Helping Youth Thrive
Together we help young people be ready for work and life
The 4-H PYD Academy provides learning opportunities to equip 4-H and other educators with the essential knowledge and skills to plan, implement and evaluate high-quality positive youth development (PYD) programs that help youth thrive.
Upcoming PYD Academy Opportunities
PYD Spotlight Day: Beyond Ready to Thrive
Oct. 14
Foundations of PYD for 4-H Professionals
Sept. 30-Dec. 4
Program Planning and Evaluation for PYD Impact
Sept. 30-Dec. 5
Upcoming Learning Opportunities
4-H PYD Spotlight Day: Beyond Ready to Thrive
For the past twenty years, research on the 4-H program conducted by Dr. Richard Lerner at Tufts University and Dr. Jacqueline Lerner at Boston College has revealed the incredible impact 4-H has on youth. This is something to celebrate!
Dr. Richard Lerner will kick off the morning with a plenary session showcasing the remarkable results of this extensive research. Building on this foundation, Dr. Jacqueline Lerner will lead an interactive session where you'll explore how to apply these findings to elevate your 4-H readiness programs.
At this year's PYD Spotlight Day, Rich and Jackie will share the results of these many years of research demonstrating the lasting effects of 4-H into adulthood. Discover how 4-H empowers youth to thrive, not just now, but throughout their lives. Join us for this first opportunity as we introduce 4-H's new national initiative, Beyond Ready, to learn the evidence that supports 4-H's ability to help youth be ready for work and life.
Date: Oct. 14
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM MDT
Location: Boise, ID or Virtual
Cost: $75-100
Foundations of PYD for 4-H Professionals
This course provides educators with a comprehensive introduction to the science and practice of positive youth development in 4-H. Participants learn how to move from theory to action through intentional program planning and increase your capacity for the evaluation of PYD as defined by the 4-H Thriving Model.
It's recommended for all 4-H professionals interested in developing a fundamental understanding of PYD and the 4-H Thriving Model. It's especially recommended for those within the first three years of their 4-H careers, including educators, specialists, and program leaders.
This course has two phases to support further learning. Phase one is included for all participants and contains 30 hours of virtual learning over ten weeks. Those looking to maximize their learning can add phase two, called Learning Circles. Learning Circles offer an opportunity to learn practical applications and collaborate with a group over an additional 4 months, while receiving support and guidance in applying newfound knowledge to real-world practice.
Academy Sessions: Sept. 30 – Dec. 4
Learning Circles: Jan. 7 – Apr. 3
Location: Virtual
Cost: $375-500
Registration for this event closes on Sept. 30, 2024
Program Planning and Evaluation for PYD Impact
This course prepares educators to intentionally plan and evaluate PYD programming as defined by the 4-H Thriving Model. Participants learn how to move from theory to action through intentional program planning and increase their capacity for the evaluation of PYD as defined by the 4-H Thriving Model.
It is recommended for all 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 PYD and the 4-H Thriving Model.
This course also offers two phases to deepen your learning journey. Phase one is included for all participants and contains 20 hours of virtual learning over ten weeks. In phase two, participants can join the Learning Circles to extend and continue their learning with a group, over an additional 4 months, while receiving support and guidance in applying newfound knowledge to real-world practice.
Academy Sessions: Sept. 30 – Dec. 5
Learning Circles: Jan. 7 – Apr. 3
Location: Virtual
Cost: $250-375
This course is fully booked and registration if now closed.
PYD Thriving Conference: Foundations of Youth Readiness
The concept of youth readiness is deeply rooted in decades of PYD research. Learning directly from experts in the PYD field, this conference will provide participants with the research base and practical application of the research to build youth readiness in 4-H programs. Participants will explore how 4-H can elevate youth from simply being ready to being Beyond Ready by incorporating individualized readiness pathways.
Join us to enhance your understanding of the Beyond Ready concept, understand the research and get resources to become a leader in transforming the 4-H experience for youth in your community.
Key components of the conference include:
- Learning about the national 4-H readiness initiative and why a PYD approach is necessary for success
- Hearing from leading youth development and youth engagement researchers
- Exploring a fascinating update to understanding youth ages and stages of development
- Understanding why helping youth be Beyond Ready for work and life is a critical aspect of 4-H youth development at this moment in time
- Learning about resources specifically designed to help 4-H educators enhance their 4-H programs to ensure youth readiness
Registration Opens Dec. 2, 2024
Date: Feb. 4-6, 2025
Location: Virtual
Immersion Series: Foundations to Youth Readiness
These follow-up training opportunities from the PYD Thriving Conference are focused on providing a comprehensive and practical understanding of how 4-H programs are successfully implementing the Beyond Ready concept, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills to drive success in their own programs.
- March 5, 2025
- April 2, 2025
- May 7, 2025
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
The 4-H PYD Academy is 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. The PYD Academy is 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.
For questions regarding the 4-H PYD Academy, please contact Janet Golden - jgolden@fourhcouncil.edu
For questions regarding PYD Academies, please contact Janet Golden.
