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July 26, 2005
2005 NRCS Youth Environmental Awards Program
2005 NRCS Youth Environmental Awards Program
Sponsored by the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)
Please review all of the following information before completing
the application form and assembling your materials.
Through the generous support of the NRCS, National 4-H Council will recognize three exemplary programs through the NRCS Youth Environmental Awards Program with awards of $7,500 each. One staff member from each program awarded will be sponsored to attend the 2005 National Association of Extension 4-H Agents (NAE4-HA) Conference in Seattle, WA, October 30-November 3. During a formal award presentation, recipients will receive the first $5,000 check. If attending NAE4-HA is absolutely not possible, attending one of the 4-H Regional Volunteer Forums to conduct a program workshop/seminar will be the alternative choice. Outreach and replication during the conference includes managing an exhibit that will display the Programs’ materials and allow recipients to discuss their program with interested individuals. Recipients must also conduct two additional workshops within the 4-H system to generate attention to their programs so that others will replicate them.
The NRCS Youth Environmental Awards encourage outreach and replication – and therefore increase the impact – of successful 4-H programs. In addition to national recognition and monetary support, recipients are required to disseminate program information at state, regional, and national youth development professional meetings and conferences. This enables 4-H’s most successful programs to share and promote best practices, furthering their reach.
OVERVIEW
As our country continues to prosper and grow, the need to protect our natural resources has become increasingly critical. Communities need to be educated about the value of resources and sustainable usage in order to create awareness for resource conservation and responsible development.
Greater broad scale involvement of young people is needed to develop a life-long sense of environmental citizenship. According to Paul Songhurst of the Youth Environment Society, “the key to the long-term sustainability of our environment is the involvement of our community's young people with regards to the protection, preservation, conservation and enhancement of our environment on a global, regional and local scale.” Youth need to have opportunities for strong, direct connections to natural resources to foster conservation attitudes and to carry out environmental stewardship throughout their lives.
4-H provides youth with these opportunities through innovative programs and self-study guides offering hands-on experiences in environmental education. And while 4-H supports a number of outstanding environmental programs, the capacity of our system to disseminate key research and materials to further program outreach is limited. To support replication of innovative conservation and environmental stewardship programs and practices throughout the 4-H system, program developers and coordinators need to have the finances and opportunities to share their experience and knowledge.
PROGRAM GOALS
In recognition of the Natural Resource Conservation Service’s commitment to support programs fostering innovation in conservation and in line with 4-H’s partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the 2005 NRCS Environmental Awards Program targets youth programs in environmental education nationwide. Projects will be selected through a competitive RFP that will identify certain project “readiness” conditions:
• based on scientific principles;
• meets the standards established by the Programs of Distinction;
• exhibits strong leadership support from paid and volunteer staff;
• incorporates youth-adult partnerships;
• provides youth leadership opportunities.
4-H has recognized science, engineering, and technology as one of five national initiatives. Environmental stewardship and conservation falls under this category, but as of yet, has not had the individual recognition and programming push needed to bring it to the forefront of conference agendas. The NRCS Youth Environmental Awards indicate to the 4-H system the importance of focusing on environmental protection and conservation within the initiative.
THE AWARD
The NRCS Youth Environmental Awards will recognize the best of 4-H environmental stewardship and conservation programs and outreach that successfully meet the criteria outlined in this application. This award gives financial recognition to existing successful programs, NOT funding to start new programs. The financial award will be given to the 4-H Extension Unit (county extension office, state 4-H program office, state or local 4-H foundation, etc.) that is involved in the planning and implementation of the award-winning program.
The application form follows the standards outlined by the USDA/CSREES 4-H Programs of Distinction awards. This designation ensures that recipients of NRCS Youth Environmental Awards meet exacting academic standards and fulfill the needs of the communities they serve. In this initial year because the criteria used to select the NRCS awards is based upon the Programs of Distinction criteria, the three programs awarded the NRCS award will automatically become USDA/CSREES 4-H Programs of Distinction. However, the three recipients are required to submit the 4 H Programs of Distinction application after being selected.
