Summary
Harris County 4-H students learn the value of doing for others. It has built up self-esteem and respect for others.
Situation
Researcher Diane Hedin indicates that the biggest problem students must overcome in school is a lack of motivation. Often the students have a sense of boredom that puts a gap between the curriculum and their everyday lives.
Response
Harris County 4-H is able to help fill the gap students often feel during the school day. 4-H offers monthly community service opportunities for the youth to participate in. They are able to have a real world response to help out the community around them. Not only does it help the ones intended to receive from the community service activity, but the students often experience an increased sense of self-efficacy and responsibility. They learn they can make a difference with what they do.
The students are expected to be responsible and bring the specific community service items to their classroom 4-H Club meeting. The club officers help remind the students in their class as well. Each club has a Community Service Leader elected as an officer for the year. This student is responsible for keeping up with who all participates in their club and collecting the items during the meeting. This is a big job that builds life skills and a sense of pride. The students receive reward points for participating that build up to prizes.
Another incentive for the clubs is to try to win the “4-H Banner Club of the Month” award. The top club can display the 4-H banner outside of their classroom for the following month. They win by having the most reward points per student.
Harris County 4-H has many community service opportunities for students outside of the classroom as well. There have been roadside cleanups, cleaning at the Ronald McDonald House, helping at the Harris County Cattlemen's Rodeo, local Food Drive carry out volunteer, and many more.
Impact
Over the past year students collected 169 pounds of aluminum pop-tabs for the Ronald McDonald House, 541 canned goods for local food drive, 435 pair of socks for the needy, 443 slightly used clothing items, 479 Christmas cards for Meals on Wheels recipients and 260 new school supply items for the Back to School Rush.
One hundred percent of the graduating 4-H member seniors were able to apply for Senior Superlative because of their community service through 4-H. This is an award based completely on the student doing community service throughout high school. The student must complete at least 100 hours of community service during high school.
Through community service students were able to take learning beyond the classroom. The director of Harris County Senior Center sent a thank you note stating, “The people we deliver meals to for the Meals on Wheels program look forward to the Christmas cards each week from 4-H'ers. It really brightens up their Christmas season”. Opportunities such as these offer enrichment and a great way for the youth to see how concepts they've learned work in the real world.
State Issue
Positive Development for Individuals, Families and Communities
Details
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Year:
2013
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Geographic Scope:
County
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County:
Harris
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Program Areas:
