Sponsor: Communications & Public Relations
Title
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Agreement with the University of Minnesota and Ramsey County for 4-H Youth Development Programs
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Recommendation
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1. Approve an agreement with the Regents of the University of Minnesota on behalf of its Extension unit, 240 Coffey Hall, St. Paul, MN 55108, for 4-H Youth Development programs for the term January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2023, in the amount of $180,000 per year.
2. Authorize the Chair and Chief Clerk to execute the agreement.
3. Authorize the County Manager to approve and execute amendments to agreement in accordance with the provisions of the agreement, provided the amounts are within the limits of available funding.
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Background and Rationale
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4-H Youth Development Program (4-H) is delivered in a county-based funding model across the state of Minnesota. This historical partnership between University of Minnesota Extension and counties has allowed the rich resources at the University and in local communities to be exchanged for greater understanding and benefit.
4-H is a positive youth development program for young people of all beliefs and backgrounds in grades K-13, empowering them with skills to lead for a lifetime. Through hands-on non-formal learning experiences, young people engage with peers and caring adults to develop a spark for learning while nurturing and growing their leadership, civic engagement and life skills.
4-H programs have higher intensity, duration and sustained involvement than other youth programs. 4-H participants have better school attendance, grades and test scores, work habits and interpersonal skills.
In Ramsey County, the 4-H Youth Development program:
● Supports hundreds of member youth from across Ramsey County and their engagement in 4-H clubs, camps, showcases and other 4-H learning experiences. This includes recruitment, screening and training of well over 150 volunteers, interns and partners to support these youth experiences.
• Partners with Ramsey County Library to offer enrichment experiences for young people.
● Builds sustainable funding out of the 4-H Ramsey County Leaders’ Council that supports Ramsey County 4-H youths’ participation in the larger 4-H program and reduces barriers to participation.
● Provides youth worker training and technical assistance to youth-serving organizations.
Funding was approved under the Communications & Public Relations budget for fiscal years 2020-2021 to provide extension programs locally, relating to 4-H Youth Development Program and the employment of Extension staff. In early 2020 the County Manager executed an agreement between Ramsey County and the University of Minnesota.
This new agreement in support of the 4-H program, aligns with the Ramsey County vision to support, “a vibrant community where all are valued and thrive” by creating youth learning experiences in partnership with Ramsey County departments.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☒ Prosperity ☒ Opportunity ☐ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
The partnership with Ramsey County and 4-H Youth Development spanning many years has focused on providing programming to better reach the needs of the community with a special focus to successfully serve youth of color. Youth of color currently comprise nearly 50% of those served through 4-H programming in Ramsey County. Read more about 4-H youth and caring adult participants and their experiences and view program data through ramseycounty.us/Extension.
Community Participation Level and Impact
4-H and Ramsey County’s partnership over the years has led to positive youth development outcomes that contributes back to the community. Youth are empowered and encouraged to utilize their strengths and assets to solve problems, complete projects, volunteer and explore. 4-H focuses on an intentional approach to engage diverse youth populations in a nonformal learning environment where young people can try new things in an unrestrictive setting This helps create positive relationships and opportunities for growth. Positive and thriving youth are better equipped to make wise decisions and grow up to be contributing adults that have a positive impact on their communities. Each opportunity, whether a 4-H club or an afterschool program, is led by caring adult volunteers. 4-H clubs provide a space for youth to meet regularly to explore interest, develop leadership skills and build relationships with other youth and families in the county.
Also, community partner sites allow Ramsey County 4-H to meet young people where they are at and facilitate after-school and evening programming focused on the interests of the youth.
☐ Inform ☐ Consult ☒ Involve ☒ Collaborate ☒ Empower
Fiscal Impact
Funds are available in the proposed 2022-23 Communications & Public Relations budget.
County Manager Comments
No additional comments.
Last Previous Action
None.
Attachments
1. Agreement with the University of Minnesota and Ramsey County for 4-H Youth Development Programs