A survey of 32 displaced agricultural workers and 19 prospective employers identified the education and training perceived necessary by both groups to gain employment in desired occupations. Results indicate that educational efforts should teach problem-solving and decision-making skills as well as technical skills. (CH)

Alabama Extension's Interdisciplinary Aging Team develops programs to assist older adults with quality-of-life issues and encourages volunteerism. A survey of 80 seniors identified their information needs and preferred information sources (television, professionals, radio). The information was used to adapt Senior Series materials and organize a…

An Oregon pilot effort enabled rural leaders to use computer networks and databases through the Internet. The "virtual community" thus created facilitated communication among diverse audiences separated by distance. (SK)

Nebraska Cooperative Extension coordinated early childhood education conferences including child care provider training. Expansion throughout the state indicates that it is meeting an expressed need for staff development. (Author/JOW)

A model of essential actions influencing extension agents' participation in a program identified four primary motivating factors: (1) clarity of program participation; (2) availability of resources; (3) freedom of choice; and (4) relevance to job description or work plan. (SK)

Critical factors for success in targeted training programs for Hispanic family day care providers include understanding the importance of Hispanic culture, values, and attitudes; becoming familiar with personalism and familism; using day care as an employment strategy for Hispanic women; and developing culturally relevant nutrition lessons. (SK)

Three intervention models to reduce hazards and risks of farm work were tested: self-audit (n=73), youth safety and health program (n=64), and a community coalition for safety and health (n=17). Despite some difficulties, university researchers and agents did accomplish the primary goal: scientific evaluation of models of safety education. (SK)

In a summer program, 4-H youth spend three days at the University of Nebraska exploring clothing, textile, and design subjects. Follow-up reports from 26 of 34 participants indicated most found learning to use a serger and computer design useful; 92% enjoyed interaction with faculty; the number considering enrollment increased from 23% before to…

Participatory Environmental Action Research involves novices, scientists, and local residents in exploring environmental problems, facilitated by extension professionals. Educational benefits of the expeditions include learning research techniques and teamwork; scientists develop skills in adult education and interpreting science for…

Incubators in the Classroom is an extension program designed to teach fourth-graders about egg hatching. More than 15,000 Indiana students have used the learning materials, which include incubators, lesson guides, and CD-ROM learning guides. The Purdue extension service is in the process of conducting critical evaluation of the program. (SK)

4-H Youth for Community Action (4-HYCA) is an after-school leadership development program targeting teens in inner-city middle schools. The program provides opportunities for inner-city youth to learn and practice leadership skills in a service-learning environment. 4-HYCA participants actively engage in problem-solving activities that teach…

Evaluation is critical to demonstrating program value and impact and to better communicating outcomes to stakeholders. Purdue Extension Health and Human Sciences (HHS Extension) created an evaluation tool based on the need to collect statewide metrics on a standardized set of questions addressing the topics of food, family, money, and health. This…

Delegation involves responsibility and authority for each staff member in the 4-H program. (ABM)

A study was conducted to see if inservice training for extension agents made a difference, especially in knowledge acquisition. The study's conclusion was that in at least the cognitive area a significant change had taken place. Agents who attended the evaluation workshop had significantly greater knowledge in the area of evaluation than agents…