(From National 4-H Headquarters web page – click here to navigate there)
Programs of Distinction are peer reviewed programs that reflect the high quality of Extension youth development programs from across the United States and Territories. Programs of Distinction was created in 2004 by a national 4-H professional development task force. This peer-reviewed process replaced the non-refereed “Programs of Excellence.” The criteria were initially developed by the Professional Development Taskforce and were piloted with several programs in a process developed by Dr. Suzanne Le Menestrel, National Program Leader, Youth Development Research, and Shannon Bedo, Youth Development Specialist.
All Programs of Distinction contain certain key elements:
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The 4-H Eco-Stewardship Program is an educational program offered to students residing in Chelan County, Washington State. The unique quality of the program is the nature of the collaborations with schools and natural resource management agencies. The primary purpose is to develop life skills and engage local youth in “Outdoor Classrooms” where they are presented with learning opportunities related to the environment and natural resources surrounding their communities. Through this program, students develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between healthy forests and healthy communities. The experiential education model (4-H Challenge) is infused throughout all activities to focus on the development of critical life skills. This nationally recognized 4-H Eco Stewardship Program successfully provides young people the skills they need to become self-directing, positive, contributing members of society.
Click Here for a copy of the complete Chelan-Douglas 4-H award-winning submission that specifically describes our project, its goals, objectives, evaluation system and more.