Maximizing Partnerships to Support Youth Housekeeping notes: all phones are on mute We will have a question and answer section at the end Feel free to type questions or comments into the chat box as they arise We will address chat box questions and comments during the Q&A session At that time, you can also use the “raise hand” function and we will unmute your line for you to speak November 14, 2016 Amy DeLisio MPH, RD

Youth Engagement Pilot Project PHI Center for Wellness and Nutrition (CWN) partnered with UC CalFresh to increase youth voice and choice in nutrition and physical activity programs Six pilot sites across the state Upper elementary to high school aged CWN provides training, technical assistance, resources and support to pilot sites Youth-led Policy, Systems and Environmental Changes through Youth-led Participatory Action Projects (YPAR) Youth involvement in key program strategies: Smarter Lunchrooms Movement School and Community Gardens Physical Activity Peer to Peer education

Garden Education | Physical Activity | Smarter Lunchrooms Movement Assess UC CalFresh Nutrition Education Programs and Activities with School Aged Children and Youth Garden Education | Physical Activity | Smarter Lunchrooms Movement ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MIDDLE SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL Provide training on engagement theory, developmentally appropriate strategy, and successful approaches Provide technical assistance and support with increasing authentic engagement in current programs and activities. Increase youth voice and choice in program Explore meaningful roles for young people Build in Peer leadership and mentorship Consult youth on project direction Encourage youth leadership with adults Involve youth in research and environmental assessments Allow youth to teach peers and younger youth Create chances for youth to present to or teach adults Incorporate youth guidance on program improvement ► Youth Become Change Agents ► Active Community Engagement ► Exposure to Career Pathways ► Strengthen Critical thinking ► Active Problem solving ► Build Self Efficacy ► Strengthen Research Skills ► Reinforce Community Awareness ► Practice Public Speaking Skills ► Youth Influence Peers And Families ► Prime Participants For Next Level Engagement ► Build Foundational Leadership Skills

Formative Research: UC CalFresh and 4H Nutrition education and curriculum are major focuses of the UC CalFresh program Elementary interventions are still primary focus Middle and High School program rely heavily on partnerships and alternative funding sources Most respondents are not defining policy, systems and environmental changes with youth Some are linking the environment to health Youth engagement principles are the norm in 4H, not common in UC CalFresh programs Interview 6 advisors and staff related to UC CalFresh Youth work Interview 3 advisors and staff from 4H

Formative Research: UC CalFresh and 4H Respondents open to expanding partnerships between UC CalFresh and 4H: See the value/benefits Complementary expertise and skills Could reach a greater number of diverse youth Excitement around expanding youth engagement in CalFresh: Value in youth voice Health is a life long commitment Adults leaders need training on youth and adult partnerships “letting go, to let youth lead”

Youth Forum 2016

Three Current Local Projects Placer County El Dorado County Imperial County Jr High students as trainers teach 4th- 6th graders nutrition education & cooking skills in a peer-led model Cooking Academy Project Partnerships: UC CalFresh 4H Boys & Girls Club Elementary School Jr High School Project Goals: Nutrition Education Building Cooking Skills Building Leadership Skills 6th grade students examine barriers to healthy choices in their school environment with a Photovoice Project Project Partnerships: UC CalFresh Master Gardeners of America Elementary School Project Goals: Nutrition Education Identifying barriers to healthy Choices Conduct a Photo Assessment of the environment Present findings & recommendation to school leadership and community Building Leadership Skills 7th & 8th grade students examine barriers to healthy choices in their school environment with a Youth-Led Participatory Action Research Project Project Partnerships: UC CalFresh 4H Aces After School Program Elementary School Project Goals: Nutrition Education Identifying Barriers to healthy Choices Conduct a research project Present findings & recommendations to school leadership and community Building Leadership Skills

Statewide Partnerships and Next Steps UC CalFresh (SNAP-Ed) and 4H Willingness to figure out issues around different funding streams rules and regulations to support local collaboration Key Strengths: UC CalFresh has strong connections with schools and youth serving organizations and has experience with typically underserved low income diverse youth 4H has 100 year history of working on youth development, a large volunteer network, and more flexible funding Next Steps: Prioritize key collaborative strategies and sustainable solutions that support youth that can be implemented statewide

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