Presented By Patricia Dawson Oregon State University Extension Service

 Open discussion and dialogue  Provide key components and best-practices for Hispanic audience programming  Identify areas to focus on when establishing programs for new audiences  Share examples of community partnerships that are essential for program success

 Latino Population is growing at rapid rate.  Address critical community issues  Bring new ideas, value and dimension to programs.

 An increase of 56% from 2000

 Organized in 1990  Evolved from adult directed to student advisory board  Addresses issues and needs as identified by advisory board  Expanded grade level, outreach efforts & community engagement

 Strengthen lives of Hispanic families  Promote academic success  Support youth leadership  Encourage community engagement

 Grants  Corporate Sponsors  School Enrichment Grants  Private Donors  Student/Parent Fundraisers  Student Fees

 Assist Hispanics in developing the skills and confidence to become committed and involved in their schools and community.  Enhance positive social relations in a multi- cultural environment.  Enhance self-esteem, communication skills and leadership abilities.  Encourage Hispanics to complete high school and further their education.  Encourage Hispanics to serve on a leadership board and communicate opportunities to peers.

 500 youth in grades 7-12 representing 14 schools from 10 rural communities  Adult volunteers representing a diverse background  Families of program participants

 Four-tiered academic/leadership program 1. Annual conference provides a series of educational workshops, exhibits and keynote speakers to address topics identified by the student advisory board. 2. Monthly leadership sessions for student advisory board representing 14 area schools. 3. After school clubs emphasize study skills and projects of interest- sports, sewing, dance, robotics. 4. Educational outreach to families ~ Parent Nights, Project Training, Conference helpers.

 Youth and adult board members  Youth serve as workshop facilitators and hosts for exhibitors  Jointly planned and conducted fundraisers and presentations

 14 Area Schools – Representing Umatilla and Morrow Counties  Social Service Agencies  Education Service District  Area Business Leaders, Community Leaders, Clergy, Parent Volunteers  Pacific Northwest Colleges and Trade Schools  Oregon State University Extension 4-H

 Preparing for High School/College  Leadership and Community Action  Keep Your Options Open – Goal Setting  Communicating Your Feelings  Refusal Skills  Teen Health Issues – Nutrition, Stress, Fitness  Meeting Management  Roles and Responsibilities as a Citizen  Careers – S.E.T., Ag~Natural Resources, Medical  Adult Sessions – Understanding School System, Food Prep, Sewing, Financial Management, Community Action,

 Represent 4 Pacific Northwest States  Donate their services  Utilize OSU/4-H curriculum or material from their profession  Most are of Hispanic Heritage

 Opening and closing conference motivational speakers  Guest speakers have included: *Professionals *Former Students *Community Leaders

 Represent 4 States  Colleges  Careers  Health Issues  Leadership Opportunities  Many have attended 20 or more years

 Build Trust/Relationships  Develop a Process for Communication  Recognize Impact of Differences  Identify tasks that are attainable & sustainable  Culturally Appropriate  Bring the forum to the Hispanic Community

 Personal Invitations  Short Term Commitments  “Helpers”  Family Friendly  Evening/Weekend Sessions  Provide Food/Childcare

 Be willing to invest time and effort  Rethink the traditional model for program delivery  Allow extensive time for relationship building  Partnerships are essential  Build in time for families to participate  A solid funding base is critical

 Language Barriers  Targeted Audience  Legal Status  Cultural Practices  Transportation  Transition to Youth Leadership Board  Facilities  Funding  Staffing

 9,000 students gained skills in leadership, communication skills, and enhanced their awareness of the value of education.  Students from 14 schools participated in a monthly leadership development program.  A unique collaboration of 28 local and regional partners worked with students to plan and conduct the “Attitudes for Success” program.  The program design has been requested by educators from across the nation.

 “I learned anyone can be a leader …even Hispanics.”  “I learned the importance of college – I wasn’t sure before.”

 98% of participants indicated they are more likely to attend college because of program.  96% gained leadership skills  Hispanic parents gained understanding of schools & communities

 Children achieve academic success  Parents understand importance of school attendance and participation  Families learn how to become engaged in their communities

 A retrospective study of former participants ( ) found that 85% were, or had, attended higher education. “They made me realize that nothing is impossible for me.”

 “I learned it doesn’t matter what color your skin is – you CAN be a success”  “I learned how to help in my community”  “I know how to be a leader”

 “I learned where to find jobs and what I should do to prepare for life”  “I learned how to support my child. Now I know who to go to”

For more information Contact: Patricia Dawson, Umatilla County Professor, Oregon State University 4-H Youth Development Programs