Progress 07/01/17 to 06/30/18

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience is families with and without youth inside the tribal boundaries that are underserved by other organizations. The counties inside the Muscogee (Creek) Nation are economically poor with a very low tax base. This does not allow the schools to receive sufficient funding to offer any more than the state mandated classes and programs . The Muscogee (Creek) Nation program assistants go into the schools and teach STEM, Take a Stand - Anti-bullying, Yoga for Kids, and 4H20 Water Fair Programs. These programs involve the youth in the classes, along with teachers. In addition the information is taken home by the youth and shared with parents, grand-parents and siblings. Each year the Muscogee (Creek) Nation host an All Indian Livestock Show which targets youth and their families along with agriculture professionals. The Muscogee (Creek) Nation speech contest is targeted to youth throughout the nation, teachers and other adults who serve as mentors and judges. Changes/Problems:Grant will be ending in June of 2018. This has been a long standing grant with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. The drawbacks are that we are ending close to a thirty year relationship with the nation. The positives are that the Muscogee (Creek) Nation has become familiar with the 4-H program and will continue to support county educator efforts. They believe that we are making a difference in the lives of their youth which makes a better nation. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Outputs conducted during this reporting period include many different activities and events including a few new ones. THe Creek Nation sponsors show for rabbits and poultry exhibitors as well as hosting an All Indian Livestock Show. The NE District has a large showing at the statewide archery contest. The archery program currently has 200 participants and 50 volunteers. The program assistants have spent many hours conducting "Take a Stand" programming both in the classrooms of six separate schools along with presenting school wide assembly programs. In addition, she has also taught several STEM workshops and programs including Geology with program materials from Oklahoma Energy Resource Board (OERB). Scholarships are available for youth to attend leadership conference at the district, state and national levels. Participation numbers and impacts in the Creek Nation 4-H program are shared with decision makers at all levels. The program continues to grow due to dedicated program assistants. They work tirelessly to reach more young people and make a difference in their lives which in turns makes a difference in the lives of everyone in the nation. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Since the FRTEP educator left shortly after the grant was written, program assistants were hired to carry out the programming. Unforunately they are restricted to a 40 hour work week and the Washington DC trip isn't feasible. 2. Without an educator, program assistants are not able to take youth to the summit due to the limitations of a 40 hour work week. 3. The Muscogee (Creek) Nation continues to aid youth in their small and large animal projects. This has become a completely sustainable program within the nation. They handle everything about the program, program assistant help get the word out to the public about the program. 4. Since the small and large animal assistance program was such a huge success, the nation implemented a rabbit and poultry assistance program. It has been a huge success with over fifty youth participating in 2017/2018. 5. The archery program is still in place for Muscogee (Creek) Nation youth. The FRTEP program assistants teamed up with Connors State College to offer a two day Archery Camp this past June focusing on archery and water education. The archery program currently has 200 active participants and 50 certified adult volunteers. The program has gone from 8 counties participating to 11 counties conducting archery contest. 6. STEM workshops have been conducted throughout the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation with several locations participating in the 4-H National Youth Science Day. Hydrorockets continue to be a big hit with many of the younger youth. This years focus was drone discovery. The program assistants also taught water education along with geology to five separate schools within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. 7. Utilization of the Stream hydrology trailer was used five times in different locations throughout the nation. 8. Leadership Rocks was terminated and replaced with a 4-H Discovery Unlimited Conference. This conference focuses on the development of the head, heart, hands and health of each member. It is targeted to 5th/6th grade students with teens (9th-12th) serving as mentors and camp counselors. It is a 2 day event held in April of each year. This year 60 youth attended with 10 being Muscogee (Creek). In addition, the program assistants and educators within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation encourage youth to run for local, county district and state offices. For the last 8 years, we have had Creek Nation youth on the District and State 4-H Leadership teams. 9. The Muscogee (Creek) Nation continues to aid youth with their projects regardless of the project. In addition they supply t-shirts for the archery camp and aid with some assistance to the counties when asked. They continue to aid youth to attend leadership conference both at the district, state and national level when requested by the youth. OSU Extension is very pleased with the dedication from the nation to support their youth.

