4-H MINI-SOCIETY

Contact Name: Nancy M. Porter, Ph.D.

College/Department: Department of Family and Youth Development
Address: Box 340753, 248 P & A Building Clemson, SC 29634-0753

Phone/email: 864-656-5718/ nporter@clemson.edu

Name of Program: SC 4-H Mini Society

Age Group of program participants: 8-12 years

Is this program __X___ in school, or _X__ non-formal

Brief description of program:
Please include: program purpose(s); goals and objectives; internal and external partners; intended outcomes; accomplishments; and funding source(s)

Brief description of program:

The South Carolina 4-H Mini-Society program is an experienced-based approach to teaching children entrepreneurship concepts—preparation for the "real world" within the larger context of a child's world. The Mini-Society curriculum is designed for children ages 8-12 years. Its goals and objectives are to:

1. Provide children with opportunities to experience entrepreneurship;
2. Teach entrepreneurship concepts in the context of these experiences; and
3. Integrate the study of entrepreneurship with other subjects such as language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, critical thinking, problem solving, practical arts, and cooperative learning.

The Mini-Society curriculum is specifically designed to teach entrepreneurship in ways children understand—through experiences, role-playing, and careful instruction.

Funding has been provided by the Kauffman Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership during the last three years to conduct statewide trainings for Extension agents, teachers, and other professionals working with children in both nonformal and formal school settings. These professionals become certified instructors of Mini-Society.