- 4-H animal projects develop strong character, ethics and life skills
Middle and high school students who care for animals as part of UW-Extension 4-H projects gain skills that benefit them for a lifetime — accepting responsibility, communicating effectively, developing relationships, making decisions, organizing their work, setting and achieving goals — all grounded in the strong technical knowledge and values they acquire during their years of participation.
- ACT preparatory course builds confidence of Hmong students planning to take their college entrance exams
Students of Hmong descent who completed an ACT preparation course at UW-Marathon County say the class helped them feel more confident about taking their college entrance examinations. Those with the lowest English and reading scores on simulated tests at the onset of the class were often able to improve their scores significantly on course post-tests. The 18 students who subsequently reported taking the ACT in April 2004 performed better on average than their Hmong peers who received no ACT training.
- ACT Together eases the transition to college for Hmong students and their families
Preparing for post-secondary education can be stressful for any student, but teens of Hmong descent often face even greater pressures. To smooth the way for 29 area Hmong students, UW-La Crosse offered a six-week ACT test strategy course in the spring of 2007. In conjunction with the course, students and their families had opportunities to tour the campus, meet with student services and admissions, and attend a panel discussion about college life. Most students completing the course increased their ACT practice test scores, and they report feeling more interested in and prepared for college. Parents who participated say they better understand the demands of the admissions process and of their integral role in helping their child transition from high school to college.
- Annual youth entrepreneur camp fosters entrepreneurial spirit
An entrepreneurial camp sponsored by the UW-Extension Small Business Development Center on the UW-Madison campus teaches youth how to start a business. The day-camp fosters entrepreneurial spirit by building skills in management, communication, team-building, and business etiquette. Students also learn how to negotiate for materials and recognize business opportunities.
- Apprentice Program gives Milwaukee Latino youth real world work experience
The UW-Milwaukee Apprentice Program gives Latino youth the opportunity to compete for and hold internships in fields that interest them. But the 29 students who participated in the experience in its first year say they learned even more than job skills: every student reports learning about academic opportunities available to them that will help increase their prospects for the future. Moreover, nearly every participant says he or she now feels more confident about applying for college and financial aid. Two students even received scholarships from their internship employers. A diversity program grant from University of Wisconsin-Extension helped make the program possible.
- Become a Young Entrepreneur (BYE)
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Continuing Education’s College for Teens Program partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee and Wells Fargo Bank to provide teens from the Boys & Girls Club with a unique, hands-on experience in entrepreneurship. They participated in a program that educated them on the post-secondary path necessary to become a successful business owner. The curriculum for “Become a Yong Entrepreneur” was formulated around materials published by Youngbiz, a nationally based organization whose mission is to empower youth with entrepreneurial, business, and financial skills through innovative education and real-world experience. Students worked in teams to develop and present a business plan.
- College Credit in the high school classroom benefits students and schools
more than 6300 high school students have gotten a head start on their college degrees. The program provides opportunities for academically qualified students to receive credit for completing coursework that’s likely not available to them in their high schools. In a survey of participants from 2005, 100 percent of respondents reported that their CCIHS experience positively affected their later achievement in college. School districts benefit, too, by receiving university support in their talented and gifted programs.
- Creativity flourishes with 4-H Arts and Communication Program
A new study shows that 4-H Arts and Communication Program participants build strong technical know-how, confidence and self esteem. Younger children use feedback from project leaders and fair judges to improve their work. Experienced youth report they value teaching younger members, working with supportive adults and trying new things — letting their creativity flourish. More than 80 4-H arts and communications programs reached about 19,000 youth in 2006.
- EXPLORE program helps migrant children achieve in school
UW-Stevens Point's EXPLORE program helps children of migrant workers in central Wisconsin set learning goals, succeed academically, and explore colleges and careers. Through enrichment activities, academic tutoring, and computer-based English tutorials, students keep up with school work so they can meet academic expectations at their grade level. Elementary and junior high school students are introduced to career choices and taught how higher education can help them achieve occupational goals. In 2005, 57 students participated in the program.
- Fire science camps teach youth about safety, careers in emergency services, and the value of a college education
For generations, children have aspired to be fire-fighters and interest has grown in recent years. But most of these potential emergency response professionals aren’t aware of the skills and education they need to qualify for these jobs. UW-Oshkosh’s Office of Continuing Education and Extension offers two popular summer camps that introduce young men and women to emergency response-related careers. An impressive 100% of participants in 2005 say the program gave them a better understanding of their career choices, with 99% reporting improved proficiency in firefighting, teamwork, and leadership skills. The program—which places special emphasis on attracting girls, students of color, and economically disadvantaged youth—also teaches the value of obtaining a post-secondary education.
- GMSO is a GEM for STEM
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education plays a critical role in the country’s ability to remain an economic and technological leader in the global marketplace. Yet student scores for science and math literacy are lower in America than in many OECD countries (Organization for Economic Cooperation & Development, an intergovernmental organization of 30 member countries). This situation is more complex for American girls, who often think boys can do better in science and math. Strategies to address this challenge must be innovative and girl focused, targeted at grades 6, 7 and 8, and should feature female professionals in STEM careers. To this aim, in 2008 the fourth annual Girls + Math + Science = Opportunities (GMSO) conference was held at UW-Fond du Lac.
