In Selbyville, many youth are living in poverty and need safe, quality, affordable afterschool programs, including 50% of students attending Phillip C. Showell Elementary (per the Department of Education). Two recent incidents in Selbyville underscore the need for 4-H afterschool programing — a four-year-old preschooler passed out 200 bags of heroin to classmates, and a 13-year-old student ingested heroin. Through a grant from the DE Department of Education 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC), a 4-H Afterschool/Summer Program is now offered.

RESPONSE

In discussions with the school principal, staff and in accordance with the 21st CCLC grant goals and objectives, 4-H program staff identified specific areas to target. The staff focused on: Academic improvement, increased school connectedness, health and nutrition, drug and alcohol prevention, and increasing capacity of participants to be productive adults.

IMPACT

Because of their experience in the 2016-2017 Phillip C. Showell 4-H Afterschool Program:

96% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed they participate in math and science activities more often
87% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed they have assets that will help them in their future
96% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed they make better food choices
92% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed they feel valued by 4-H staff
96% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed they can work successfully with adults
82% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed they feel close to school and 4-H staff
87% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed they understand the effects of drugs and alcohol
92% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed they are motivated to do well in school
78% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed they feel a part of their school
100% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed they could get help with their homework