UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE

Program coordinators

Donna Fryman, Family & Consumer Sciences Agent

Gwen O’Cull, Expanded Food & Nutrition Program Assistant

Barbara Campbell, SNAP-Ed Program Assistant

In the beginning:

•The idea: work with preteens to build their self esteem and encourage positive health behaviors

•Saw news articles and a television newscast on similar topic.

•Discussed among office staff and then pulled in specialist help.

•Contacted school principal to see if this would be possible

•Secured support from the school board

•Secured funding

Objectives of program:

•Encourages female students to take charge of their

health.

•Learn positive actions to empower themselves .

•Students improve their self esteem

• Increase their knowledge of healthy behaviors.

•Provide an outlet to discuss topics of interest to them

in a safe and welcoming environment.

•Provides student and adults with a positive bonding

experience.

•Students will serve as role models for other students

in the school.

How it evolved

Students were selected by teachers.

Parents received invites for their child to participate

Students then met after school once a week

THE NAME

Components

JournalingHealth topicExercise Nutrition

Journaling

Exercising can be fun!!!!!

More fun exercising

Nutrition and Food Preparation

Preparing and tasting new foods

Students try many new recipes and foods

Food safety is covered at every session

Guest Speakers include Physicians

Presenters discuss skin and hair care

Grooming has been a popular topic

Community Service Projects

Accessory class

Many used a sewing machine for the first time ever!

Fun but useful skill classes

Sewing skillsEtiquetteCraft projectsLocal History

Learning about local history while walking

Evaulation Students were given a pre-test at the beginning of

each session concerning their beliefs, attitudes and behaviors related to the session’s health topic. Post tests were administered at the end of each 12 week period. . The questionnaire measures the changes in self-esteem, health habits and ability to resist at-risk behavior.

The evaluation tool was developed by Kenneth Jones, University of Kentucky , Cooperative Extension Service Director of Program and Staff Development

Results Results over the four year time period of the 258

students have reported:

75% are aware of health consequences of tobacco, drug, and alcohol misuse.

64% have started consuming more fruits and vegetables daily

68% have increased physical activity time daily. 85% have improved their grooming techniques 55% have started journaling on a regular basis

Collaborators/Funding The success of this program is due to the

involvement of agents, Extension Program Assistants, Extension Specialists and the County School System.

Cooperative Extension Service funded the project

School District provided the space and additional support through the Guidance Counselors and Family Resource Center Staff.

For more informationContact: Donna Fryman, Family & Consumer

Sciences agent

Gwen O’Cull, EFNEP assistant

Barbara Campbell, SNAP-Ed assistant

Fleming County Cooperative Extension ServicePO Box 192Flemingsburg, KY606-845-4641

Email: dfryman@uky.edu