To be eligible for awards, programs must address one of the following issues:
1. Water Resources
2. Soil Resources
3. Atmospheric Resources
4. Grazing Land and Forestry
5. Wildlife Habitat
The three NRCS Youth Environmental Awards will attend NAE4-HA, and receive the first check of $5,000 at a recognition event held during the conference. Publicity for the awards will include announcing the recipients at an all-delegates’ event. Outreach and replication during the conference includes managing an exhibit that will display the programs’ materials and allow recipients to discuss their program with interested individuals.
An important component of the NRCS Youth Environmental Awards Program is sharing strategies and program materials with the larger 4-H community. Programs are required to exhibit and begin outreach/replication efforts at the 2005 NAE4-HA conference. If the recipients absolutely cannot attend NAE4-HA, they may fulfill this requirement by presenting a program workshop/seminar at one of the 4-H Regional Volunteer Leader Forums). In addition, recipients will be required to conduct two additional workshops within the 4-H system to generate attention to their programs so that others will replicate them. Recipients must present their work in a user-friendly, replicable format in workshops, conferences, and/or symposiums to demonstrate their work to the youth development community.
Each project will be evaluated to help cultivate best practices for youth programs in science, engineering, and technology. These best practices and lessons learned will be shared throughout the system in an effort to continue to develop 4-H professionals in environmental education. The awards will ultimately assist in the development of a knowledge base for youth programs in science, engineering, and technology that will serve as a resource for professional development.
The remaining $2,500 will be distributed when the recipients have successfully conducted the required seminars and workshops, and have turned in their document of best practices of the program and lessons learned in an educational format. The primary requirement of award recipients is to be available and willing to educate others about their successful programs. See “If You Are An Award Recipient” for more details.
ELIGIBLE PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES
Programs submitted for this award must meet the following criteria:
• Programs are expected to meet 4-H Programs of Distinction standards. Visit http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/about/pod.htm for full information.
• Programs must be in the areas of Water Resources, Soil Resources, Atmospheric Resources, Grazing Land and Forestry, or Wildlife Habitat.
• The program must demonstrate achievement of short and medium outcomes and impacts which lead to long-term results.
• All programs and cooperative extension service faculty and staff who are authorized to use the 4-H name and emblem by National 4-H Headquarters, U.S. Department of Agriculture are eligible to apply for this award.
• Programs must support the uniqueness of the 4-H system, including a connection with a land-grant university system and a youth/adult partnership in implementing the program.
• Programs must show a strong possibility of sustainability.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
All applications must be signed by the State 4-H Program Leader and received at National 4-H Council by 5:00 p.m. on August 29, 2005. Mail only the original - clipped, NOT stapled. Make sure to keep a copy of the application for yourself before mailing.
Applications should be mailed to:
NRCS Youth Environmental Awards
Sheila Chaconas
National 4-H Council
7100 Connecticut Avenue
Chevy Chase, MD 20815-4999
Faxed or email applications will not be accepted. Contact Sheila Chaconas at 301-961-2858 or schaconas@fourhcouncil.edu for assistance.
All recipients, along with their Extension Director/Administrator and State 4-H Program Leader will be notified via telephone on September 15, 2005, with mailed confirmations sent the week on September 19, 2005. All other applicants will be notified of the award results by letter, postmarked on or before September 23, 2005. Formal recognition will occur at the 2005 NAE4-HA conference during the week of October 30, 2005, or, at a Regional Volunteer Leader Forum. One representative from each award-winning program will be compensated for airfare, hotel accommodations, and registration for this national meeting.
IF YOU ARE AN AWARD RECIPIENT
Detailed information will be provided to each award recipient regarding the program’s responsibilities. The following is an overview to assist applicants in determining the feasibility of fulfilling these requirements.
What you can expect from National 4-H Council:
• A written agreement that outlines the responsibilities of the recipient and the responsibilities of National 4-H Council.
• Airfare, registration and hotel costs for one person from each award program selected that are incurred while attending NAE4-HA.
• First award disbursement of $5,000 at NAE4-HA the week of October 30, 2005.
• Second disbursement of $2,500 upon the completion of seminars and workshops to promote replication, development and/or innovation based on this award program. Deadline for completion of these activities is April 1, 2006.
