Wisconsin 4-H Youth Development leadership programs

By October 13, 2011 Categories: 4-H Comments Off

Today’s employers are placing more and more importance on applied skills, according to the 2006 “Are They Really Ready to Work? Employers’ Perspectives on the Basic Knowledge and Applied Skills of New Entrants to the 21st Century Workforce” study conducted by several business and workforce non-profit organizations. The study showed that companies value skills like teamwork and collaboration, oral communication and professionalism in new workers across all education levels.

Participation in leadership activities can help youth strengthen their skills in areas like public speaking and communication, teamwork,
conflict resolution and more, skills that are increasingly important to employers. Wisconsin 4-H Youth Development and University of
Wisconsin-Extension, Cooperative Extension youth programs offer many opportunities for youth to be involved in leadership activities.

In two new impact reports, Wisconsin 4-H Youth Development leadership programs: Youth benefit and Wisconsin 4-H Youth Development leadership programs: the 4-H difference, learn about the leadership opportunities Wisconsin 4-H offers to youth and how these programs impact leadership skills, leadership confidence and community connectedness for youth involved.

Wisconsin’s school breakfast programs have statewide impact

By May 13, 2011 Categories: Family Living Comments Off

Research continues to highlight the benefits of eating breakfast. Studies show that both children and adults who eat breakfast are better able to maintain a healthy weight and have a healthier body mass index. Children who eat breakfast consistently demonstrate an increased ability to learn as well as improved behavior, mood and academic performance.

Despite the numerous benefits associated with eating breakfast, many children in Wisconsin skip breakfast on a daily basis due to lack of time, appetite or limited household income. One way to ensure that children benefit from a healthy start to their day is to participate in school breakfast.

To learn more about how Cooperative Extension’s Family Living Programs is helping schools develop school breakfast programs, read the Wisconsin School Breakfast impact report.

Sustainable Communities Project supports Hispanic families in Wisconsin

By February 23, 2011 Categories: 4-H, Family Living Comments Off

Wisconsin’s Hispanic population has grown by more than 50% since 2000, from about 193,000 to nearly 300,000. The change has been more rapid in some rural communities, including Waushara County, whose Hispanic population grew 124% between 1990 and 2000 and Burlington School District in Racine County, which experienced a 71% increase in Hispanic students between 2000 and 2008. Wisconsin’s Sustainable Community Project focuses on involving rural Hispanic youth and their families in these areas into educational enrichment, school support and community leadership opportunities.

To learn more about the Sustainable Communities Project sites in Wisconsin, read the Sustainable Communities Project impact report.

Boosting downtown economic development in Wisconsin communities

By February 21, 2011 Categories: CNRED Comments Off

Wisconsin’s downtowns reigned as the centers of business and economic activity for many years. But beginning in the 1960s, competition from large discount stores and regional shopping centers began drawing consumers and residents away, leaving downtowns vulnerable to the hazards of vacant buildings and a poor business mix. Downtowns continue to face other challenges.

As cities cope with less-than-robust downtowns and fewer tourist dollars, Cooperative Extension community development specialists from the Center for Community and Economic
Development (CCED) have provided ongoing help through educational programs and resources designed to bring people back to Wisconsin’s downtowns.

To learn more about CNRED’s downtown growth efforts in Wisconsin, read the Boosting downtown economic development impact report.

Nutrition Education Program reaches low-income families across the state

By February 21, 2011 Categories: Family Living Comments Off

According to the 2006-2008 American Community Survey (U.S. Census), 10.7% of Wisconsin residents live in poverty. In many more households, incomes are above the poverty line, but are still low enough to qualify families for government assistance, such as food stamps.
Statewide unemployment rates continue to rise and use of emergency food sources, such as food pantries, is at an all time high. Food stamp participation is also on the rise. In spring 2010, more than 720,000 Wisconsin residents participated in the Food Stamp Program—approximately 10% of the population.

The University of Wisconsin-Extension Nutrition Education Program (WNEP) responds to the diverse needs and resources of low-income populations by implementing community-based nutrition education programs. A major portion of WNEP is funded by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—Education (SNAP-Ed), a partnership between the Food and Nutrition Service of the USDA, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, and the University of Wisconsin-Extension Family Living Programs.

Read on for more information on WNEP’s reach across Wisconsin.

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