Professional Development

Standards and Competencies (4-H PRKC and more):
Knowledge, skills and competencies needed in 4-H youth work

What is Professional Development? - information sheet

4-H Professional Development Standards

This set of 4-H professional development standards is to be used as a guide for developing, conducting, and assessing professional development experiences and resources for the 4-H workforce.  This universal set of standards transcends all delivery methods and learning contexts.  They establish standards of excellence for 4-H professional development.

4-H Professional Research Knowledge and Competency Model

The 4-H Professional Research Knowledge and Competency Model (4-H PRKC) represents the foundation of the 4-H youth development profession. Each of the six domains describes competencies that can be used to design a curriculum for youth workers or guide a 4-H educator in his or her daily work and in creating a professional development plan.

You can download the 4-H PRKC 2004 Study report (PDF), the PRKC overview document (PDF) and a Powerpoint presentation that provides an overview of the 4-H PRKC.

UC 4-H Center for Youth Development surveyed 77 youth development advisors and program representatives on their self-perceived competency levels in various areas of youth development, and their suggested training needs using an adapted version of the PRKC survey tool. Read the report of their findings.

4-H PRKC Resources:

Giving Them our Best: 4-H Professional Research Knowledge and Competencies 2004 Fact Sheet - printed copies can be ordered by contacting National 4-H Headquarters or state 4-H offices. You can download a low-resolution copy (PDF).

Giving Them our Best: 4-H PRKC Self Assessment (MS Word)
Guidelines for Using the 4-H PRKC Self Assessment
4-H PRKC Self Assessment Instrument
Planning Guide for Creating a 4-H Professional Development Plan

Giving Them our Best promotional posters - copies can be ordered by contacting National 4-H Headquarters or state 4-H offices.