The 4-H PYD Academy provides learning opportunities to equip 4-H and other educators with the essential knowledge and skills to plan, implement and evaluate high-quality positive youth development (PYD) programs that help youth thrive.
Why Attend 4-H PYD Academy Learning Opportunities?
4-H PYD Academy opportunities are designed by university educators and experts to help you build your knowledge and skill in research-based PYD as a 4-H professional to ensure your programs have real and lasting impact. Take advantage of one or all the learning opportunities provided through the Academy to build your capacity in the science and practice of youth readiness.
Types of 4-H PYD Academy Learning Opportunities
Now more than ever, PYD can help youth thrive and be prepared for the future. Your ability to put PYD into practice is critical for youth to succeed–and the 4-H PYD Academy can help you do just that through several types of learning opportunities:
Courses: Structured 20+ hours of learning focusing on the fundamental and advanced knowledge and skills of PYD culminating in a certificate of completion
Conferences: Building on the success of the previous annual events, these learning opportunities are centered on a contemporary and essential topic relevant to 4-H PYD
Immersions: Four to six hours of virtual training focused on topics of importance for effective PYD practice
Upcoming 4-H PYD Academy Opportunities
Beyond Ready to Thrive Series
This series, a part of the 2025 4-H PYD Academy offerings, is centered on the science of youth readiness, with a focus on turning that research knowledge into effective 4-H practice as together we help young people be Beyond Ready for work and life.
4-H PYD Spotlight Day: Beyond Ready to Thrive
Oct. 14, 2024
For over two decades, groundbreaking research by Dr. Richard Lerner and Dr. Jacqueline Lerner has illuminated the extraordinary impact of 4-H on young people. Their latest study, reconnecting with hundreds of 4-H alumni, has solidified 4-H as a catalyst for lifelong success.
Discover how 4-H empowers youth to thrive, not just now, but throughout their lives. Join us for this first opportunity as we introduce 4-H’s new national initiative, Beyond Ready, to learn the evidence that supports 4-H’s ability to help youth be ready for work and life. This is your chance to connect with fellow professionals, gain invaluable insights and celebrate the incredible difference you make.
PYD Thriving Conference: Foundations of Youth Readiness
Feb. 4-6, 2025
Immersion Series: Foundations to Youth Readiness
March 5, 2025
April 2, 2025 May 7, 2025
These follow-up training opportunities from the PYD Thriving Conference are focused on providing a comprehensive and practical understanding of how 4-H programs are successfully implementing the Beyond Ready concept, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills to drive success in their own programs. VIRTUAL & IN-PERSON (BOISE, ID)
The concept of youth readiness is deeply rooted in decades of PYD research. Learning directly from experts in the PYD field, this conference will provide participants with the research base and resources for practical application to build youth readiness in 4-H programs. Participants will explore how 4-H can elevate youth from simply being ready to being Beyond Ready by incorporating individualized readiness pathways.
Join us to enhance your understanding of the Beyond Ready concept and become a leader in transforming the 4-H experience for youth in your community.
4-H PYD Fundamentals Courses
The 4-H PYD Academy offers two courses to deepen your learning of positive youth development. These courses have two phases to support further learning.
Phase one of the course is included for all participants and contains 20-30 hours of virtual learning over ten weeks. During this phase, you will gain essential knowledge and insights into key concepts and models relevant to PYD, building a strong theoretical framework and understanding best practices, equipping participants with the expertise needed to apply these principles in their work.
Dive deeper with a Learning Circle. Those looking to maximize their learning can add phase two, called Learning Circles. Learning Circles offer an opportunity to learn practical applications and collaborate with a group over an additional 4 months, while receiving support and guidance in applying newfound knowledge to real-world practice.
Foundations of PYD for 4-H Professionals
Course: Sept. 30 – Dec. 4
Learning Circles: Jan. 7 – Apr. 3
VIRTUAL
The Foundations of PYD for 4-H Professionals course provides educators with a comprehensive introduction to the science and practice of PYD in 4-H. Participants learn how to move from theory to action through intentional program planning and increase their capacity for the evaluation of PYD as defined by the 4-H Thriving Model.
It’s recommended for all 4-H professionals interested in developing a fundamental understanding of PYD and the 4-H Thriving Model. It’s especially recommended for those within the first three years of their 4-H careers, including educators, specialists and program leaders.
Program Planning and Evaluation for PYD Impact
Course: Sept. 30 – Dec. 5
Learning Circles: Jan. 7 – Apr. 3
VIRTUAL
The Program Planning and Evaluation for PYD Impact course prepares educators to intentionally plan and evaluate PYD programming as defined by the 4-H Thriving Model. You will learn how to move from theory to action through intentional program planning and increase your capacity for the evaluation of PYD as defined by the 4-H Thriving Model.
This course is recommended for all 4-H professionals with a minimum of 3 years of 4-H career or other relevant youth development experience and an interest in program evaluation related to PYD and the 4-H Thriving Model.
The 4-H PYD Academy has yet again provided a thorough and engaging experience to help me with my work with volunteers and developing a quality program for youth to develop their spark and to thrive!
