Central State University

The NATION'S Changing Landscape Has Created Environments Where Youth Grow-up in Settings That Do Not Provide the Necessary Supports nor Opportunities for Success. in Both Poor Urban and Rural Neighborhoods, There Is a Lack of Safe, Nurturing Environments, Leading TODAY'S Youth at Risk for Academic Failure and Social and Emotional Problems. in Ohio, 846,248 (53%) Students Could Potentially Participate in an Afterschool Program If One Were Available to Them. According to the Ohio Afterschool Network (oan, 2017), 431,489 (23%) Students Are on Their Own During Afterschool Hours. the Lack of Affordable, Quality Childcare and Afterschool Programs Could Affect Current and Future Educational Accomplishment of Children. Afterschool Programs Boost Knowledge, Self-esteem, Improved Physical and Socio Emotional Health and Could Lead to Better Grades and Improved Graduation RATES.TODAY'S Global High Tech Society Demands Much More Than Basic Reading and Writing. Creativity and Problem-solving Abilities Are Increasingly Important (oan, 2014). It Is Critically Important to Intervene With At-risk Urban and Rural Children to Create Opportunities for Positive Experiences to Support Needs to Reach Full Potential, From Building Careers to Becoming Civic Leaders (oan, 2014). Youth Programs and Service Learning Projects Empower and Benefit Youth Through a Variety of Positive Behavioral, Academic and Social Outcomes, Including Increased Relationship Skills; Behavioral Improvements; Greater Academic Success, Improvement of School Attendance, Education Level, and School Performance. It Has Been Observed That Children Who Are Exposed to Innovative Solutions to Food Insecurity as in Youth Gardening, Experience Improved Nutrition and Physical Activity, Improved Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Skill and Responsible and Productive Technology Usage.the Overall Project Goal Is to Provide 4-H Afterschool Experience in Positive Youth Development (PYD) to Underserved and At-risk Youth Living in Urban (inner-cities) and Rural Communities Experiential Learning Activities in S.t.e.a.m. Education, Healthy Living, Citizenship and Civic Engagement and Career Preparedness for Them to Be Functional, Responsible Citizens and Caring Adults. the Objectives Are to: (1) Create and Develop a Strong Community Partnership That Fosters Positive Youth Development Based on the Needs and Strengths of Youth, Their Families, and Communities; (2) Encourage Youth to Improve Their Dietary Habits, Nutrition, Health and Wellness, and Physical Activities; (3) Gain Access to Healthier Foods Through Hands-on Activities in Gardening and Healthy Food Preparation; (4) Introduce Activities in Science and Agriculture, Nutrition and Food Preparation (5) Provide Opportunities for Youth to Develop Life and Workforce Preparation Skills (teen Leadership, Mastery, Self-esteem, and Self-determination Skills).the Expected Project Outcomes Include: Enhanced Community Partnership and Relationships With Seed to Bloom 4-H Afterschool Programs; Increased Frequency of Healthy Eating Episodes and Decreasing Unhealthy Eating Episodes; and Increased Community Involvement in Changing Patterns of Food Consumption. the Project Enhances the Health-promoting Quality of Food Supply [chain] by Connecting Food Production With Health Outcomes, Promoting a Healthy Diet With Physical Activity and Improving Access to Nutritious Food. to Accomplish These Outcomes, the Project Incorporates Innovative Technology Use, a Multi-level Approach to Community Involvement, and a Sustainability Plan. by Bringing Together Community Partners to Teach and Learn About Nutrition, Health and Wellness, and Youth Development Into a Program With Families, Using Fun Activities, the Project Addresses SOCIETY'S Need for Stronger Families, Healthier Communities, and Youth Prepared for the Future.the Central State University Extension Team Is Committed to Providing a Positive Youth Development Experience Through Its 4-H S.t.e.a.m. Afterschool Programs, and the Faculty and Staff Are Well Versed and Dedicated to Working With Underserved and At-risk Audiences. Hence, All Youth Will Have Numerous Opportunities to Participate in Cutting-edge Food Production Technologies Using Hydroponics/aquaponics System and Container Gardening, Experience Behavior Change in Relation to Improved Food Choices, Food Preparation and Physical Activity. Program Participants Will Have the Opportunity to Harvest, Prepare Recipes and Taste the Vegetables They Grow as Part of Their Afterschool Activities. Also, Program Participants Will Research New Knowledge to Create Projects and Share the Information THEY'VE Learned With Family and Community Members via Exhibits at the Local County And/or State Junior Fairs. the Changes the Participating Youth Make to Improve Their Health and Wellness Will Be Lifelong.