4-H Youth and Development
Currently, Warren Metzger, is assisting with our 4-H program as the Temporary Extension Associate II. Our 4-H program provides a creative a supportive environment in which culturally diverse youth and adults can reach their full potential. Our local county program works to develop life skills to help young people become self-directed, productive citizens. We also work to empower adult volunteers who multiply the efforts of our local county Extension staff.
Torrance County is the second fastest growing county and the twenty-fifth most populous county in the state of New Mexico; the county’s population has tripled since 1970. By the year 2015, the county’s population is expected to be 21,123. Most of this growth can be attributed to the county’s close proximately to metropolitan Albuquerque. Despite continued economic growth, unemployment has increased substantially and more people are living in poverty in Torrance County. Torrance County youth need to be prepared to become knowledgeable, productive citizens; they must posses basic life skills. 4-H is challenged to help youth to gain knowledge in consumer skills, money management, nutrition, life skills, job skills, personal and family development, and public speaking skills.
Volunteers
There were 82 volunteers involved in the 4-H program in 1997-98. The projected number of youth between the ages of 6–19 in year 2005 is 382,200. Torrance County is the second fastest growing county in the state. More volunteers are needed to expand the 4-H program to serve the projected increase in population and the diversity of the population. Torrance County has indicated that volunteer recruitment and retention are a high priority.