Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCBC 062017 BackupPROVIDING POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT The St. Lucie County OF/IFAS Extension 4-H Youth Development Program uses a learn -by -doing approach to help youth gain the knowledge and skills they need to be responsible, productive citizens. This mission is accomplished by creating safe and inclusive environments, involving caring adults, and utilizing the expertise and resources of the University of Florida and the nationwide land gran university system. For more that 100 years, 4-H has been committed to the idea that youth 0 0 are the single strongest catalyst for change. Over 10,000 youth, ages 5-18, and more that 656 youth and adult volunteers make St Lucie County 4-H what it is today. After more than a year of gathering input from thousands of citizens across the state, Florida 4-H is focusing its future on the highest priority needs identified in the process: • Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (S.T.E.M) F • Healthy Lifestyles14 • Citizenship & Leadership A renewed focus will be on establishing 4-H clubs led by trained volunteers, broadening 4-H participation by valuing inclusiveness and increasing diversity so even more kids can benefit from a 4-H experience. e 1 0 R I D A 4-11 is the statewide youth development program of the University of Florida IFA$ Extension. The Universitv of Florida is An Equal Opportunity Institution What Does 4-H Offer Youth Today? 4-H Youth Make More Healthy Choices 4-H Members, regardless of their background, socio-economic status, race, or gender, thrive through health and safety they receive through 4-H programs. In fact, young people in 4-H are: • 2.4 times more likely to delay sexual intercourse by grade 11 • Have had siggificantly lower drug, alcohol and cigarette use than peers • 2.3 times more likely to exercise and be physically active 4-H Youth are Committed to Improving their Communities Grade 11 youth are 3.3 times more likely to actively contribute to their communities when compared with youth who did not participate. Ethnicity / Race of Youth in St. Lucie County 4-H Hispanic or Latino: 2,170 Asian: 54 Black or African American: 2,603 White: 5,969 More than one race: 54 The 4- Head Heart Health JW-H Pledge: "I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better liv- ing. For my club, my community, my country and my world. Want to know more? Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SLC4H or on the St. Lucie County OF/IFAS Extension website at stlucie.ifas.ufl.edu under 4-H Youth Development! I