Sample Outcomes and Impacts for Life Skills Program:
Each year, faculty are required to include at least one success story for one of their Extension programs.  In addition, all faculty are required to include at least one success story about involvement with minorities (you are required to report which program your culturally relevant success story is under when you complete your affirmative action report in the spring).   There is a very simple “formula” you can follow to write concise, meaningful success stories:

Examples of Impacts and Success Stories for Healthy Lifestyles:

In ______ County, _____% of adults are overweight and ____% are obese (2002 County Behavioral Risk Factor Survey).  In 2003, almost ____% of _______ County youth screened were at risk of being overweight and _____% were overweight (______ County Health Department).  This data exceeds state averages for overweight youth.  A quality, hands-on educational program was needed to combat this issue in order to prevent future chronic health problems related to overweight and obesity such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.  Based on input from the 4-H Advisory Committee, and in partnership with the ______County Health Department, a healthy lifestyles program was implemented in _____ and in the last four years, has reached over _____ youth.  As a result of the program, ____% of youth demonstrated knowledge gained about the USDA MyPyramid Food Guide and correct portion size.   When asked what they thought they could do to be healthier, ____% of ____ youth responded with comments such as: drink less soda, drink more water, eat more fruits and vegetables, get more sleep, watch less TV/video games, read the food label.  One parent reported that as a result of this program, their child decided to limit herself to only one sweet snack per day.  On average, program participants reported increasing their daily activity by 32.6 minutes per day.

In collaboration with the _______ County Health Department, 4-H implemented a tobacco prevention program in 2007.  This program reached ____ youth.  As a result of the program, ___% reported that they planned on encouraging others (friends or family) to quit smoking or chewing tobacco.  _____% reported that they felt more prepared to deflect peer pressure to smoke or chew tobacco, and ____ youth signed SWAT Pledge cards, pledging to abstain from using tobacco products.  Abstaining from the use of tobacco products will help these youth prevent many forms of cancer and respiratory illnesses. 

Compared to a bike crash, an ATV crash is 12 times more likely to kill a child.  ATVs are involved in 38,000 injuries and 100 deaths to children each year.  The lack of knowledge of safety requirements is an issue.  In 2005, a community ATV safety program was implemented utilizing youth~adult partnerships and in collaboration with local government and business organizations.   Since then, this program has reached ____ youth.  ______ youth have completed a six hour class on ATV safety, and ____ of them received ATV helmets.  Six weeks after an ATV safety program, one of the teen leaders reported that as a result of the program, she was able to deflect peer pressure to ride double on an ATV with a friend.

Because ______ County is rich in natural resources, hunting is a favorite recreational activity for many youth and families.  In 2004, a shooting sports program was implemented to help youth learn shooting sports safety for rifle and archery.  Over the last five years, this program has reached ____ youth.  Pre and post tests indicate that as a result of the program, ­­­____% of youth now know the parts of the gun/bow and arrow, and how to properly shoot.  ______ percent of youth reported that they now have a new respect for shooting sports equipment and the natural environment, and ____% stated that as a result of the program, they plan to use proper range safety when shooting a gun or bow and arrow.

Examples of Outcomes and Success Stories for SET programs:  

One of the ways that citizens in Florida pollute our ecosystem is through over-use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizer.  As a result of entomology programs, ___% of ____ participants were able to correctly key insects to the order, and ___% were able to name at least three types of integrated pest management tools.  _______ percent were able to correctly distinguish beneficial insects from pests, and ____% of ___ participants were able to successfully identify the five parts of an insect. 

 As a result of gardening programs, ___ youth were able to demonstrate how to select the appropriate site for both ornamental and vegetable crops; ___% of the youth demonstrated proper techniques for watering, fertilizing, and monitoring pests by planning, planting, and maintaining a 100-square foot garden as part of their 4-H gardening project.  One parent reported: "4-H gardening programs have really helped teach my child responsibility and determination to see a project through.  This will help her go far in life, no matter what career path she ends up choosing."

 Because of Florida’s rich aquatic resources, a sports fishing education program was implemented in 2006 to teach youth basic angling skills and ethics.  This year, this program reached ____ youth.  As a result, ___% of youth learned that they need a fishing license if over the age of 16.  ______ percent learned how to identify the parts of a rod and reel and ____% learned how to identify various types of lures and their specific use.  ______ percent learned how to correctly identify at least 10 species of local fish, and ___% reported that they will check to make sure that the fish they are catching is “legal” or “in season.”

