Link to printable page

Jackson County Demonstration Site

Goals and Objectives

The central goal of the overall Oregon Outreach project is to increase access to community-based youth development programs for Latino youth. Specific goals and objectives have been developed to further define this central goal as it applies to Jackson County.

The list of goals and objectives is considered to be a working document and can be modified and refined as the project progresses. It is designed to communicate a shared understanding of the project's focus and content, keep program activities on target and consistent with the identified focus and content, and provide direction for assessing project outcomes. It further offers a resource to draw upon in developing plans of work, designing and evaluating curriculum, preparing supplemental funding proposals, recruiting potential collaborators, and soliciting community support.

The educational goals and objectives for the Jackson County demonstration site appear below. (For a summary of program results related to these goals and objectives, see Key Outcomes.)

Goals

Local needs and assets analysis led to the development of the following goals for 4-H outreach programming in Jackson County:

• Latino youth will develop skills and competencies that will enhance their school performance, facilitate their personal development, and prepare them for future jobs and careers.
• Latino youth will strengthen their cultural identity and appreciation of their cultural heritage.
• Latino youth will gain understanding and experience support that will enable them to envision a bright future for themselves.

Objectives

Educational objectives and supporting activities specifically identify how program goals will be locally addressed. As a result of participating in the 4-H outreach program in Jackson County, Latino youth will be expected to:

• Gain knowledge, skills, and experiences related to specific subject matter in which they have expressed interest.

  Supporting activities: Examples include 4-H clubs, camps, and other activities related to youth interests (technology, expressive arts, nutrition, natural resources, health, sports and exercise, social sciences, and career exploration).

• Increase their skills in technology and its applications. (E-mail, word processing, accessing the Internet, developing a web site, filming and editing video, GPS/GPI skills)

  Supporting activities: Video/photography clubs, multimedia youth projects, technology classes for youth and families, technology classes at camp.

• Enhance their cultural awareness and strengthen their cultural identity.

  Supporting activities: Cultural dance/music/art clubs and programs; planning and/or participating in cultural activities at camp, school, or in the community; learning about issues that resonate in the Latino community; exploring Latino history, geography, and culture through recreational, educational, and artistic activities at camp or in culture clubs; participating in cultural celebrations; working with mentors, teachers, leaders, and older youth who are role models in the Latino community.

• Develop a positive sense of self and positive aspirations for their future.

  Supporting activities: Activities that provide an environment that reinforces growth and offers opportunities for youth to (a) be successful learners and role models, (b) participate in meaningful experiences, (c) see themselves as valuable community resources, (d) express pride in their ethnic identity, and/or (e) experience a positive relationship with an adult role model from their own culture.

Capacity-building objectives are designed to develop and strengthen critical components for planning, creating, and delivering outreach programs and opportunities that promote positive development for Latino youth and families. As a result of outreach efforts, the 4-H program in Jackson County will:

• Increase the number of youth from various ethnic backgrounds (particularly Latino) involved in 4-H programs.

  Supporting activities: Work with schools, after school programs, and the Jackson County Housing Authority to access Latino youth and promote and conduct programs; educate schools, agencies, and organizations about opportunities 4-H can offer Latino youth; and raise overall awareness of 4-H opportunities available to Latino youth through posters, displays, and presentations at community celebrations, schools, churches, and the county fair.

• Increase the number of adult volunteers from diverse ethnic backgrounds who are recruited, trained, and supported to lead 4-H program efforts.

  Supporting activities: Network with other agencies, schools, and individuals to identify potential adult volunteers; team up with volunteers and local groups to organize events that involve Latino volunteers and celebrate Latino culture; contact previously enrolled Latino volunteers and re-enroll them as 4-H leaders.

• Develop funding systems to support outreach programs and staff.

  Supporting activities: Seek out grant opportunities to expand program dollar support; tap into the business community through applications, letters of request, and personal contacts inviting support and involvement in 4-H outreach programming.

Updated March 2006