Volume 17, Number 1, Fall 2006

Message from the 4-H Personal Development Priority Area Task Force

Greetings from the 4-H Personal Development Priority Area Task Force! We are honored to provide leadership for the emphasis areas of:

• Self-Development
• Financial and Consumer Literacy
• Social Development
• Career Preparation and Exploration

Last year we conducted a statewide survey of 4-H youth development staff members to ask them about their career preparation and exploration activities with youth. Fifteen counties responded that they were currently offering a variety of career prep options, including an entrepreneurship program with a local school in Gogebic County, interviewing and/or resume writing in Isabella and Emmet counties, and a mentorship program with Ingham Regional Medical Center in Ingham County. 4-H staff members are partnering with local community colleges, K-12 schools, courts, economic development groups, local businesses, Michigan Works! and local civic organizations on many of these activities.

The survey also told us efforts in the career prep area have been greatly reduced in some counties due to school and local budget reductions. Staff asked for activities and resources that could be done in a club or after-school setting that would help youth be better prepared for the job market ahead.

In this special Michigan 4-H Today insert, we’re showcasing some of the exciting things happening across the state in the areas of youth entrepreneurship and career preparation. We’re also sharing information about new resources available to you on the 4-H website and are asking for your input. What do you feel are the gaps in this area and what can we do to help fill the void?

We hope all of you see how the work you’re doing with youth plays an important role when it comes to post-high school and career and job choices they will make in the future.

Team Members:

• Sheila Urban Smith, team leader, campus
• Laura Allen, campus
• Frank Cox, Muskegon
• Marquetta Frost, Michigan Works
• Kathy Jamieson, Macomb County
• Pat Lamison, Ingham County
• Dee Miller, Antrim County
• Ron Morley, Clare-Gladwin RESD
• Bertha Rogers, Baraga County
• Erica Tobe, Campus
• Kim Towne, Saginaw County