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Stevens County Extension reports 4‑H growth: 296 members, 87 screened volunteers and expanded after‑school and shooting‑sports programs
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Summary
Tricia Sheehan, regional director for University of Minnesota Extension, and local extension staff presented a 4‑H program update. Staff reported growth to 296 members, 87 screened volunteers, eight community clubs, and plans to expand after‑school programming and shooting sports; staff also highlighted outreach to the county’s Latino community.
Stevens County Extension staff presented to the Stevens County Board on June 25, reporting growth and new programming for the local 4‑H program and seeking continued county support.
The presenters: Tricia Sheehan, regional director (Morris regional office), introduced county extension staff Savannah (4‑H educator), Carly (intern) and Katie (office manager). They described programming, volunteer training and goals for growth and retention.
Why it matters: 4‑H programming connects youth to life‑skills education, volunteer mentors and community engagement. Extension staff said program growth and volunteer recruitment expand opportunities for youth countywide and for after‑school outreach.
Key points presented - Staffing and interns: Extension hired an intern (from Big Stone) to assist county programming and county fair activities; staff said the intern leads youth venture projects and partners with local libraries for outreach. - Volunteers and clubs: Stevens County has 87 screened volunteers and eight community clubs. Staff emphasized screening and training requirements and said two screened volunteers are present at every 4‑H event for youth safety. - Enrollment growth: Extension staff reported 296 total members (counting one‑time participants and year‑round members), up from 267 prior metrics cited by staff. - Program expansion: After‑school clubs operate in Morris and Hancock (school partnership with Morris Community Ed); staff capped enrollment last fall at 30 in one location because of space and supervision limits and seek to expand. Shooting‑sports was noted as a growing project club with certified coaches and a regional invitational in September. - Equity and outreach: Staff highlighted outreach to the county’s Latino community and partnerships with Connexiones and a local Latina women’s support group; county elementary school demographics were cited as roughly 25% Latino and staff said they are working to replicate school demographics in 4‑H enrollment. - Retention goal: Staff set a county goal to retain 90% of cloverbuds (K–2 youth); staff reported roughly 87% retention the prior year and hope to improve.
Direct quotes and attributions (verbatim) - "My name is Tricia Sheehan, and I am the regional director that works with Stevens County Extension." — Tricia Sheehan, regional director. - "We have reached the total of 296 members..." — Savannah/Extension staff (presented enrollment total during summary remarks).
Clarifying details and numbers cited in the presentation - Screened volunteers: 87 (background checks, training and safety measures completed). - Community clubs: 8 clubs countywide. - Enrollment: 296 members (counting year‑round commitments and single‑event participants); staff earlier cited prior number ~267 used for a growth goal. - Latino student population at the elementary school: staff referenced roughly 25% as a demographic context for outreach. - Retention target for cloverbuds (K–2): 90% (county goal); prior measured retention ~87%.
Speakers and affiliations - Tricia Sheehan — Regional director, University of Minnesota Extension (covers Stevens County and additional counties). Introduced the team and highlighted resources including severe‑weather and mental‑health training (COMET). - Savannah — Stevens County 4‑H staff (presenter of program statistics and goals). - Carly Olson — Intern (studying animal science, former 4‑H member) assisting with 4‑H activities and livestock programming. - Katie — Office manager for Extension in Stevens County, supports administration and volunteer coordination.
What staff asked of the board Staff thanked the board for past support, requested continued cooperation on outreach and noted plans to expand after‑school programming and volunteer training to sustain growth and retention.
Provenance (transcript excerpt) Tricia Sheehan introduced the Extension presentation and handed off to county staff; the presentation and discussion run from the start of the Extension appearance through closing remarks and thanks (s≈2394.84–3621.66).