Publications

Progress 07/01/16 to 06/30/17

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience is families with and without youth inside the tribal boundaries that are underserved by other organizations. The counties inside the Muscogee (Creek) Nation are economically poor with a very low tax base. This does not allow the schools to receive sufficient funding to offer any more than the state mandated classes and programs . The Muscogee (Creek) Nation program assistants go into the schools and teach STEM, Take a Stand - Anti-bullying, Yoga for Kids, and 4H20 Water Fair Programs. These programs involve the youth in the classes, along with teachers. In addition the information is taken home by the youth and shared with parents, grand-parents and siblings. Each year the Muscogee (Creek) Nation host an All Indian Livestock Show which targets youth and their families along with agriculture professionals. The Muscogee (Creek) Nation speech contest is targeted to youth throughout the nation, teachers and other adults who serve as mentors and judges. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Outputs conducted during this reporting period include many different activities and events including a few new ones. THe Creek Nation sponsors show for rabbits and poultry exhibitors as well as hosting an All Indian Livestock Show. The NE District has a large showing at the statewide archery contest. THe archery program currently has 200 participants and 45 volunteers. The program assistants have spent many hours conducting "Take a Stand" programming both in the classrooms of six separate schools along with presenting school wide assembly programs. In addition, she has also taught several STEM workshops and programs including Geology with program materials from Oklahoma Energy Resource Board (OERB). Scholarships are available for youth to attend leadership conference at the district, state and national levels. Participation numbers and impacts in the Creek Nation 4-H program are shared with decision makers at all levels. THe program continues to grow due to dedicated program assistants. They work tirelessly to reach more young people and make a difference in their lives which in turns makes a difference in the lives of everyone in the nation. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? 1. Since the FRTEP educator left shortly after the grant was written, program assistants were hired to carry out the programming. Unforunately they are restricted to a 40 hour work week and the Washington DC trip isn't feasible. 2. Without an educator, program assistants are not able to take youth to the summit due to the limitations of a 40 hour work week. 3. The Muscogee (Creek) Nation continues to aid youth in their small and large animal projects. This has become a completely sustainable program within the nation. They handle everything about the program, program assistant help get the word out to the public about the program. 4. Since the small and large animal assistance program was such a huge success, the nation implemented a rabbit and poultry assistance program. It has been a huge success with over fifty youth participating in 2016/2017. 5. The archery program is still in place for Muscogee (Creek) Nation youth. The FRTEP program assistants teamed up with Connors State College to offer a one day Archery Camp this past June. Another camp is being planned for 2017 with a second day focused on water education. The archery program currently has 200 active participants and 50 certified adult volunteers. The program has gone from 8 counties participating to 11 counties conducting archery contest. 6. STEM workshops have been conducted throughout the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation with several locations participating in the 4-H National Youth Science Day. Hydrorockets continue to be a big hit with many of the younger youth. This years focus was drone discovery. 7. Utilization of the Stream hydrology trailer was used five times in different locations throughout the nation. A water education component was introduced to a few of the schools in the nation. 8. Leadership Rocks was terminated and replaced with a 4-H Discovery Unlimited Conference. This conference focuses on the development of the head, heart, hands and health of each member. It is targeted to 5th/6th grade students with teens (9th-12th) serving as mentors and camp counselors. It is a 2 day event held in April of each year. This year 52 youth attended with 5 being Muscogee (Creek). In addition, the program assistants and educators within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation encourage youth to run for local, county district and state offices. For the last 7 years, we have had Creek Nation youth on the District and State 4-H Leadership teams. 9. The Muscogee (Creek) Nation continues to aid youth with their projects regardless of the project. In addition they supply t-shirts for the archery camp and aid with some assistance to the counties when asked. They continue to aid youth to attend leadership conference both at the district, state and national level when requested by the youth. OSU Extension is very pleased with the dedication from the nation to support their youth.

