PYD Academy Brochure

Helping Youth Thrive: 4-H PYD Academy As 4-H professionals, we know that 4-H has a big impact on youth. We know it in our hearts, through our research and by witnessing first-hand the success of the youth with whom we work.

We know that our real impact lies in the development of the whole young person—in the skills they learn, the positive attitudes and behaviors they develop and in the person they become.

Why Attend PYD Academies?

The PYD Academy experiences are designed to help you as a 4-H professional build your knowledge and skill in research-based PYD to ensure you are providing youth with programs that will have real and lasting impact. It is not a stand-alone learning experience but integrates

directly into your current projects and events. Now more than ever, PYD can help youth thrive and be prepared for the future. Their success is dependent on your ability to put PYD into practice—and the PYD Academy can help you do just that.

Starts October 16, 2023 and October 21, 2024

Starts October 16, 2023 and October 21, 2024

The Foundations of Positive Youth Development (PYD) Academy for Early Career 4-H Professionals provides educators with a comprehensive introduction to the science and practice of Positive Youth Development in 4-H. The academy is recommended for all 4-H professionals within the first three years of their 4-H career, including educators, specialists and 4-H program leaders.

Consisting of two phases, this academy combines 30 hours of virtual learning and live webinar sessions, followed by monthly mentor-guided learning circles to put learning into practice.

The Program Planning and Evaluation for PYD Impact Academy was designed to prepare participants to plan and evaluate PYD programming consistent with the 4-H Thriving Model. This academy is recommended for 4-H professionals who have worked with 4-H for a minimum of 3 years, or have other relevant youth development experience, and an interest in program evaluation related to Positive Youth Development and the 4-H Thriving Model. Consisting of two phases, this academy combines 20 hours of virtual learning and live webinar sessions, followed by monthly mentor-guided learning circles to put learning into practice.

Virtual learning sessions include five topics: 1. An introduction to the research base of Positive Youth Development (PYD) and how that research is reflected in the 4-H Thriving Model. 2. Understanding the concept of Youth Sparks. 3. Getting an in-depth look at Developmental Relationships. 4. Ensuring Program Quality with a focus on Youth Belonging. 5. Building the bridge from Research to Practice.

Virtual learning sessions include five topics: 1. A review of the research base of Positive Youth Development (PYD) and how that research is reflected in the 4-H Thriving Model. 2. Focusing on Intentional Program Design. 3. Measuring PYD Implementation. 4. Connecting Implementation to Outcomes. 5. Sharing PYD Impact.

May 7-9, 2024 Supporting Youth Resiliency—2024 4-H Virtual PYD Academy focuses on understanding how youth become resilient and capable of navigating life’s challenges—an essential component of youth development research.

Featuring leading experts who will present the science of resiliency, this academy is recommended for all 4-H professionals and those involved with other youth-serving organizations. An essential base for youth development professionals helping youth navigate the postpandemic world, this 3-day virtual academy consists of a daily keynote address, panel discussion, five capacity-building sessions and a reflection period.

PYD Immersion: One-day learning opportunities for professional development on a focused topic important for effective 4-H PYD practice January 10, 2024 Access, Equity and Belonging: Strategies and Resources for Creating Safe and Relevant Spaces in Positive Youth Development Work The goal for this session is for participants to feel empowered to better understand diverse communities, working towards developing, implementing and evaluating programs with equity and inclusion as core components. Led by members of the Access, Equity and Belonging Committee, this virtual session will address key competencies needed to serve diverse audiences in a meaningful way.

February 14, 2024 Supporting Volunteers Using the Thriving Model This virtual session will focus on 4-H’s most important resource—the people who volunteer within our programs—and providing them with tools for strengthening their understanding of the 4-H Thriving Model. A participatory session, the group is encouraged to bring resources and ideas to share and will be introduced to a framework for organizing volunteers and resources for volunteer management.

April 10, 2024 Helping Youth Thrive through a Computer Science Lens Build your capacity to help youth thrive in a PYD setting through the lens of a computer science (CS) pathway. Discover how an exploratory computer science activity can catalyze youth to nurture sparks, find belonging, build relationships and find their voice. In this virtual session, participants will learn how to apply the foundations of the 4-H Thriving model more broadly to 4-H programs and get a feel for the CS activities developed for Clover by 4-H.

October 14, 2024 4-H PYD Spotlight Day - Boise, Idaho 4-H Spotlight Day is geared towards 4-H educators and program leaders interested in learning the basics of 4-H PYD and its Thriving Model. The group will hear from PYD experts and the five national 4-H leaders and will learn practical ways to increase PYD outcomes in programs and the research-based science behind 4-Hand its positive impact on youth.

To register for 4-H PYD Academies visit pyd-academy.extension.org

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