4-H PYD Academies
Up your PYD practice!
The 4‑H PYD Academy equips 4‑H professionals with the essential knowledge and skills to plan, implement, and evaluate high-quality 4‑H programs that help youth thrive.
Upcoming PYD Academy dates
Fall 2023 PYD Academy
PYD Spotlight Day
October 9
Pittsburgh, PA prior to NAE4-HYDP
Foundations of Positive Youth Development for Early Career 4-H Professionals
October 16 to April 4
Virtual
Program Planning and Evaluation for PYD Impact
October 16 to April 4
Virtual
Start your NAE4-HYDP conference off by building a strong foundation in 4-H Positive Youth Development (PYD)! The PYD Spotlight Day is your chance to catch up on the latest information on youth development to ensure your work with youth is the best it can be! Two outstanding sessions are planned to build your knowledge and skills in positive youth development. Register for one or both sessions today!
Fall 2023 PYD Academy PYD Spotlight Day: Morning Plenary
We welcome Karen Pittman, Founder Partner of Knowledge to Power Catalysts, and Founder and former CEO of the Forum for Youth Development, to 4-H this morning! Ms. Pittman arguably started the youth development movement in the early 1990s with her famous statement “problem free is not fully prepared.” Ms. Pittman is a fan of 4-H work, and today she will share an updated vision of PYD for a new generation of youth. We will also hear from our five national 4-H partners on their efforts to center PYD in 4-H nationally, and learn more about the work of the 4-H Standing Committee on Positive Youth Development. You will leave the session informed and motivated to make your PYD work the best it can be for a generation of youth that need 4-H now more than ever!
Date: October 9, 2023 (8:30am to 12:00pm)
Location: Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown at 600 Commonwealth Plaza
Registration Fee: no charge but must register
Fall 2023 PYD Academy PYD Spotlight Day
Helping Youth Thrive: An Introduction to 4-H PYD
This four-hour session provides an introduction to positive youth development and the 4-H Thriving Model. Participants will learn about the research science behind the magic of 4-H and its positive impact on youth. Led by seasoned 4-H professionals, this session will provide participants with practical ways to increase PYD outcomes in 4-H programs. The session is intended for 4-H educators and program leaders who are interested in learning the basics of what 4-H PYD and the 4-H Thriving Model are all about.
Date: October 9th, 2023 (1:30 – 5:30pm)
Location: Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown at 600 Commonwealth Plaza
Registration Fee: no charge but must register
Looking Ahead – Two All-Virtual PYD Academies Are Coming This Fall!
Foundations of Positive Youth Development for Early Career 4-H Professionals
The 4-H PYD Foundations Academy for Early Career Professionals academy provides educators with a fundamental understanding of the science and practice of positive youth development in 4-H, and the 4-H Thriving Model as the PYD theory guiding 4-H program development. Following the learning phase participants can take part in monthly learning circles designed to put learning into practice with the help of a mentor and small group of academy participants. The academy is recommended for all 4-H professionals within the first three years of their 4-H career, including educators, specialists and 4-H program leaders.
Date: October 16 to April 4
Location: Virtual
Registration Fee: $375-$500 limited scholarships available
Program Planning and Evaluation for PYD Impact
This virtual academy is recommended for 4-H professionals with a minimum of 3 years of 4-H career or other relevant youth development experience and an interest in program evaluation related to positive youth development and the 4-H Thriving Model. Participants in this academy will revisit the research base of the 4-H Thriving Model that informs everyday 4-H positive youth development (PYD) practice. Participants will learn how to move from theory to action though intentional program planning and increase their capacity for the evaluation of PYD as defined by the 4-H Thriving Model.
Date: October 16 to April 4
Location: Virtual
Registration Fee: $250-$375
Helping Youth THRIVE
- Sparks: Providing a place where youth can find and explore what sparks their interest.
- Belonging: Creating spaces of belonging—where ALL kids feel welcome and physically and emotionally safe.
- Relationships: Nurturing positive, supportive and empowering relationships between youth and adults and youth and their peers.
- Engagement: Challenging and encouraging youth to pursue their own learning and growth. Promoting active engagement where youth have a voice.
In Partnership with PLWG and NAE4‑HYDP
PYD Academies are brought to you by the 4‑H Standing Committee on Positive Youth Development, a PLWG chartered committee. The purpose of the committee is to advance the science and research foundation of positive youth development across the 4‑H system. 4‑H PYD Academies are produced in collaboration with the National Association of 4-H Youth Development Professionals (NAE4-HYDP) and with the convening and financial support of National 4‑H Council.
Questions about PYD Academies should be directed to Janet Golden, PYD Academy Director, at jgolden@fourcouncil.edu.
