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T.E.A.M Teens Educating through Advocacy and Mentorship

Twelve South Dakota communities qualified for the 2012-2013 4-H Teens as Teachers program.

The 4-H Teens as Teachers program is designed as a tool to enhance 4-H youth development through Teens as Teachers Service Learning Projects which are planned and carried out by local youth. This SDSU Extension 4-H program partners youth with many non-profits to create learning communities that allow youth the opportunity to experience greatness by making a difference within their communities and schools.

“Creating opportunities for youth to develop and build upon healthy lifestyle practices is crucial to their positive youth development. 4-H Teens as Teachers allows youth to problem solve and plan by developing and carrying out lesson plans for grades 3-5 that are relevant to the SD Health Education Standards,” said Suzy Geppert, SDSU Extension 4-H Youth Partnerships Field Specialist.



S.D. schools, after-school programs and counties were given the opportunity to apply for the program earlier this fall. Since the program is a “team teaching” format, applicants were asked to apply with the understanding that preference would be given to those able to offer it to more than two students. This year’s program will be offered in 12 communities across the state. Communities will include: Baltic, Belle Fourche, Burke, Clark, Lower Brule, McIntosh, Philip, Redfield, Sturgis, Sisseton, Webster and Winner.

The program consists of two training sessions. The first session is Nov. 28, at the Pierre Regional Extension Center. The second training is Dec. 4, at the Watertown Regional Extension Center.



Teens will attend one of the sessions and take their training back to their local third, fourth and fifth grade youth in elementary classrooms and after-school programs.

“Teens will design and carry out lessons in conjunction with local 4-H program advisors and teachers. They will write newsletters, plan activities, and submit a 3-5 minute reflection video upon completion as well as various evaluations,” Geppert said.

Approximately 68 high school age students will receive a $500 scholarship upon completion of the program that will be established in an educational account at the South Dakota 4-H Foundation. The scholarship will be directed toward the post-secondary institution of the volunteer’s choice.

This program partners with the S.D. 4-H Foundation, S.D. Coordinated School Health, S.D. Discovery Center, S.D. Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America Chapters, Alliance for Healthier Generations, 21st Century Learning Centers and S.D. School Districts.

For more information on the Teens as Teachers program contact Suzy Geppert, SDSU Extension 4-H Youth Partnerships Field Specialist at 605-773-8120, suzanne.geppert@sdstate.edu, Audrey Rider, SDSU Extension 4-H Youth Leadership Field Specialist at 605-882-5140, audrey.rider@sdstate.edu, or Andrea Klein, SDSU Extension 4-H Resiliency Field Specialist at 605-773-8120, andrea.klein@sdstate.edu. F

–SDSU Extension