Professional Development

4-H Essential Elements

4-H designs successful youth development programs and services around specific ingredients: the Essential Elements.
Each of the eight Essential Elements is vital to the positive development of youth. When 4-H professionals and volunteer leaders focus on these elements, youth derive long-term benefits from their 4-H membership.

Read the Essential Elements Fact Sheet
Download the Essential Elements Flyer 

Key Ingredients for Program Success Curriculum

This peer-reviewed training curriculum helps youth workers and leaders understand each of the eight elements and how to incorporate them in on-going 4-H programs.

The training curriculum consists of 10 modules. Each module can be taught as a stand-alone session of one hour or combined together for a 10-12 hour course.

Download the full training curriculum and appendices 
Download Individual Modules

Using the Curriculum for a Training of Trainers

Essential Elements: Key Ingredients for Program Success is easy to use and comprehensive. Each of the teaching modules can stand-alone, but for "training-of-trainers" instructors will want to know more.

• Appetizers - the details that make the training of Essential Elements successful and "tasty"
• Toppings - resources that enhance the "flavor" of each module
• Extra Toppings - information for the instructor who wants a "deep dish" experience through deeper understanding of issues associated with Essential Elements work

Download the Essential Elements Appendices.

Additional Information

If you have questions about the development of the curriculum or the work of the National Essential Elements Team contact team members.

Jill Martz, Montana State University
Claudia Mincemoyer, Penn State University
Niki Nestor McNeely, The Ohio State University
Lori Purcell Bledsoe, University of Georgia
P. Craig Dart, Utah State University
Elaine Johannes, Kansas State University
Angie Arnould, Louisiana State University
Kim Gressley, University of Arizona
Kenneth Jones, University of Kentucky
Jacqueline V. Lerner, Boston College
Debbie McDonald, West Virginia University
Kyle Worthington, Oklahoma State University
 

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