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:

1.    Problem- state the problem that was addressed

2.    Program- describe the Extension program (not just an activity) that was conducted to address the problem

3.    People- describe who conducted the program and who the program was for (target audience)

4.    Partners- state who the community partners were (if any)

5.    Impact- report the long term outcome (should be social, economic, or environmental).  The impact answers the “so what?” question.

Sample Outcome Statements and Success Stories:

As a result of orientation sessions, 12 organizational leaders successfully completed the screening process, and reported that they felt 4-H provides a safe and secure environment for youth.  In addition, 53 youth volunteers completed level I screening consisting of an application and reference check. 

As a result of 4-H volunteer trainings, updates, and consultations, the Clover County 4-H program has improved in quality and quantity.  In a year end survey conducted in 2006:

• ·         98% of 12 organizational leaders reported that the rules and expectations of the 4-H program were clear to them.

• ·         100% of 12 organizational leaders reported that they understood how to develop an annual educational program plan for their club.

• ·         72% of 12 organizational leaders reported that they were familiar with 4-H events and activities beyond the club level.

·         These 12 volunteers reach an average of 200 youth per year and provide a positive relationship with a caring adult, as well as teaching them subject matter mastery of skills.  These volunteers also donate approximately 480 hours each year to the 4-H program, which are valued at over $8,000.00 based on the Sector for Independant Research.

 As a result of counselor certification programs, the following impacts were reported on a post self-reflective survey conducted in 2008:

• ·         89% indicated that being a 4-H counselor helped them improve their communication skills.

• ·         91% reported that being a 4-H counselor improved their leadership skills, such as facilitating groups, leading activities, and teamwork.

• ·         92% reported that being a camp counselor gave them a sense of belonging and higher purpose. 

·         These 52 counselors reach an average of 375 youth per year, teaching them life skills and mastery of subject matter.  One counselor stated: "being a 4-H counselor has helped me be a better leader at school and has given me the confidence to run for student council."  Camper surveys also indicated that since implementing a formal camp counselor certification program, camper return rates have increased. 

Local afterschool sites through the 21st Century Grant program were experiencing high staff turnover, and high rates of dropout.  As a result of afterschool staff training, three afterschool sites utilized 4-H curriculum to teach life skills to 215 youth in local afterschool programs, and were able to incorporate the experiential learning model into their summer programs.  These afterschool programs were able to reach 825 youth each month during the school year and for 4 weeks during the summer, providing quality, eperiential learning experiences for youth who would otherwise spend that time unsupervised.  Staff reported that they felt better prepared for working with youth after developing an educational plan for their site and that by being more organized, they experienced greater particiaption and fewer discipline problems.