Urban Extension: A Professional Development Offering

Prair ie View A&M University, Texas

Prairie View A&M University Cooperative Extension Services

How Prairie View A&M University CES is positioned at the national, state, regional, and city levels:

Extension is uniquely positioned to increase impact and outcomes of healthy living programs through its large network of relationships, both within the land grant system and with public and private agencies. One

of PVAMU’s signature programs is “ Heroes 4-Health ”, a healthy living program, currently funded nationally by the Wal-Mart Foundation through National 4-H Council. The program is extremely successful. Prairie View A&M University Cooperative Extension’ s Heroes 4- Health program addresses issues of nutrition, physical fitness, obesity and food insecur ity among America’s young people. The goal of the program is to empower youth with healthy living practices that they can share with their peers, family and the community. The Heroes 4-Health program utilizes teen ambassadors, ages 14-19, to reach youth ages 6-19. Teens volunteer their time and are trained as ambassadors to educate youth in healthy living practices using the “Choose Health Food Fun and Fitness” curriculum. After they are trained to be ambassadors, they collaborate among themselves and their 4-H Agent to coordinate and conduct summer camps and after school programs. Lessons are taught by teen ambassadors in English and in Spanish, depending on the county of implementation. While working with their 4-H Agent and 4-H volunteers, youth ambassadors take every opportunity to share their message of healthy living, in community events and health fairs. As youth

Texas Statewide

Demographic Categories

Black/African:

11.99%

Asian:

4.51%

White:

74.62%

Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander:

0.09%

Native Alaskan/Native American:

0.48%

Two or more races:

2.56%

Other race:

5.76%

Median age:

34.2

Total Population:

29,087,070

are learning how to live a balanced healthy life, teen ambassadors are learning to be leaders, presenters, role models, and teachers while becoming inspired to work towards a better future.

This program is accomplished through relationship building with community leaders, club managers and volunteers, 4-H State level Specialists and the 4- H County Agent, acting as an example of Extension’s abil ity to build relationships at not only the national level, but also at state, regional and local levels. County Agents located all across Texas are able to network and share programming ideas, success and challenges, and

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