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Washington County Demonstration Site

Goals and Objectives

The central goal of the overall Oregon 4-H Outreach project is to expand the participation of Latino children and families in educational programming that focuses on the development of knowledge, skills, and competencies that will lead to roles as participating, productive, and caring adults. Specific educational goals and objectives have been developed at each demonstration site to further define the central goal as it applies to local needs and assets.

The list of educational 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 or evaluating curriculum materials, preparing supplemental funding proposals, recruiting potential collaborators, and soliciting community support.

The educational goals and objectives for Washington County 4-H Outreach appear below. (For a summary of program results related to these goals and objectives, see key outcomes.)

Goals

Discussion of the findings from the local needs and assets analysis led to the development of three goals for 4-H Outreach programming in Washington County:

• Latino youth will develop skills and competencies that will enhance their school performance and facilitate their involvement in community service.

• Latino youth will strengthen their cultural identity and their appreciation of intergenerational relationships.

• Latino youth will gain understanding and experience support that will enable them to envision a bright future for themselves.

Objectives

Project goals are being addressed using the following objectives to design, deliver, and evaluate the educational programs being offered. Examples of learning activities supporting each objective are also listed.

Program participants will be expected to:

• Increase their skills in computer technology and its applications.

  Supporting activities: Tech Wizards begin with foundational work in the use of the Internet, e-mail, and web page construction then progress to digital video technology and GPS/GIS spatial technology. High-tech mentors and instructors work with youth in after-school classes where youth engage in real-life learning related to technological applications. Day camp participants learn and practice basic computer skills in a variety of applications.

• Gain knowledge, skills, and experience relating to career opportunities in business and technology.

  Supporting activities: All three phases of Tech Wizards include units on careers in computer science and technology and participants are involved in real-life learning projects. For example, students create web pages for local businesses, learning about marketing, time lines, contracts, budgets, and generating income.

• Learn and practice decision making, problem solving, and goal setting skills.

  Supporting activities: The first phase of Tech Wizards introduces a decision making model and also addresses the related areas of problem solving and goal setting. Each student selects a goal to achieve and is supported by a mentor throughout the learning process. Advanced levels include more specialized information and application opportunities. In the video phase, for example, students work in teams to set goals, make production and design decisions, and solve problems relating to team activities.

• Expand their participation in community service activities.

  Supporting activities: Tech Wizards at all levels have opportunities for service, with the support of adult mentors. For example, they teach younger students basic computer skills, volunteer at local libraries and community resource centers to teach basic computer skills to Latino patrons, and have been involved as resources in the Cyber Seniors/Cyber Teens program.

• Enhance their cultural awareness and strengthen their cultural identity.

  Supporting activities: As part of the Tech Wizards curriculum, students discuss culturally-related issues such as the attributes of a positive role model in their culture (with implications for being a mentor), the importance of volunteerism in a multicultural environment (with implications for service), and the value of intergenerational relationships (with implications for mentoring contacts between adults and youth). Video study guides focus on various aspects of Latino culture and issues faced by Latino youth and families. The Summer Day Camp explores Latino history, geography, and culture through recreational, educational, and artistic activities.

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

  Supporting activities: Self esteem is a complex concept not entirely understood. Current thinking, however, links the development of positive self esteem with a variety of contributing factors reinforcing growth and affirming positive attributes. Both Tech Wizards and the Summer Day Camp offer a package of supportive activities providing opportunities for youth to be successful learners and role models, participate in meaningful experiences, see themselves as valuable community resources, express pride in their ethnic identity, and experience a positive relationship with an adult role model from their own culture.

• Stay in school, graduate, and enroll in post-secondary education.

  Supporting activities: Tech Wizards are referred to the program by school personnel, but participation is voluntary. (Although the program avoids labeling, these students might be described as "moderately-at-risk".) Tech Wizards addresses at-risk behavior by providing opportunities for alternate activities focusing on positive youth development. Improved school performance is encouraged through activities supporting, reinforcing, and extending classroom learning. Discussion of employment and career opportunities with parents and participants generates and sustains interest in completing school.

Updated March 2006