Building the Framework for the Future

Published: 2019
By Roubie Younkin

Positive youth development occurs through an intentional process that provides opportunities, choices, relationships and the support necessary for youth to fully reach their potential. Youth gain confidence through their participation in a variety of experiences. Instilling leadership skills and a sense of community in our youth has become the focus of Valley County youth development efforts. Through youth/adult partnerships, support is offered to help young people fully reach their potential. Outreach in the high schools, at 4-H camp, in 4-H afterschool programs and with emphasis on community service gives youth opportunities to learn and make good choices. Youth service learning goes beyond just volunteering and moves into an expanded experience resulting in learning as well as genuinely helping the community. Valley County youth take on leadership roles in their clubs, serve on community boards, gain an awareness of citizenship and develop leadership skills. Valley County MSU Extension agent Roubie Younkin strives to address the developmental and educational needs of young people in an effort to develop a foundation of skills for productive, competitive, and civic-minded students. To enhance and support positive youth development, MSU Extension agents Shelley Mills and Roubie Younkin provide continuing education opportunities each year for local teachers. Good teachers become great teachers when they go beyond the textbook to create an experiential learning environment for their students.