Polk County Extension
Nicole Walker - 4-H Youth Development

Brief Description of Program

4-H is a community-based educational program of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service that involves youth, ages 5-19, in exciting experiential learning activities.  4-H members have the opportunity to: learn and develop essential life skills through numerous project areas; make new friends through 4-H meetings, events, camps and other activities; develop leadership and public speaking skills; and explore areas that may lead to future careers.

In Polk County 4-H members, and adult and teen volunteers participate in community clubs, after-school programs, special interest clubs, independent clubs, or school enrichment programs. During the summer months even more opportunities are available through residential camp in the Ocala National Forest, 4-H Legislature and 4-H Congress (for teens), and Shooting Sports Camp.

Educational Background

• Master of Public Administration, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, 2008
• Bachelor of Arts, English, Business and Technical Writing, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 1998

Experience

• 1999- Present
  4-H Youth Development Extension Agent,
  UF/IFAS Polk County Cooperative Extension Service
• 1998-1999
  AmeriCorps Public Allies Delaware
  New Castle County Cooperative Extension (DE)
  4-H Program Assistant, Urban Programs and Marketing

Honors and Awards

• National Association of Extension 4-H Agents Achievement in Service Award, 2006
• Florida Association of Extension 4-H Agents Rookies of the Year Award, 2003
• Healthy Start Coalition of Hardee, Highlands and Polk Counties, Inc. HERO Award, 2003