What National 4-H Council expects of award recipients:
• Signature on the written agreement from National 4-H Council outlining the responsibilities of the recipient and the responsibilities of National 4-H Council.
• A commitment from at least one member representing each of the three programs to attend NAE4-HA the week of November 1, 2005, to receive recognition for this award.
• Outreach, with other award-recipients, about the award-winning program at an exhibit during NAE4-HA. Recipients are expected to bring along display pieces and handout materials for conference attendees. Information will be shared both verbally and in print.
• By December 1, 2005, complete and submit 1) the 4-H Program of Distinction application to USDA/CSREES, and 2) a report on progress to date regarding outreach and replication efforts.
• Award recipients shall conduct two workshops within the 4-H system. They are intended to generate attention to their programs, providing best practices training and/or technical assistance so that others will replicate them. This commitment must be completed by April 1, 2006.
• Periodic reporting to National 4-H Council that includes the actions, audiences, results, and expenditures associated with each seminar/workshop.
• A commitment to document best practices of the program and lessons learned in an educational format by May 1, 2006.
2005 NRCS Youth Environmental Awards Program
NOMINATION MATERIALS
Program Name:
Name of 4-H Extension Unit where program was developed:
(county, parish, multi-county, state)
Key Contact Person for the Program:
Address of Key Contact Person:
E-mail address of Key Contact Person:
Phone Number of Key Contact Person:
Please list all individuals who helped develop and/or implement this program and should be recognized if this program is selected for an award:
Is this program implemented by individuals who have the authority to use the 4-H name and emblem? Yes____ No___ (If no, then the program cannot apply.)
I affirm that the information contained herein is true, that the nominated 4-H youth development program was operational between June 1, 2004-August 19, 2005, and has undergone at least one cycle of outcome measurement (evaluation cycle). We are willing to freely share our program information with Cooperative Extension Service 4-H youth development staff and volunteers and with partners in other youth serving agencies should we become a 2005 NRCS Youth Environmental Award Program recipient.
Signature of Key Contact Person Date
Signature of State 4-H Program Leader Date
APPLICATION CONTENTS
1) The completed but unsubmitted 4-H Programs of Distinction submission form. If your program has already been submitted to POD, please submit a copy of the document sent to USDA.
2) A narrative that answers ALL of the following questions. Please limit your total response to four (4) pages, double spaced, 12-point type, one-inch margins on all sides. Include the program title and affiliated state land-grant university as a header on each page.
1. Why does this program merit distinction as an innovative conservation and/or environmental stewardship program and practice? Please be as specific as possible including outcomes and impacts achieved. (30 points)
2. What were the challenges encountered in implementing this program, and how were they addressed? (20 points)
3. Describe the nature and quality of youth-adult partnerships in this program. (15 points)
4. What ideas do you have at this point for documenting and sharing best practices regarding your program? (15 points)
5. Please elaborate on your program’s target audience. (10 points)
6. How will you replicate, grow, or develop additional programming should you win this award? (10 points) Your answers to this question are not a proposal that you will be expected to complete. Rather, they are a measure of the depth of thought you have put into the potential applications of the best practices and lessons learned from and sustainability of your program.
3) A letter of endorsement for your program from your State Program Leader or your Extension Director/Administrator. The letter should be one page in length and on official letterhead.
4) Supplemental Materials. These materials are meant to illustrate your program’s successful outcomes and impacts, and show the unique ways in which your program is an innovative conservation and/or environmental stewardship program/practice. You may include up to four (4) 8.5 x 11 inch pages, one-sided only. Do not send videotapes, CD/DVDs, or other one-of-a-kind items. Examples of acceptable materials are:
o Written statements from participants in the program
o Newspaper clippings and releases (please photocopy onto 8.5 x 11 paper)
o Website screen “captures” or printouts
o Letters of support
The supplemental materials are a crucial representation of your program and its positive impacts, so carefully consider what you include in this package.
5) Names, phone numbers, and email addresses of three references that will be available to talk about the program with our review panel. The references may or may not receive a call.
If in doubt about a potential supplemental submission, please contact Sheila Chaconas at National 4-H Council.
4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills.
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