Publications

Progress 07/01/15 to 06/30/16

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience is families inside the tribal boundaries that are underserved by other organizations. The counties inside the Creek Nation are economically poor with a very low tax base. This does not allow the schools to receive sufficient funding to offer any more than the state mandated classes and programs. The Creek Nation program assistants go into the schools and conducts science school enrichment programs to introduce students to the laws of motion and the scientific method. This year, the program assistants have focused on water education and gardening. They also conduct the "Take a Stand" anti-bullying program which teaches kids how to spot a bully and how to make positive decisions in their lives. They also provides physical education programs utilizing the archery equipment. Many summer workshops and camps are offered to youth on the topics of STEM, archery, camping, outdoors recreation and career exploration. The Creek Nation hosted a speech contest again this spring with participants from 6 counties. Information about events and activities are sent to educators within the boundaries and posted on the Oklahoma Northeast District 4-H website and face-book page. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Outputs conducted during this reporting period include many different activities and events. The Creek Nation sponsors shows for rabbit and poultry exhibitors. The NE District has a large showing at the statewide archery contest. The archery program currently has 200 participants and 50 volunteers. Patti Hernandez has spent several hours teaching "Take a Stand" anti-bullying curriculum in 3 different school districts throughout the Creek Nation. In addition, she has also taught water education and geology to five separate classrooms. For the last 7 years, we have had Creek Nation youth on the District and State 4-H Leadership teams. We are very grateful the Creek tribal leaders for the $177,000 annual budget that they provide to the 4-H program to support programming efforts. Scholarships are available to Creek Nation youth so they can attend 4-H events and activities at no cost.Participation numbers and impacts in the Creek Nation 4-H program are shared with decision makers at all levels. The program continues to grow due to the dedication made by the Creek Nation 4-H program assistants. They works tirelessly to reach more young people and recruit more volunteers with innovative programming. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Because the budget didn't allow for a full time educator, the Washington D.C. trip was cancelled by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation tribe for 2015. Because we have been without an educator for this grant, no youth have attended the Native American Youth Summit, however, each year members of the tribe attend Citizenship Washington Focus which is a trip for senior 4-H members to Washington D.C. to learn about their government and the many historical traits of the city. Animal projects remain a huge part of the partnership with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.In 2015 an increase has been seen in the small animal projects (rabbits, poultry and goats). Funding for the show circuit have been abolished due to the tribe feeling like many non- tribal youth were benefiting from the circuit.The tribe felt their money would be better spent by helping those members with the purchase of animals and or show equipment and supplies. Archery continues to be a huge program across the nation.Many are competing at the county, district and state levels.An archery camp has been provided not only for younger members to learn about the archery program and 4-H but serves as a platform for older 4-H members to serve as mentors.The camp is coordinated by the program assistants with the help of educators and volunteers.Many topics are discussed at the trainings besides archery.Some of those trainings have been water safety, plant identification, sun safety and outdoor first aid. STEM has taken a different turn with the program assistants focusing more on geology and the rock formations in Oklahoma along with water education. A few of the topics that have been discuss with water are conservation, run-off and water sheds. The Stream Hydrology Trailer has been used to educate youth in the counties on the importance of riparian areas near streams of water.Youth have also learned how to conserve water in their houses. The Northeast District 4-H decided that the older youth were given many opportunities for leadership.They also decided that younger 4-H members were experiencing camp for the first time but the tweeners (5th and 6th graders) were left out of anything exciting.That was the time they decided to do away with Leadership Rocks and start offering Discovery Unlimited for 5th and 6th grade 4-H members.Each year the conference focuses on the head, heart, hands and health of every member.The youth rotate through workshops focusing on each of those 4 areas.In 2015, the conference added the 5th "H" the home to fit into the theme of the Olympics.This has been a positive addition to the district event calendar and several tribal youth have been involved. The Muscogee (Creek) Nation continues to help with the financial needs of the youth by providing monies for the purchase of animals, feed and supplies, sale premiums, archery equipment.At the present time the tribe provides $500 awards for animal projects and $300 for small animal and archery projects.They have seen an increase in the number of youth requesting assistance with their projects.They are open to other project help for members in other project areas if they just ask for assistance.The tribe continues to help grant scholarship funds to assist youth in attending county, district, state and national events.Some of those events are summer camps, district contest days, state 4-H Round-Up and Denver Western 4-H Round-Up.

