create regional opportunities for the youth. This multi-level programming impact is also shared at national trainings which further expand the relationship potential.
How Prairie View A&M University CES address the multitude of issues and priorities in their community through educational programming:
1890 Extension programs have an advantage in addressing the multitude of issues and priorities in the city. In addition to using the Texas Community Future Forums and creating relationships with major community stakeholders, County Agents can provide program content that is culturally / racially / ethnically sensitive and appropriate by using lived experiences along with research-based practices to effectively implement programs and create change. The Heroes 4-Health grant is typically implemented in 10-12 counties each grant cycle. The communities where the program is implemented are underserved communities with low socioeconomic audiences, traditionally Black and Hispanic populations. A portion of the success of the program can be attributed to the fact that the County Agents are all minorities and live in or near the communities that they serve, and can thus relate to their audiences and easily develop trust. The youth can relate to the County Agents and volunteers because they see people that look like them. Additionally, the youth and program participants can relate to the style of interaction of the County Agent and volunteers. The volunteers are a very important asset. Volunteers have intimate knowledge of youth group dynamics t hat can be invaluable to the Agent’s program implementation. When possible, the volunteers create a bridge between the youth and the County Agent that allows for smooth initial interaction and acceptance.
How Prairie View A&M University CES attracts, develops, retains, and structures competent talent:
PVAMU Cooperative Extension recruits people with appropriate urban competencies/experiences. Successful Cooperative Extension professionals can connect with others, have a strong desire to help others or be in service to others, and are typically quick thinkers. PVAMU Extension professionals who find high levels of success are flexible in the ever-changing community environment. The Extension environment can be very supportive and intrinsically motivating by seeing lives changed, meeting colleagues in professional settings and accomplishing professional and personal goals. These people come from the communities we serve as volunteers, collaborators, partners, and from mutual acquaintances who spread the word of our programming needs.
How Prairie View A&M University CES collaborates to leverage resources for collective impact:
PVAMU collaborates with agencies and leverages resources for collective impact. One example is locating agencies with a collective audience who have a need for program delivery. This type of collaboration is a win-win for both organizations, and are successful because the deficits of both organizations are fulfilled by the other organization.
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