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Oklahoma 4-H clubs and military service centers partnered with the Adobe Youth Voices (AYV) program to give youth opportunities to raise their voices through digital media. This program reached out to underrepresented youth and gave them the tools and technology to effectively express themselves. The intent of this project was for 4-H members to create videos to educate, help and raise awareness in their communities of topics that were important to the youth. These experiences help youth gain knowledge towards helping others solve farm, home, and community problems. Participating youth selected issues that were important to them and created a short video, educating others and sharing their convictions on the topics of horse therapy, citizenship, bullying, and distracted driving.

The phrase "…and my world" was added to the 4-H pledge in 1973, forever solidifying 4-H's commitment to international programming and global citizenship. In 2008, Oklahoma 4-H began to consider revitalizing its international outreach. After researching the barriers to International 4-H projects, Oklahoma 4-H educators and volunteers were surveyed to discover their interests in this area with the intent of beginning a renewed International 4-H program with educator and volunteer support. The survey results indicate that 4-H volunteers and youth educators prefer short term International educational programs that focus on cultural awareness and service-learning for older youth.

As the largest youth organization in the United States, the opportunity for 4-H to be a positive influence on America's youth has never been greater. 4-H not only has a mandate to serve the needs and interests of young people today, but to provide a life experience that will enrich their lives and enable them to succeed in whatever path they so choose. 4-H has struggled with recruitment and member retention of certain age groups, especially teenage members. Researchers have sought to determine why youth do not join or drop out of 4-H. This article reviews that literature and summarizes the findings and possible solutions to this important issue. 4-H programs have found simple and innovative methods to retain 4-H members.

The purpose of this study was to determine if youth and adult participants in the 4-H Environmental Impact program perceive youth?adult partnerships as an effective means to enhance the youths' development of life skills. The study further sought to discover the perceived obstacles that may keep youth and adults from participating in equal partnerships. The life skills of: Leadership, Cooperation, Service Learning, and Planning and organizing were enhanced through the youths' participation in the youth-adult partnership. Through this research there was evidence that many of the youth participants did perceive themselves as equal team members when participating in this youth-adult partnership. The research indicated the greatest perceived obstacle that kept youth from engaging was not much time after homework and other activities. It is recommended that all participants in newly formed youth-adult partnerships receive training on how to implement this type of program, and how to participate equally.

As youth development organizations continue to evolve and grow, professionals are faced with the challenges to address the ever-changing needs of their clientele. In order to maintain the longevity of the Oklahoma 4-H program, Extension professionals must address challenges prohibiting, discouraging, or discontinuing participation of youth, families, and volunteers in the program. Additionally, state administrators should examine the challenges their staff face in efforts to execute the mission of 4-H Youth Development. A modified Delphi technique was employed in this study to determine the challenges facing Oklahoma 4-H. Two expert panels were used in this study: Extension educators and 4-H volunteers (Panel 1) and 4-H parents (Panel 2). After 3 rounds of the Delphi technique, Panel 1 identified 11 challenges and Panel 2 identified 9 challenges facing Oklahoma 4-H in the next 5 years. There were 8 identical challenges identified by both panels. These 8 challenges represent priorities for Oklahoma 4-H to address. This study could be replicated in any state to confirm the challenges facing youth development organizations. This research study indicates these findings may be widespread and affect other youth development organizations across the nation beyond the Oklahoma 4-H program.

Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills have become essential for today's youth. STEM-literate individuals are a necessity to fill the ever-growing STEM employment pipeline. Employers are expecting applicants with STEM skills. 4-H programs across the nation have recognized the importance of educating STEM-minded youth. As STEM programs become more prevalent within 4-H, it is essential to address challenges Extension educators and 4-H volunteers face when teaching STEM curriculum. In this study the Delphi technique was utilized to collect the opinions of a geographically dispersed group of 4-H Extension educators and volunteers. Each group served on a separate panel and were asked the question, "What challenges do you face when teaching STEM curriculum?" After three rounds of study, both the educator and volunteer panels identified 2 challenges faced when teaching STEM curriculum. Through identification of these challenges, Oklahoma state 4-H staff can better address the professional development needs of educators and volunteers within the organization, and support the desired scientific literacy outcomes of 4-H youth.

Extension outreach professionals are searching for new methods to target the growing population of Latino students. Oklahoma State University faculty in the Animal Science department and the 4-H Youth Development program partnered to sponsor a 4-H STEM Institute designed to promote science, technology, engineering, and math to Latino students in the Unidos Se Puede program. The STEM Institute was designed to introduce the Latino youth to college life and STEM based career opportunities. The program was evaluated utilizing the 4-H Common Measures Science instruments. The results indicate a positive impact on the youth's perception of STEM as a career option. The students increase in self-efficacy predicts the students will increase their persistence in the subjects of science and math (Simpkins, Davis-Kean, & Eccles, 2006). Increased persistence in science and math leads to increased success in post secondary STEM studies and occupations.