- Green Bay area agencies team up to promote school success among Latino and Native American youth
A year-long UW-Green Bay initiative encouraged area Latino, Oneida, and Menominee teens to succeed in school and to plan for their academic futures. The Green Bay School District, the Oneida Youth Educational Services (YES) Program, and the College of Menominee Nation, teamed up to create two distinct programs appropriate to the needs of each student group. As a result, 90 percent of participating Latino youth say they are likely to attend college or technical school after high school, representing a 30 percent increase from student plans before the project. Menominee and Oneida teens were also inspired by the project, and important connections between the university and tribal officials were established that will help teens meet their higher education goals.
- Health career project for Hmong youth addresses a workforce shortage
At the same time, this population shift presents an opportunity. Officials at UW-Stevens Point realized that if newly relocated Hmong youth were recruited to health care jobs, these same youths could later treat their aging community members. Consequently, the Hmong Health Career Exploration project was developed to encourage Hmong teens to consider medical careers. Nineteen Hmong youth participated in the project’s hands-on workshops for a week in the summer of 2006. After completing the program, most indicated an interest in attending college and in pursuing medical training. Follow-up studies show that continued outreach may be necessary to sustain participants’ interest through high school.
- Hearing misdemeanor cases of their peers in Teen Court curbs repeat offenses
In 41 Wisconsin counties, teenagers who paint graffiti or are truant appear before a jury of their peers who "sentence" them to community service, classes, or letters of apology. Marinette County jurors find this such a positive experience that they assign offenders to serve as teen court jurors. Those simply charged a small fine in traditional juvenile court return for later offenses in far greater numbers than those held accountable by their peers
- Middle school girls encouraged to pursue math and science careers in Fond du Lac
Young girls often don''t see themselves pursuing math or science-related careers. But that changed for middle school girls who took part in the second annual UW-Fond du Lac Girls + Math + Science = Opportunities conference where they gained confidence in their potential to excel in those subjects. The conference, which since 2005 has tallied an enrollment of 356 area girls, receives vast support from community agencies and organizations. Among the event collaborators both years were a team of middle school girls.
- Rock County youth, S.T.E.M. program sows the seeds of interest in science and math careers
In today’s technology-driven marketplace, institutions of higher education need to attract students to careers in mathematics and the sciences. A UW-Rock County workshop held in 2006 sparked area middle school students’ interest in science, technology, engineering and math (or S.T.E.M.). As an early step towards recruiting youth to the fields, eighty-two percent of participating students said they would consider pursuing a career in math or science; compared to only 45 percent of those surveyed prior to the event. A UW-Extension grant enabled S.T.E.M. administrators to make a special effort to enroll students of color and economically disadvantaged students, two groups typically under-represented in advanced math and science courses. Partnerships developed through the grant have helped to expand the program and broaden its impact.
- Superior Days uses grass roots approach to community development
Spurred by economic stress, Douglas County residents took their concerns directly to the state Legislature in 1986, launching Superior Days under UW-Extension guidance. For 20 years, this model of participatory democracy has fledged community partnerships working toward common goals. Now, 8 neighboring counties enjoy safer highways, greater access to health care, and up-to-date infrastructure supporting education, aquatic research and commerce.
- Training partnership improves youth and family services in Superior community
Northwood Children's Services in northern Wisconsin is a national leader in training social services providers and educators who work with youth in need of special services. By teaming up with UW-Superior's Center for Continuing Education/Extension, they've provided university level training for 68 persons, resulting in a more qualified and competent workforce that is more responsive to the special needs of youth in the social services system. The Youth and Family Services Certificate program gives professionals comprehensive knowledge and skills to use when working with children and their families. Participants have been able to use the information in their jobs, some have made changes in policy or decision-making, and many have received increased responsibilities or promotions as a result of their training.
- UW-Milwaukee's Career Paths Program is an early step to a college degree for participating Latino youth
Latino teens participating in a UW-Milwaukee College for Teens program say the experience influenced their outlook for the future. They report giving more consideration to their vocational options and say they are more likely to think about setting academic goals that will help them enter into a chosen field. The UW-Milwaukee School of Continuing Education partnered with the Milwaukee Latino Community Center for the week-long event.
- While bettering their own lives, 4-H youth contribute to Wisconsin communities
For more than a century, Wisconsin has been a leader in 4-H youth development. Statewide, the program touches the lives of 37,000 4-H club members, who benefit from its leadership training and community-building experiences. Another 85,000 participate each year in special interest and school enrichment programs organized by 4-H, while 7,000 attend multi-day programs at Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center in Wisconsin Dells. Through these programs, youth participants gain access to learning opportunities, educational materials, and leadership training that they are not likely to obtain elsewhere. In turn, 4-H youth give back to their communities. For example, Wisconsin 4-H clubs conduct five community service projects on average annually.
- Wisconsin Regional Teen Institute teaches youth civic responsibility
Research shows that the more young people become engaged in their communities, the more everyone benefits. Wisconsin Regional Teen Institute (WRTI) brings teams of youth from across the state together, training and motivating them to serve as local agents of change. Teams work cooperatively to determine what their own communities most need and then create action plans specific to those needs. Eighty-four percent of the teams trained in 2003 completed plans that addressed school climate, substance abuse or other important issues. Ultimately, participants not only acquire the skills essential to working with others, they also learn how to succeed in their individual lives.
