Academy Phase II – 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.

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Academy Phase I – Learning Content

Welcome to the Foundations of Positive Youth Development for Early 4-H Career Professionals Academy! We are so happy you are here!

Participants in this academy will explore the research base of positive youth development and the science of learning and development that inform everyday 4-H practice. Participants will learn how this research is reflected in the 4-H Thriving Model, and how the model is used to predict the way that 4-H has its positive impact on youth development. Participants will learn the critical elements of programs necessary to ensure a high quality and impactful PYD experience for youth. The final session will focus on application of PYD research to 4-H practice, with an emphasis on creating learning opportunities that are developmentally appropriate, inclusive, and intentional.

Please bookmark this page for future reference as it your portal to the academy sessions. The content for each of the five learning sessions can be accessed by clicking on the buttons below.

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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. Session recording and materials are available below. .

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Session Two: Facilitating Youth Sparks

This session introduces participants to the concept of youth sparks, which is one of the three critical aspects of a high-quality developmental context. Participants learn what youth sparks are, how they are connected to youth thriving, and how adults can help youth find their sparks. During the webinar session, hosted by two PYD champions, participants 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.

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Session Three: Fostering Developmental Relationships

This session provides 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 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.

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Session Four: Ensuring Program Quality and Belonging

This session provides 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 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.

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Session Five: Youth Engagement: Driving the Thriving

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.

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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.

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

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