Extension Program:
Youth Development

Program Location:
All Missouri Counties

Objectives:

• To provide county 4-H members an opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and skills learned in 4-H through statewide educational events
• To provide 4-H members an opportunity to practice skills in communication, decision making, and human interaction in a competitive setting
• To qualify individuals representing Missouri at regional or national events

Summary of Work:
The public speaking and communications program for extension has been in existence for over forty-six years with Lincoln University taking the lead for over twenty-three of those years.   Youth from all over Missouri participate at the local level in planning, preparing and presenting their speeches.  The top two junior (ages 9 to 13 years old) and top two senior (ages 14 as of the current year-19 years old) winners from each county then go on to compete at Lincoln University State contest.  The younger junior division youth prepare and deliver 3 to 5 minute speeches.  The older senior division youth deliver 5 to 7 minute speeches on topics that are of interest to them.  All participants at the state level receive certificates of recognition.  The top winners in the Junior division and the top two winners in the Senior division receive trophies as well.  The top two Senior winners participate in co hosting the finale’ of the following year’s event.  Each year over 150-200 participants, parents, guests, and specialists participate in the program at the state level.

Impact (present and future):
Youth plan, organize, develop and present their speeches each year. At the state level as well as at the local level, they compete with one another and improve skills each year. They are rewarded and are recognized for their work. They are videotaped and provided for training other youth throughout the 4-H community preparing speeches at the local and regional levels who will compete the following year(s). They win trophies and certificates for their efforts and have their judging sheets with comments and remarks to assist them in improving for the next time. Many go on to college, serve as public servants, lawyers, teachers and leaders in their fields. They are articulate role models for the upcoming young people in their communities, cities, counties, state, and Nation.

4-H programs in Missouri reach nearly 180,000 youths. Programs such as the Annual State Public Speaking event, offer students validation of their efforts in the form of trophies, plaques and certificates. At county, state and national levels, both youth and adults are provided opportunities for developing life skills in areas including career preparation, leadership, communication, entrepreneurship, self-esteem building and money management. These programs are delivered throughout the state with help from community agencies.

For More Information Contact:

Wilda Harrison, Ph.D., Associate Extension Administrator and State 4-H Specialist
Lincoln University Cooperative Extension
103 Allen Hall
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0029

Phone: (573) 681-5550

E-mail: harrison@lincolnu.edu