers Tool Box.	2007–2012: Ten percent of the counties each year will implement.
Develop packaged presentations for major club management topics. .	2007: Completion of packaged presentations for major club management topics developed by county Extension agents, specialists, leaders, and youth. 2008–2012: Ten percent of counties each year train club managers in club management lessons.
Develop a club member recruitment and retention tool.	2007: Completion of a club member recruitment and retention tool.
Develop a club member recruitment and retention tool.	2008–2012: Ten percent of counties each year use recruitment and retention materials.

Objective 4: Enhance 4-H project and curriculum education.

Strategy	Timeline/Measure(s)
Partner with other state 4-H programs.	2007: Communicate a Texas 4-H and Youth Development curriculum format including a matrix and formal lesson plan formats with a focus on volunteer/leader guides. 2008: Evaluating and updating the project selection guide.
Conduct interdisciplinary disaster preparedness program in all counties.	2007–2012: Fifty percent of the counties each year will use the “Patriotism through Preparedness” curriculum.

Objective 5: Market to youth and families.

Strategy	Timeline/Measure(s)
Develop dissemination techniques that utilize the latest technologies to communicate with youth and families.	2007: Promote short-term, self-guided delivery. 2008: Prepare streaming mini-video marketing prepared for local 4-H project.
Prepare preview documents for Texas 4-H Centennial.	2007: Marketing documents prepared for review to all counties for the Texas    4-H Centennial.
Prepare National 4-H Week packet.	2007–2012: A National 4-H Week Packet will be prepared for use by all 254 counties to market and promote the 4-H Program.

Objective 6: Enhance recognition of youth, volunteers, and county Extension agents.

Strategy	Timeline/Measure(s)
Compute a strategy to recognize efforts of county Extension agents, youth, volunteers, donors, etc.	2007: Develop an Agent-of-the-Month recognition plan for implementation. 2008: Develop an organized plan for local and county committees to nominate youth, volunteers, donors, etc., for awards.
Increase financial support to county programs.	2008: Conduct “Youth of Today” environmental scan. 2008–2010: Conduct a generational study and training. 2010: Conduct “Youth of Today” environmental scan.

Objective 7: Enhance faculty development.

Strategy

Timeline/Measure(s)

Provide methods of professional development for 4-H faculty.

2007: Utilize password-protected Web site to post teaching resources. 2008: Ten new modules posted to CECP 2008: Other organizations or industry used for program development resources (e.g., FFA, TEA, Kids Entertainment). 2008: Investigate and arrange for college credit or continuing education units for faculty training. 2008: Fund a training institute. 2009: Conduct a teaching methodology workshop or series. 2009–2012: Encourage all Extension faculty to support, share program ideas and aids, and replicate their success.

Table of Contents
Index of Programmatic Goals and Objectives

Youth

Goal 3: Focus on Volunteerism (Volunteerism): Volunteers will develop competencies in experiential learning, ages and stages of youth, subject matter, character education, communication skills, working with others, conflict management, and life skills education.

Statement of Support: Volunteers are the most valuable 4-H and youth development resource to promote and support our mission, values, and goals. As the largest youth organization, with the largest number of volunteers, we must equip, train, and support those who contribute so much to our program success.

Objective 1: Strengthen Texas Cooperative Extension’s commitment and support for a volunteer-driven, Extension-supported delivery approach.

Strategy	Timeline/Measure(s)
Increase fiscal support for volunteer efforts.	2007: Increase fiscal support by 10% for volunteer efforts.
Transition Texas 4-H and Youth Development from an agent-led, volunteer-supported program to a volunteer-led, agent-supported program.	2008–2012: Measure benchmark data to evaluate progress.

Objective 2: Advance the field of youth development volunteerism through a professional development plan for Extension personnel.

Strategy	Timeline/Measure(s)
Conduct a professional development opportunity (4-H Summit) biennially for 50 key Extension faculty.	2008: Conference held. 2009: Implement Frequently Asked Questions database for 4-H volunteer support. 2010: Conference held. Create an online volunteer forum and query site to support growth and satisfaction.

Objective 3: Support volunteer development and training.

Strategy	Timeline/Measure(s)
Provide subject matter, project training, and master volunteer training for volunteers based on need.	2007–2012: Conduct one specific master volunteer training per year per region.
Develop additional volunteer resources.	2007: Create a standardized orientation for new volunteers and create volunteer job descriptions. 2008: Define and create volunteer certification levels.

Objective 4: Develop Web-based or interactive computer-based orientation, training, and support for volunteers.

Strategy	Timeline/Measure(s)
Create online volunteer forums and query sites to support volunteer growth and satisfaction.	2007: Implement online volunteer forums and query sites to support volunteer growth and satisfaction.
Conduct Wiki/Online blog.	2010: Seek input from volunteers.

