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Expanding Youth Audiences for Water Quality Education
Water quality has been identified as a priority by the citizens of Missouri. Missouri 4-H school enrichment programs and 4-H clubs are ideal delivery mechanisms for informing and educating young people and their families. There are two barriers to providing water quality information via the 4-H delivery systems. First is a lack of knowledge in 4-H staff and volunteers on programs and resources available for water quality education, and second is a shortage of professional time to plan, implement and deliver these programs. This minigrant addresses these concerns to provide a greater understanding of water quality.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The minigrant will support conference registration fees, travel and lodging for training up to sixteen volunteers. The trained volunteers will develop and implement an outreach plan focusing on surface and ground water quality to reach at least 4,000 young people in at least 80 classrooms, 4-H clubs or other youth serving organizations. Young people who participate in the programs will complete pre- and post- tests to measure knowledge gained on key concepts and practices. The Missouri 4-H Foundation will summarize progress reports and prepare a final report to be submitted to the Department of Natural Resources.
OBJECTIVES
1. To educate at least 4,000 young people in all eight Extension regions of the state, in at least 80 classrooms, 4-H clubs or other youth organizations with 4-H programs about surface and groundwater quality and nonpoint source pollution.
2. To provide training for up to 16 4-H/Extension volunteers to enable them to plan and implement outreach programs on surface and groundwater quality and nonpoint source pollution.
3. To have at least 75% of the youth participating be able to identify key concepts and practices that will lead to reduction of nonpoint source water pollution.
PRODUCTS
1. Survey findings, and pre- and post tests that measure knowledge and attitude changes resulting from participation in this project
2. Up to sixteen 4-H/Extension teacher volunteers trained in water quality and nonpoint source water pollution issues.
3. Outreach plans submitted by the teacher participants.
4. Final Report
PROJECT SPONSOR
Missouri 4-H Foundation
COOPERATING AGENCIES
Missouri 4-H Foundation, University of Missouri Outreach and Extension, Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri Department of Natural Resources
CONTACT
Missouri 4-H Foundation
211 Whitten Hall
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO 65211
Donald Henderson, Executive Director
telephone: (573)882-2680
email: hendersond@missouri.edu
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