Objectives:

• Coordinate educational programs and opportunities for limited resource children and families in the Bootheel to improve their quality of life.
   
• Collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies, state specialists, and community leaders to provide services and resources to the underserved populations in the Bootheel by partnering and securing extramural funds.

Summary: 

Youth Programs:

• After School Tutorial Program
  One of our goals was to provide after school tutorial programs for at-risk youth in grades 1^st- 5^th in various communities throughout the Bootheel. The after school tutoring program components consisted of homework assistance, computer skills training, character education, and individualized tutoring.  Over 200 students participated in the programs.
• October fest
  Health fair designed to educate youth on nutrition, fitness, and the dangers of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
• Field Day
  Culmination of educational workshops on a variety of topics, talent show, and entertainment for all ages.
• Black History Program
  Educational program on the accomplishments and struggles of African-Americans.
• Teen Talk
  Weekly program that allows teenagers to express themselves freely on different topics.
• Fall into Fall
  A  back-to-school rally to prepare students for the upcoming school year.
• Summer Camp
  A  partnership with YMCA, Mission Missouri, Weed & Seed, and DAEOC to provide fitness and health, character development, arts and crafts, self-esteem building, recreation, and field trips for 5 weeks.

Small Farm Family Conference:
This Conference is designed to educate limited resource and small farmers and their families on alternative productions, loan and credit resources, and new information to increase productivity.

Partnerships:

Developed new partnerships and strengthened existing partnerships  with the following agencies:  YMCA, Mission Missouri, Susana Wesley Family Learning Center, Weed & Seed, Pemiscot County Community Coalition, UM Extension, Heart Health Coalition, Bootheel Healthy Start, Boys and Girls Club, DAEOC, FSA, USDA, Farm Credit, NRCS, local school districts and churches.

Impact:

About 200  after school tutoring program student reported improvement in their grades. Lincoln University Cooperative Extension in the Bootheel touches at least 100 students on a daily basis.  Kid’s Beat enrollment is up to 1500. Approximately

$260,000 in grant funds has been applied for youth programs. The opening of the Sikeston office will allow for additional program development/expansion in the Bootheel.