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West Virginia is a diverse state where the needs of youth are great. In a recent issues identification process carried out in town meetings in all 55 counties, over half of the concerns related to youth. Comparative data relating to these concerns include low per capita income, high rate of children living in poverty, low high school graduation rates, low postsecondary education participation, teen pregnancy, and high unemployment in many rural counties.

Current programs include 4-H youth development with:

•  an enrollment of 44,000 youth
•  7,600 adult volunteers who serve as leaders and mentors in youth programs
•  collaboration in after-school programs
•  school enrichment programs
•  international programs
•  summer learning programs, camping, and collaboration with schools and communities

Meeting the needs of youth is critical in educational programming. Involving older adults, young families, and youth in action learning is instrumental in developing infrastructure for sustaining families and communities. Multidisciplinary program teams are necessary to develop comprehensive approaches to youth development. Collaboration with WVU academic colleges and departments and state agencies such as those for health and human resources and education will be necessary to fulfill the mission of the Program Center.

THE 4-H VISION

4-H�A world leader in developing youths to become productive citizens and catalysts for positive change to meet the needs of a diverse and changing society.

THE 4-H VALUE SET

We believe in these values.

Youth development is the focus of everything we do and that 4-H allows individuals to unlock their potential through:

•  active involvement in self-determination of their learning activities,
•  quality experiences that stimulate skills for living and lifelong learning,
•  relationships that empower people to voluntarily help themselves and each other, and
•  interaction with caring adults and peers to create a positive family-like support system.

Partnerships are essential in successful youth development for:

•  resource development,
•  program innovation,
•  delivery capabilities,
•  creating and delivering caring environments, and
•  access to research-based knowledge.

Volunteerism is fundamental to:

•  delivering quality programs,
•  developing adult educational capacity, and
•  teaching youth to volunteer.

Diversity strengthens the ability of 4-H to:

•  develop positive values among program participants in today's global society,
•  develop and deliver quality educational experiences, and
•  provide opportunities for program involvement regardless of economic, social, culture, age, disability, or gender.

THE 4-H MISSION

4-H Youth Development Education Program creates supportive environments for culturally diverse youths and adults to reach their fullest potential. In support of this mission we will:

•  provide formal and non-formal community-focused experiential learning,
•  develop skills that benefit youth throughout life,
•  foster leadership and volunteerism in youths and adults,
•  build internal and external partnerships for programming and funding,
•  strengthen families and communities, and
•  use research-based knowledge and the land grant university system.

Achievement of this mission will result in capable, competent, and caring citizens. Adopted by National 4-H Council, September 1992. Adopted by the West Virginia University Center for 4-H and Youth, Family, and Adult Development, June 1993.