4-H Youth and Development
Our 4-H program provides a creative a supportive environment in which culturally diverse youth and adults can reach their full potential. Our local county program works to develop life skills to help young people become self-directed, productive citizens. We also work to empower adult volunteers who multiply the efforts of our local county Extension staff.
Of the nearly 52, 000 people residing in Otero County New Mexico, a large proportion (approximately 21%) fall between the ages of 6 and 19 years. Because of an increasing population, the realization that local schools cannot teach everything, and the fact that the interests and goals of youth and their parents differ from one family to the next, there is an ever-increasing demand for hands-on programs that teach youth practical life skills. Quality educational programs in communication, leadership, self-esteem, personal development, animal science, plant science, natural science, engineering, and diversified subject matter should prepare the youth of Otero County for their future employment and life challenges. By offering youth and their families hands-on educational experiences through the 4-H program that are grounded in sound, research based principals, local youth will acquire a lifelong advantage in achieving this success.
Expanded 4-H Programming
Of the nearly 52, 000 people residing in Otero County New Mexico, a large proportion (approximately 21%) fall between the ages of 6 and 19 years. Of these youth, approximately 44.2% are minority. Within the local 4-H program, however, only 25% of the active members are minorities. Also, over the past 20 years, the percentage of minorities as compared to Anglo within the county has been slowly increasing. Otero county ranks high in negative indicators for these young people – crime, poverty, teen birth rate, and single parent families. By targeting these youth and providing quality educational programs in communication, leadership, self-esteem, personal development, animal science, plant science, natural science, engineering, and other diversified subject matter areas, the Otero County Extension Service could prepare these youth for their future employment and life challenges. By offering youth and their families hands-on educational experiences through the 4-H program that are grounded in sound, research based principals and which facilitate family and cultural ties, local youth will acquire a lifelong advantage in achieving this success.
Volunteers
There are currently 88 registered adult volunteers in the 4-H program in Otero County (1999). These volunteers allow the Cooperative Extension Service to reach the youth of Otero County with quality research based programs. The number of volunteer leaders in Otero County is the number one limitation to the number of 4-H youth the program can successfully accommodate. The skills of these leaders have an influence on the quality of the 4-H learning experience. Leader recruitment, training, and retention programs are much needed in Otero County.