Publications

Progress 07/01/14 to 06/30/15

Outputs
Target Audience: The target audience is families inside the tribal boundaries that are underserved by other organizations. The counties inside the Creek Nation are economically poor with a very low tax base. This does not allow the schools to receive sufficient funding to offer any more than the state mandated classes and programs. The Creek Nation program assistants go into the schools and conducts science school enrichment programs to introduce students to the laws of motion and the scientific method. They also conduct the "Take a Stand" anti-bullying program which teaches kids how to spot a bully and how to make positive decisions in their lives. They also provides physical education programs utilizing the archery equipment. Many summer workshops and camps are offered to youth on the topics of STEM, archery, camping, outdoors recreation and career exploration. The Creek Nation hosted a speech contest this spring with participants from 5 counties. Information about events and activities are sent to educators within the boundaries and posted on the Oklahoma Northeast District 4-H website and face-book page. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Outputs conducted during this reporting period include many different activities and events. The Washington D.C. trip focused on leadership, legislative process and American history. It involved 37 Native American youth and 1 Extension Educator along with the Creek Nation youth program coordinator. The Creek Nation sponsors shows for rabbit and poultry exhibitors. The NE District has a large showing at the statewide archery contest. The archery program currently has 200 participants and 50 certified adult volunteers with an additional 3 counties hosting this year. Patti Hernandez has spent several hours teaching "Take a Stand" anti-bullying curriculum in 3 different school districts throughout the Creek Nation. For the last 7 years, we have had Creek Nation youth on the District and State 4-H Leadership teams. We are very grateful the Creek tribal leaders for the $177,000 annual budget that they provide to the 4-H Educator to support his program efforts. Scholarships are available to Creek Nation youth so they can attend 4-H events and activities at no cost. Participation numbers and impacts in the Creek Nation 4-H program are shared with decision makers at all levels. The program continues to grow due to the dedication made by the Creek Nation 4-H program assistants. They works tirelessly to reach more young people and recruit more volunteers with innovative programming. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals involved in the project include Nancy Arnett, who is the PI on this project. She does not receive a stipend for her work. Mrs. Arnett is the person who signs annual/sick/education leave requests and travel claims for our Creek Nation program assistant. Doug Maxey is the County Extension Director in the county where the Muscogee (Creek) Nation tribal complex is located. Mr. Maxey is the person who signs annual/sick/education leave requests and travel claims for our Creek Nation program assistant located in his office. Mr. Maxey does not receive a stipend for his work. Individuals receiving their salary from the FRTEP grant include: Patti Hernandez, our 1.0 FTE Creek Nation program assistant. Stephanie McDougall, our .625 FTE program assistant and Debbie Howk, our .25 FTE program assistant. Partnering organizations include many of the public schools inside the tribal boundaries, 8 county extension offices, and Oklahoma State University. US Congressmen communicate with Creek 4-H members when they visit their offices in Washington D.C. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The evaluations from the Washington DC trip indicate that the youth learned how the US government works, how big the country is outside their tribal boundaries, and how to be responsible for themselves when away from their parents and home. It was the first time that some of the youth had to make decisions for themselves. Participation in livestock projects has remained about the same due to the economy. Evaluations from youth and parents involved in the small and large animal projects indicate that the youth learned to be responsible for the care of animals, gave them family time together, allowed them to make new friends, became more outgoing, improved in reading and other academic skills, became more involved in their communities and service projects, had a better attitude, and became more involved in 4-H. Patti Hernandez, 1.0 FTE program assistant reported a continuing increase in the number of participants mainly due to adding poultry and rabbit projects to the list of qualified animal exhibit. Those participating in those areas received $300 for their project. The youth involved in all animal projects have gained skills in the selection of suitable animal projects and various husbandry practices. Livestock premium sale money is often used to invest in another animal project or expand their operation. The 4-H archery program has met the objective of increasing teen and adult volunteer enrollment. The archery circuit has grown to 11 contests per year. This year, 12 adults became certified archery instructors. The adult volunteers value the archery program because it gives them the opportunity to share a sport that they enjoy with young people. A 2 day archery camp was provided to gain interest in the program along with giving teens in the program an opportunity to serve as a mentor for younger youth. The archery program serves as a 4-H visibility and recruitment tool. Over 400 youth participated in archery programs during the year. Discovery Unlimited, a conference for 5th and 6th grade students was introduced and has given teens the opportunity to serve as mentors for younger 4-H members while introducing 5th and 6th grade members to the many opportunities in 4-H. The conference encourages youth to become more active in their local, county, district and state 4-H program. Many of those youth became more motivated to seek leadership roles, gain confidence in their speaking ability, and take on leadership role at the local, county, district and state levels. The theme for the annual Youth in Action conference was Leadership Oklahoma Style where the youth used hashtags and other technology items to promote science. The national 4-H Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) initiative is in the forefront of the Creek Nation program assistants minds. This conference alone helped to introduce 4-H members to the wide world of technology. Attendance for the conference was 382 youth with 43 adult volunteers and educators. On written evaluations, the youth acknowledge they have become better problem solvers, communicators and have an increased interest in careers in STEM areas than they had before their involvement. It is amazing to watch the kids embrace the world of science in something that use every day, their smart phone. The program assistants adapt their teaching method to accommodate all learning styles and age levels.

