The 4-H Afterschool program by the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) Extension 4-H Youth Development in Clark County, offers students at J. Harold Brinley Middle School an inclusive developmental experience. Through the experiential learning model, the program promotes mastery, generosity, friendship, and positive adult mentorship (USDA, 2016). It effectively replaces unsupervised time with hands-on, educational, and recreational activities. UNR Extension forms partnerships with in-school professionals, which deliver the 4-H programming to students. Tailored to student needs and teacher expertise, the after-school projects engage and inspire.
The program employs educators, procures supplies, and appoints a coordinator for each site, while schools contribute space and liaisons. Together, they recruit and enroll students, ensuring a nurturing environment. Launched in September 2023, the program enriched the school year with five sessions of diverse activities, concluding in May 2024. Sessions were held Monday through Thursday, afterschool, for an hour, marking a year of impactful learning and growth.