The 4-H Youth Development Advisor &/or Program Representative works collaboratively with CE specialists and community members to develop and implement research-based educational programs, in response to issues and needs facing local youth and families. Issues and trends facing youth A growing number of families in California are simply unable to provide their children with the basics in life - adequate food, clothing and shelter. Stagnant incomes, rising unemployment and inadequate child support have lead to record numbers of children living in poverty. Many families cannot keep pace with the rapidly increasing cost of housing, health care, and child care, which jeopardizes their children’s future. The following statistical information relates to the challenges facing Colusa County families: California Assessment Program scores for 8th graders in the "direct writing section" rank Colusa County 56th in the state. In 1966, thirty percent of all Colusa students were limited in English proficiency. Limited employment opportunities for teens and recent high school graduates. There are 13 job seekers competing for every new job available. This results in an outflow of youth from the community as they enter the job market. Welfare Reform issues such as, time limitations, child care and food assistance affect how families will cope with family economics. Sixty two percent of Colusa’s children are low income, ranking 56th in the state. Colusa also ranks last among California counties for having the highest percentage of mothers with less than 12 years of education. Applied research and issue based activities The following activities are taking place to address the issues facing our local youth and families: In meeting the goals of the North Region 4-H Program to educate youth in Science Literacy, Isela has served as a team member of YES projects statewide. YES uses teens as extenders to teach K-3rd graders about science. Colusa County continues to be active in this program. Ten teens have implemented the projects at events and various activities in the county. Isela was specifically involved in the design and bilingual components of the projects. Collaborated with the Migrant Education Program and Children Services resulting in the implementation of summer camping programs for forty youth and twenty families. Preparing Adolescents for the World of Work, a research study on workforce preparedness involved fifty migrant seniors from two Colusa County high schools. Findings indicate that lack of money was cited as the number one barrier blocking teens desire for further education. High school career counseling programs do not seem to be reaching youth. Data has been shared with schools and the Migrant Education Program.. Co-authored Entering Today’s Job Market, a curriculum utilizing practical, hand-on activities to help high school age youth prepare for entering the workforce. The lessons center around the major fundamentals necessary to search for employment: self assessment, completing a job application, principles of a cover letter, creating an effective resume, the interview process and what to do once you get a job. Two training’s were offered in the Northern Region to high school teens through the 4-H Program. In collaboration with the Migrant Education Program, training’s are being conducted to reach migrant teens. Collaborated with specialists and other state staff to address issues regarding Welfare Reform. Isela authored the section on Interviewing Skills in the Gateway to a Better Life curriculum. This curriculum utilizes simple, engaging activities to educate those adults preparing to enter the workforce by addressing job acquisition as well as balancing work and home life. Areas of focus include: workforce preparation, making the best personal choices, balancing work and personal life, making every dollar count, quick and nutritious meals, successful parenting, clothing and appearance, work behavior skills and other issues in becoming employed. This curriculum is now available and is being offered to local agencies.