Publications

Progress 07/01/13 to 06/30/14

Outputs
Target Audience: The target audience is families inside the tribal boundaries that are underserved by other organizations. The counties inside the Creek Nation are economically poor with a very low tax base. This does not allow the schools to receive sufficient funding to offer anymore than the state mandated classes and programs. The Creek Nation Educator goes into the schools and conducts science school enrichment programs to introduce students to the laws of motion and the scientific method. He also provides physical education programs utilizing his archery equipment. Many summer workshops and camps are offered to youth on the topics of STEM, archery, camping, outdoors recreation and career exploration. During this past year Mr. Clovis has collaborated with the Cherokee and Choctaw Nations to provide liquid nitrogen workshops for youth. In addition to these groups Mr. Clovis has also created a Creek Nation 4-H Facebook Page where 4-Hers can get information and other youth can search for information about 4-H and the Creek Nation. Rick Clovis left extension in December of 2013 so the programming for 2014 has been conducted by educators in the counties of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation along with program assistants. Changes/Problems: Rick Clovis - full-time FRTEP 4-H educator left extension in December of 2013, the full-time program assistant left in February 2014. With decreased funding for the new grant a 0.25 FTE program assistant has been hired in Okmulgee County. A 0.625 FTE program assistant will be hired for Creek Countyand will start on July 1, 2014. An additional 1.0 FTE program assistant will be hired asap and will be housed in Muskogee County. Each of these counties are within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Outputs conducted during this reporting period include many different activities and events. The Washington D.C. trip focused on leadership, legislative process and American history. It involved 40 Native American youth and 10 Extension Educators. Mr. Clovis escorted 3 Creek Youth to the Native American Youth Summit held by the Justice Department. The Creek Nation sponsors shows for rabbit and poultry exhibitors. The NE District has a large showing at the statewide archery contest. The archery program currently has 200 participants and 50 certified adult volunteers with an additional 3 counties hosting this year. Mr. Clovis continues to work in the STEM area by offering workshops over hydro-rockets, liquid nitrogen and robotics. For the last 6 years, we have had Creek Nation youth on the District and State 4-H Leadership teams. We are very grateful the Creek tribal leaders for the $177,000 annual budget that they provide to the 4-H Educator to support his program efforts. Mr. Clovis awards $2,000 grants to each of the counties inside the tribal boundaries to use for their 4-H awards banquets and program development. Scholarships are available to Creek Nation youth so they can attend 4-H events and activities at no cost. Participation numbers and impacts in the Creek Nation 4-H program are shared with decision makers at all levels. The program continues to grow due to the dedication made by the Creek Nation 4-H Educator. He works tirelessly to reach more young people and recruit more volunteers with innovative programming. