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Preparing Our Youth
| Name | Sheretta Thomas | | Situation | During 2000, 82 teenagers ages 16-19 in Fairfield County were idle, meaning they neither worked any hours nor were enrolled in school, even part-time. Idle teens comprised 6.5% of their age group: 1.6% for White and 8.4% African-American and other teens. The data reflect a serious failure in both school completion and the critical transition from school to jobs, significantly affecting their development as future workers. As
reported in the 1990 Census, only 10.7% of Fairfield County's young adults ages 25 to 34 and 11.3% of ages 35-44 had attained a baccalaureate degree or higher. The remaining young adults either are among the 19.2% of 25-34 year olds and 21.7% of 35-44 year olds who completed some college and may have earned a two year associate degree; or they never entered post-secondary education and training, often due to the lack of a high school diploma or a GED. Many graduating seniors do continue their education by enrolling in college. In 1999, 49.1% of high school graduates in Fairfield County entered college as freshmen; these freshmen constituted 27.6 of all the 8th graders in their age cohort five years earlier. | | Response | With the support and guidance from adult volunteers, teachers and 4-H agent, junior leadership and citizenship program /activities is a much needed implementation to the county's youth. Through leadership training, 4-H Junior Leaders will learn about the value of teamwork, realistic goal setting, and different decision-making processes. Two teen after school clubs have been formed in the county at the middle school and high school. These two groups are developed into a mentoring
type program. This is where the younger 4-H'ers are learning from the older 4-H'ers (this type of mentoring is also taking place in one of our community clubs as well). | | Impact | The groups are learning and participating in community service and State Demonstration Contests. They are practicing leadership skills learned by helping to design this year's summer day camp.
We will also be recognizing the youth with special awards and certificates (participation, outstanding leadership skills and personal growth) at the end of the year. These initiatives are designed to prepare teens and future young adults in successful life skills, such as teamwork, realistic goal setting, and good decision-making processes. |
Last update7/25/2008
This website is maintained by Michelle Holmes.
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