Link to printable page

Washington County Demonstration Site

Key Program Outcomes

A summary of key program outcomes for the Washington County 4-H Outreach Project appears below. The outcomes relate to the central goal of the Oregon Outreach project and the specific goals and objectives developed to address local needs and capitalize on local assets. Reported below are key outcomes reflecting activities from October 2004 to September 2005. For more information on Tech Wizard accomplishments, check the project website, www.4-HTechWizards.org.

Primary Outcomes

Learning related to technology. 96% of the Tech Wizards demonstrated mastery of all (100%) of the technological competencies outlined in the skill sets for the level in which they were enrolled. These included all 30 competencies listed for those enrolled in basic foundational work (use of the Internet; e-mail and web page instruction); all 45 competencies for those in video and media production; and all 12 competencies related to Lego Robotics and GPS/GIS participation. Mentors observed and recorded student accomplishments in skills acquisition logs for each curriculum level. The 96% mastery rate is similar that reported in previous years of the program.

Community service activities. 100% of the Tech Wizards (n = 50) individually volunteered 15 hours of service in real-world projects, using their technology learning to benefit the larger community. The real-world projects included teaching senior citizens computer literacy through the CyberSeniors/CyberTeens program, teaching elementary and middle school youth during summer technology day camps, creating bilingual web sites for local businesses, and using GIS technologies to help a local school district establish safe walk zones and a local wildlife preserve to map trails and wildlife. The 100% rate of completion is also characteristic of previous years of the project.

Awareness of opportunities in higher education and careers. 100% of Tech Wizards participated in field trips or other learning activities related to higher education and careers in math, science, and technology. This level of participation is similar to that in previous years of the project.

School retention, graduation, and higher education. 96% of the Tech Wizards in grades 9-11 completed their current grade level and advanced to the next level and 100% of the Tech Wizards in grade 12 are now high school graduates. This compares to a 43% graduation rate for Latino students statewide. 90% of these graduates have enrolled in college math, science, or technology related fields. These retention, graduation, and higher education rates are similar to those reported in previous years of the program.

Secondary Outcomes

Family involvement. Families of Tech Wizards have expressed pride that their children are a resource to the community and provide positive role models as they mentor peers and family groups. Schools have reported that because of the encouragement and involvement parents have received through the Tech Wizard project, more parents have taken an active role in interacting with the schools concerning student academic performance. Families also have been encouraging siblings to participate in the program. In addition, more family groups have come to the community computer labs to learn together about computers and the Internet. Parents and families have had fun together at the 4-H Summer Day Camps and have shared common cultural interests. Parents have also become aware of additional programs available to their youth.

Community collaboration. 4-H Tech Wizards is supported by a partnership of more than 20 community-based non-profit organizations and schools. All partnering organizations contribute significant in-kind resources, institutionalize as many aspects of the program as possible, and use grants to support the balance of the resource needs. The Washington County 4-H Leaders Association Board of Directors, guided by a strategic and comprehensive fund development plan, is in its third year of conducting fundraising efforts to support 4-H Tech Wizards as its top strategic priority.

Updated 2006