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals involved in the project include Nancy Arnett, who is the PI on this project. She does not receive a stipend for her work. Doug Maxey is the County Extension Director in the county where the Muscogee (Creek) Nation tribal complex is located. Mr. Maxey is the person who signs annual/sick/education leave requests and travel claims for our Creek Nation Educator. Mr. Maxey does not receive a stipend for his work. Individuals receiving their salary from the FRTEP grant include: Rick Clovis, our Creek Nation Educator. Dena Powers, his full-time Program Assistant. Partnering organizations include many of the public schools inside the tribal boundaries, 8 county extension offices, and Oklahoma State University. US Congressmen communicate with Creek 4-H members when they visit their offices in Washington D.C. The Creek Nation 4-H Educator provides training and professional development to other Extension Educators in the Cooperative Extension Service in the areas of STEM and leadership development. As a professional development opportunity for Mr. Clovis, he attends the annual IAC and FRTEP meetings to stay abreast of current development in these organizations. He is also a member of the Oklahoma and National 4-H Agent organization. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The evaluations from the Washington DC trip indicate that the youth learned how the US government works, how big the country is outside their tribal boundaries, and how to be responsible for themselves when away from their parents and home. It was the first time that some of the youth had to make decisions for themselves. Participation in livestock projects has remained about the same due to the economy. Evaluations from youth and parents involved in the small and large animal projects indicate that the youth learned to be responsible for the care of animals, gave them family time together, allowed them to make new friends, became more outgoing, improved in reading and other academic skills, became more involved in their communities and service projects, had a better attitude, and became more involved in 4-H. Mr. Clovis reported a continuing increase in the number of participants. The youth involved in all animal projects have gained skills in the selection of suitable animal projects and various husbandry practices. Livestock premium sale money is often used to invest in another animal project or expand their operation. The 4-H archery program has met the objective of increasing teen and adult volunteer enrollment. The archery circuit has grown to 11 contests per year. This year, 25 adults became certified archery instructors. The adult volunteers value the archery program because it gives them the opportunity to share a sport that they enjoy with young people. Mr. Clovis expanded the archery program to the public school system and provided workshops at 4-H camps. This serves as a 4-H visibility and recruitment opportunity. 550 youth participated in archery programs conducted by Mr. Clovis during the year. Leadership Rocks evaluations indicate that the youth became more motivated to seek leadership roles, gain confidence in their speaking ability, a good leader can listen as well as speak, the importance of personality styles in communication and interpersonal relationships. One of the participants stated, " Sometimes when leading you have to let others have the spotlight". At Youth In Action this past year 4-Hers created 4-H promotion videos with a theme of "Never Give Up". The entire Youth in Action Conference focused on overcoming obstacles. 337 youth, 52 Educators and adult volunteers participated in the conference. The national 4-H Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) initiative is in the forefront of the Creek Nation Educator's mind. He holds numerous STEM workshops throughout Creek Nation and eastern Oklahoma to generate excitement for STEM. On written evaluations, the youth acknowledge they have become better problem solvers, communicators and have an increased interest in careers in STEM areas than they had before their involvement. It is amazing to see how he makes learning the scientific method, laws of motion, phases of matter and artificial intelligence fun by using rockets, robots and liquid nitrogen. He adapts his teaching method to accommodate all learning styles and age levels. 540 youth attended STEM programs provides by Mr. Clovis during the year.

Publications