 As a result of agriculture awareness programs, __% of ____ youth reported an increase in knowledge about what agriculture is, and the role it plays in their daily lives.  In pre/post tests, ___% of the students indicated that their knowledge had increased for three or more of the targeted agricultural commodities.   Six months after the field trip, ___% of the students remembered the definition of agriculture and could cite 5 ways that agriculture improves their quality of life. 

 4-H Science, Engineering, and Technology skills (SET) are necessary for productive work in the 21st century economy (Kane, Berryman, Golsen, & Meltzer, 1993) because it represents a broad field of careers; however most young people do not have the SET skills needed for careers in the 21st century.  Nationwide, only 18% of high school seniors are considered proficient in science (NAEP, 2000), while a mere 5% of today’s college undergraduates earn degrees in science and engineering (Rising above the Gathering Storm, 2006).  4-H rocketry, robotics, energy, and mechanical science programs were implemented to help increase youth’s science literacy and interest in science-related fields of study.  This year, these programs reached ___ youth.  ____ percent were able to demonstrate knowledge gained about the three laws of motion either by building a rocket, solar-powered car, or motorized car. _____ percent of ___ youth were able to effectively design, build, and launch at least 2 types of rockets and use an inclinometer and basic mathematical formulas to calculate the distance their rockets traveled.  As a result of these programs, a robotics club was formed to teach ___ youth how to design a computer program for a simple robot to complete an obstacle course.  An end-of the year survey revealed that ____% of ___ youth felt that learning about science was fun.

 _______ participated in the 4-H/Tropicana Public Speaking Program this year. ___ percent of ___ youth surveyed reported that the program helped them improve their ability to make a public presentation, and ___% reported that their ability to clearly state their thoughts, feelings, and ideas improved.  When asked what was the most important thing they felt they learned from the experience, ___% replied: I learned to be more confident, and less nervous in front of a group.  _____ percent of ___parents reported that the program helped their child improve his/her ability to make a public presentation, and ___% reported that the program helped their child to be more confident.  When asked what was the most important thing they felt their child had learned as a result of the program, ___% of parents responded: More self-confidence.

 Examples of Outcomes and Success Stories for Citizenship/Leadership Programs:  

In a year end survey of club members, ____% of ___ youth who participated in one or more competitive event, reported a moderate to high level of skills in preparing and presenting public presentations.  ____ percent of youth also reported an improved level of self confidence in speaking, writing, or listening as a result of 4-H experiences.

Based on advisory committee input, etiquette and grooming programs were implemented in 2007.  This year, these programs reached __ youth and as a result, ___% of ___ youth surveyed demonstrated knowledge gained about how to set and use formal table settings, and __% demonstrated the correct way to make formal introductions and shake hands.  _____ percent demonstrated the proper procedure for displaying and folding the American flag, and ___% demonstrated knowledge gained in good sportsmanship behavior.  ____ percent of ___ parents surveyed reported that as a result of 4H etiquette programs, their child demonstrated increased awareness of proper etiquette when dining at a restaurant.

In an effort to increase diversity awareness within the _____ County 4-H program, the Expansion and Review Committee implemented a diversity program that reached ___ youth.  As a result, __% were able to describe and explain significant characteristics of Latino/Hispanic, African American, and Asian/Pacific Islander ethnic groups and ___% were able to observe and identify some cultural aspects of Latino/Hispanic, African American, and Asian/Pacific Islander ethnic groups.  _____ percent were able to analyze and evaluate similarities and differences of ethnic groups (food, clothing, language, celebrations, art, etc) against their own culture, and __% were able to recognize common stereotypes at school and in the media (print, TV, and internet).  ____ percent were able to demonstrate at least one new skill for discouraging stereotypes and ___% were able to demonstrate at least 2 new conflict resolution techniques.

Studies show that one of the most critical times for people to learn financial literacy skills is when they are in middle school.  To date, financial literacy programs offered through the ______ County 4-H program have reached _____ youth.  As a result:

·         ____% demonstrated knowledge gained about the difference between gross income and net income

·         ____% demonstrated knowledge gained about how to write and record a check. 

·         ____%  demonstrated knowledge gained about how to reconcile a bank statement. 

·         ____% were able to correctly distinguish between needs and wants and develop a budget to fit their current allowance/income. 

_    ____ % reported opening a personal checking account as a result of the program.

     _____% reported opening a savings account for college as a result of this program