Michigan 4-H receives the S4-H Outstanding Quality Program Award
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EmailMichigan 4-H recently received the S4-H Outstanding Quality Program Award. Learn more about these exciting programs!
Michigan is one of many states that work with States’ 4-H International Exchange Programs (S4-H) to participate in global citizenship youth exchange programs. In our ever-globalizing world, international youth education programs like these serve to unify the critical elements of positive youth development, cultural competency and world understanding.
Recently, the S4-H evaluated the impact that hosting and traveling abroad has on S4-H participants. Of note, the research, conducted by Dr. M Arnold, demonstrated that participation in the S4-H outbound (travel) program contributes to the positive development of youth, including changes found in emotional regulation, adult support and future orientation. For S4-H inbound (hosting) programs, host youth reported that understanding personal and family life, culture, traditions and the educational systems of their international youth were areas in which they gained the greatest understanding as a result of hosting. With regard to long-term results, the impact of the host family creates one of the most critical links toward global citizenship. To learn more about this national impact evaluation, view the 2014 Annual Newsletter website.
In recognition of its participation in the S4-H Programs, Michigan 4-H recently received the Outstanding Quality Program Award at the annual States’ 4-H International Coordinators’ Conference in San Diego, California. The success of Michigan 4-H’s exchange programs would not be possible without the efforts and dedication from 4-H staff and volunteers across the state. Everyone’s support and participation in the 4-H global citizenship programs is appreciated and we look forward to another successful year in 2015. Recruitment for host families for the 2015 summer Japanese inbound and the academic school year programs has already begun!
If you’re interested in learning more about one of Michigan 4-H’s international exchange programs, view the Michigan 4-H website or contact Michigan State University Extension 4-H International Exchange Programs Coordinator Heather Gray at grayhea2@anr.msu.edu. There is also a Facebook page that you can check out.
For more information about 4-H learning opportunities and other 4-H programs, contact your local MSU Extension office.
