4‑H is committed to delivering high quality positive youth development throughout the entire 4‑H system.
4-H defines professional development as high quality, research-based, educational resources and learning opportunities that build the competency, capacity, and connections of 4-H staff, volunteers, stakeholders, and emerging adults/professionals. The Division of Youth and 4-H works to assure a trained 4-H workforce (paid and volunteer) by collaborating, connecting state partners, convening a professional development working group and highlighting quality resources available to the Cooperative Extension system.
Recent activities include reviewing professional competencies, conducting a national professional development resource review, and conducting annual professional development e-academies.
4-H Professional Development
4-H PRKC 2017 – Growing Together
We are pleased to present to you Growing Together: 4-H PRKC 2017. This is the Professional Research, Knowledge and Competency Framework for 4-H professionals. The 4-H PRKC consists of six domains that create the framework for professional competencies that are vital to the success of the 4-H professional.
4-H Volunteer Development
Quality volunteer systems connect young people with caring adults, leading to positive outcomes for youth.
Volunteer systems include: (1) managing a volunteer program and (2) creating and conducting volunteer development opportunities and resources Over 500,000 volunteers enroll in 4-H on an annual basis. Volunteers are 4-H’s direct connection with youth. It is vital that these volunteers are prepared to provide an impactful 4-H program.
The Division of Youth and 4-H leads volunteerism specialists from state 4-H programs in creating and promoting connections and resources and provides leadership in defining what volunteerism means and how change needs to continue to happen.