Objective 5: Create a volunteer assessment process.

Strategy	Timeline/Measure(s)
Create a volunteer assessment process for identifying volunteer impacts, needs, concerns, and desires.	2007–2012: Implement volunteer assessment process.

Objective 6: Re-evaluate program development processes in 4-H youth development with an emphasis on involving volunteers.

Strategy	Timeline/Measure(s)
Develop a volunteer feedback process for 4-H programs.	2007: Implement a volunteer feedback process for 4-H programs that is open and adaptable.
Expand volunteer model.	2008: Expand volunteer models to accommodate wider diversity of volunteer involvement and investment.
Develop and expand volunteer opportunities for FCS program support through train-the-trainer strategies.	2007: Develop regional strategies for supporting Master Clothing volunteer training with a focus on 4-H adult leaders. Use online lesson as appropriate.

Objective 7: Support and expand the Texas Cooperative Extension Youth Protection Standards to ensure a safe environment for youth.

Strategy	Timeline/Measure(s)
Develop a professional development program focused on risk management and youth protection standards.	2007–2012: All county Extension agents and specialists trained on volunteer management and Youth Protection Standards at New Faculty Orientation. 2008: Safe place training developed for volunteers and Extension faculty.

Objective 8: Develop a plan to promote the volunteer administrator role of county Extension agents.

Strategy	Timeline/Measure(s)
Recognize outstanding county Extension agents who are volunteer administrators.	2011-2012: Provide financial enhancement for outstanding volunteer administrators.

Table of Contents
Index of Programmatic Goals and Objectives

Youth

Goal 4: Focus on Quality Programs (4-H Curriculum): County Extension agents and volunteers (adults and youth) will generate, manage, and evaluate 4-H and youth development programs to identify current and emerging needs.

Statement of Support: Successful and effective 4-H and Youth Development Programs require development of program priorities and a faculty that works effectively on those identified priorities. Program objectives must be clearly defined, and faculty must be educationally sound and prepared in the philosophy and practice of youth development and youth programming. In concert with leadership development, priority program development will enhance both the outreach and impact of the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program.

Objective 1: Develop curriculum and prioritization.

Strategy	Timeline/Measure(s)
Establish two elective project tracks: 1) Research-based and fully supported programs by Extension. 2) Opportunities for youth to explore experiences independently as identified personally or in groups but without the expectation of directly available content support by Extension.	2007–2012: Prioritize and re-prioritize a list of 4-H projects that will be supported by research-based curriculum and other resources.

Objective 2: Develop curriculum addressing youth issues or interventions.

Strategy	Timeline/Measure(s)
Implement new 4-H After-School Clubs. Implement new leadership curriculum. Implement “Fun, Fit, and Fabulous”.	2007: Complete Yea 4-H After-School curriculum for grades 3-5.

Objective 3: Review 4-H project contents on a revolving timeframe with modifications as indicated by use, participation, and other factors.

Strategy	Timeline/Measure(s)
Establish a statewide committee of Extension faculty to review existing curricula and prioritize future curricula needs.	2007: Committee established.
Develop a five-year project review cycle including established processes for revision, expansion, addition, deletion, and/or support of all 98 4-H projects.	2007: Implement review cycle. 2009: Implement review cycle. 2011: Implement review cycle.

Objective 4: Identify key youth development issues and develop evaluation and research projects to implement based on these issues.

Strategy	Timeline/Measure(s)
Base priorities on Texas Community Futures Forum, staff insight on emerging issues, and other information on youth issues, and develop plans to address these concerns.	2007–2012: Regional Extension faculty trainings conducted on youth priority issues. 2007–2012: Support plans of work that address priority issues 2008: Conduct Texas 4-H and Youth Development Professional Summit for Extension faculty in priority areas. 2010: Conduct Texas 4-H and Youth Development Professional Summit for Extension faculty in priority areas.
Advancement of online evaluation system.	2008: Online evaluation systems will be expanded and enhanced to include outcomes and impacts as well as customer satisfactions.
Implement research projects.	2007–2012: Conduct research and literature reviews of current models and issues that are enhanced. 2008: Replicate the 1999 Impact Assessment structured around five major emphases, including service learning. 2009: Replicate the PYD Research Project comparing 4-H and non-4-H youth on risk factors.

Objective 5: Increase development of fiscal resources focused on the advancement of youth programs at all levels in the 4-H program.

