Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** identification of extension…

Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** identification of extension problem/opportunity to be addressed - there is always a strong need for both higher education and schools to rethink how we educate students. Revolutionary changes in the biological sciences, expansion of the information age, and the emergence of the global economy, have forced universities and schools to look for ways to prepare students to better handle rapid change, to make appropriate life and career choices, to enhance life-long learning, to be creative problem solvers, and to welcome cultural diversity. In addition, universities are being challenged to return to their roots and not only prepare students for careers, but prepare them for life as responsible, fully contributing citizens. Universities are to assist schools in doing the same. Finally, universities are being challenged to engage and demonstrate their relevance in today's world by using their resources to address community and society needs. In an age where many people still do not understand agriculture or where their food comes from, or do not spend enough time in nature to understand the complexities of a wetland or a forest, IT is vitally important for schools of family and consumer sciences and colleges of agriculture and extension to engage. One way in which a university can help prepare students for a rapidly changing world, increase students' sense of civic responsibility and engage with the community is through the development and implementation of high quality 4-h youth development programs, which will build a bridge or connection from schools to colleges for continuous growth and development of youth.how and by whom the focus and scope of the project were determined - with middle and high school drop-out rates, poor academic performance, the use of drugs and alcohol, and teenage pregnancy at their highest in years, and juvenile delinquency reaching overwhelming proportions in the target area of this grant (franklin county, kentucky), the young people of this county are becoming increasingly at-risk of failing in society and life.expected short-term outcomes include increased structure in the mentoring match and increased skills of mentors to work with disadvantaged youth. Intermediate outcomes include a more positive attitude of youth about school and learning, increased youth self-confidence and ability to avoid drugs and at-risk behavior, and increased ability of parents to support the match. Progress will be measured by pre/post testing, mentee surveys, and school/parent/mentor surveys or reports. Process evaluation will be used to understand how the program functions and can be improved in design and implementation. Summative evaluation will be used to assess overall program outcomes.?after data has been analyzed, the evaluation team will present results each quarter to the university, deans and directors, land grant administrators, and community partners for review and feedback. The PI is experienced with submitting progress and, final reports in the nifa reeport portal, and he will prepare and submit an annual report to nifa each year summarizing project results and outcomes