Afterschool 101: Building a 4-H after-school partnership
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EmailAs your afterschool and out-of-school time network grows, it is time to plan out what a 4-H afterschool program could look like in your community.
In the third and final installment of this Michigan State University Extension series titled Afterschool 101, we will explore what a 4-H afterschool or out-of-school (AST/OST) time program might look like. Be sure to read Part 1 and Part 2 in this series if you missed them!
While Michigan boasts a robust afterschool community, we also know that for every one student receiving AST/OST services, an additional four students would like to participate and cannot. As you continue engaging with partners and potential partners, it’s important to be well-versed in the way 4-H can show up in an AST/OST community.
Potential 4-H AST/OST pathways:
- Afterschool 4-H club: youth, under the supervision of an active gold level 4-H volunteer, would meet after school at least once a month throughout the school year to work on specific projects. Consider an end of the program year goal for students, such as entering still life or inanimate projects into the county fair.
- Afterschool 4-H SPIN club: Youth meet for a much shorter term, 6-8 one-hour sessions over no more than eight weeks, to focus on a specific topic or learning objective. These 6-8 sessions could take place across successive weeks or they could be further compressed to 3-4 hours of programming across one week, followed by a second week of 3-4 hours of programming.
- Summertime or spring break 4-H day camp: This program runs in partnership with a school district or community partner in order to provide a safe and positive space for youth during formal school breaks. Subject areas could include Adulting 101, career exploration, STEAM, mental health and mindfulness, and a host of other subjects as directed by the interests of youth and community partners.
Across all these delivery models, it is important to consider where active gold level volunteers can support this work. Can they lead year-round clubs, provide guest programming, or facilitate a 4-H SPIN club? Do our community partners, be they school districts or organizations, have staff who are interested in becoming 4-H volunteers to access the many resources of MSU Extension? Strong partnerships are built on the clear division of responsibilities, and successful programs are run in partnership with MSU Extension volunteers. Learn more about the role of volunteers in our programs.
Are you a community organization or school district interested in a potential 4-H partnership? Reach out to your local 4-H program coordinator for more information and to discuss the possibilities!
