2023 Foundations of Positive Youth Development for Early Career 4-H Professionals

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Academy Tuition

Full tuition for the academy is $500 ($375 for Phase One only)

Participants are encouraged to complete both phases for maximum benefit.

The actual cost of the academy is $1,500, which is being partially underwritten by generous sponsors

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Session One: Introduction to Positive Youth Development and the 4-H Thriving Model

This session introduces participants to each other and to the research base of positive youth development (PYD) and how that research is reflected in the 4-H Thriving Model. Self-paced learning assignments include academy welcome and introduction activities, information on the history and development of the 4-H Thriving Model, and the historical application of social science in 4-H programs. During the live webinar session, hosted by two 4-H PYD Champions, participants will learn more about the 4-H Thriving model with time for questions about and reflections on the learning in Session One.

Virtual Learning Content Open October 16 (4 hours, self-paced)

Live Webinar Sessions: Tuesday October 24 OR Thursday October 26 (2 hours)

12PM – 2PM ET

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Session Two: Facilitating Youth Sparks

This session will introduce participants to the concept of youth sparks, which is one of the three critical aspects of a high-quality developmental context. Participants will learn what youth sparks are, how they are connected to youth thriving, and how adults can help youth find their sparks. During the live webinar session, hosted by two PYD champions, participants will experience the Sparks module of the PYD curriculum, a curriculum that they can then use to train volunteers and teen leaders on the concept of Sparks.

Virtual Learning Content Open October 23 (4 hours, self-paced)

Live Webinar Sessions: Tuesday October 31 OR Thursday November 2 (2 hours)

12PM – 2PM ET

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Session Three: Fostering Developmental Relationships

This session will provide an in-depth look into developmental relationships between youth and adults, learning why relationships are so important in youth development and why they are more than just “being there” for young people. During the live webinar session, hosted by two PYD champions, participants will experience the Developmental Relationship module of the PYD curriculum, a curriculum that they can then use to train volunteers and teen leaders on the concept of Developmental Relationships.

Virtual Learning Content Open October 31 (4 hours, self-paced)

Live Webinar Sessions: Tuesday November 7 OR Thursday November 9 (2 hours)

12PM – 2PM ET

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Session Four: Ensuring Program Quality and Belonging

This session will provide a framework that outlines the eight key indicators of a high-quality youth-development program, with a particular focus on youth belonging. Participants will understand the essential and positive role that a sense of belonging plays in youth development. During the live webinar session, hosted by two PYD champions, participants will experience the Program Quality module of the PYD curriculum, a curriculum that they can then use to train volunteers and teen leaders on the concept of program quality and youth belonging.

Virtual Learning Content Open November 6 (4 hours, self-paced)

Live Webinar Sessions: Tuesday November 14 OR Thursday November 16 (2 hours)

12PM – 2PM ET

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Session Five: Driving the Thriving from Theory to Practice

In this session we begin to build the bridge from research to practice, integrating what has been learned so far into three important aspects of 4-H youth development practice: (1) developmentally appropriate practice through the lens of ages and stages of youth development; (2) diversity and culture awareness; and (3) youth engagement. During the live webinar session participants will apply what is learned to program decision making and celebrate the impact that 4-H has on helping youth thrive.

Virtual Learning Content Open November 27 (4 hours, self-paced)

Live Webinar Sessions: Tuesday December 5 OR Thursday December 7 (2 hours)

12PM – 2PM ET

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Phase Two: Application Learning Circles

Learning the theory of positive youth development, and the research upon which it is built is only the beginning! For if what is learned is not turned into practice, then the outcomes we know are possible for youth won’t happen. The application learning circles of the PYD Foundations Academy will provide support and guidance as participants take what they have learned and put it to work in the real world of 4-H Youth Development practice.

Application learning circles consist of small groups of approximately eight academy participants that meet for five monthly sessions (December to April) with a learning circle facilitator. Guided by the interests of participants, the learning circles will encourage the application of learning to specific aspects of 4-H programming. Participants will learn from and support each other as each works toward a specific application goal or project over the five month period.

The schedule for the 90-minute learning circles is listed below. There are three group times available each month (A, B and C). Because the learning circle is a small community that works together across sessions, participants must stay with the same learning circle group (A, B, or C) month to month. Depending on enrollment there may be more than one group taking place at the same time.

You will be offered the opportunity to select your preferred group time, but those cannot be guaranteed. You only be participating in one learning circle per month.

All learning circles take place from 12:00pm to 1:30 pm ET on the dates below:

(11am- 12:30pm; Central; 10am – 11:30am Mountain; 9am to 10:30 am Pacific)