Strategy	Timeline/Measure(s)
Establish a priority funding list for Texas 4-H programming to be executed by Texas 4-H Foundation Executive Director.	2008: Establish a priority funding list for 4-H program funding. 2010-2012: Establish a priority funding list for 4-H program funding.
Promote Texas 4-H Friends and Alumni Association membership for the purpose of supporting county programs.	2007–2012: 4-H Friends and Alumni membership enhanced by 25% each year.
Secure and continue funding partnerships to support the 4-H Conference Center.	2007–2012: Texas Extension Education Association (TEEA) = $6,000 annually.
Collaborate with Texas A&M Agriculture Building Committee to secure funding for Agriculture Building which will include space for Texas 4-H Foundation Executive Director and educational facility in College Station.	2007: Funding secured.

Objective 6: Increase 4-H faculty expertise by increasing the number of specialists with PhDs.

Strategy	Timeline/Measures(s)
Enable 4-H faculty members to enroll in university PhD programs.	2007–2012: Four faculty members will either complete PhDs or enroll in PhD programs.

Table of Contents
Index of Programmatic Goals and Objectives

Youth

Goal 5: Focus on Collaboration (Working with Others): County Extension agents and collaborators will build and maintain collaborations to positively impact limited resources, enabling outreach to broader audiences and greater impacts.

Statement of Support: 4-H and other youth-focused organizations can work jointly to develop strong programs reaching youth.

Objective 1: Develop memoranda of agreement/understanding with cooperating youth serving organizations, strengthening shared missions, values, and visions.

Strategy	Timeline/Measure(s)
Execute a memorandum of agreement with potential partners.	2007: Execute a memorandum of agreement with the Boys and Girls Clubs for Texas 4-H After-School programs. 2008: Execute a memorandum of agreement with the YMCA for Texas 4-H After-School programs. 2008–2012: Enable county Extension offices to serve as focal points bringing cooperating youth-serving agencies and organizations together to address local youth issues.

Table of Contents
Index of Programmatic Goals and Objectives

Youth

Goal 6: Focus on Diversity (4-H Expansion): Youth and volunteers of the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program will represent much more than skin color, cultures, social structures, ethnic lifestyles, norms, history, and language.

Statement of Support: Involvement of all youth is vital to the 4-H and Youth Development Program’s overall mission, values, and vision. 4-H programs must be open, secure, and supportive.

Objective 1: Expand participation within and across all 4-H membership units and leadership groups to reflect the demographics of Texas.

Strategy	Timeline/Measure(s)
Expand participation to reflect Texas demographics.	2007: Counties establish concrete objectives to expand youth and adult audiences. 2008–2012: Counties use after school programming to reach diverse audiences.
Establish youth and adult partnerships at state and county levels to promote diversity and outreach.	2007: Establish youth and county partnerships. 2008–2012: Establish County Governance Boards and collaborate with social service agencies to reach diverse audiences.
Implement more direct recruiting efforts to invite youth with disabilities to programs.	2007–2012: Youth with disabilities enroll in 4-H clubs. 2007–2012: Adults with disabilities enroll as volunteers.

Objective 2: Enhance diversity through proactive member and volunteer recruitment rather than by mandate.

Strategy	Timeline/Measure(s)
Work with military and social service agents to reach diverse audiences.	2009: Develop collaborations with military and social service agents to reach diverse audiences.

Objective 3: Increase adoption of entrepreneurial best practices in rural, impoverished communities among youth involved in business ownership and study.

Strategy	Timeline/Measure(s)
Develop, implement, and evaluate youth entrepreneurship programs in impoverished communities with social indicator statistics indicating high-risk youth.	2007: Implemented in four counties; external audiences trained at two Regional Education Centers; resource acquisition expanded by $100,000, as federal funds are available. 2008: Implemented in four counties; training in five additional counties; expanded resource acquisition by $100,000, as federal funds are available. 2009: Implemented in four counties; training in five additional counties; resource acquisition expanded by $100,000, as federal funds are available. 2010: Implemented in four counties. Project evaluated. Training in an additional 20 counties. * Contingent on continued grant funding.
Develop, implement, and evaluate entrepreneurial programming for small business owners, focusing on child and elder care businesses, and other specific audiences such as rural economic development agencies.	2007: Fee-based, entrepreneurial training completed and piloted on Web for target clientele. Customer satisfaction and learning outcomes evaluated. Participation benchmarked. 2008: Marketing strategies developed for agent promotion of Web-learning opportunities. 2009: E-commerce enrollment increases 15% from 2006 baseline. 2010: Entrepreneurial training enrollment increases 15% from 2007 baseline.

Table of Contents
Index of Programmatic Goals and Objectives

________________________________

Contact:

Edward G. Smith

Director

Texas Cooperative Extension

112 Jack K. Williams Administration Building

7101 TAMU

College Station, TX 77843-7101

Ph: 979-845-7967

Fax: 979-845-9542

September 2007