Engaging Latino Youth in Community-Based Programs: Findings from the First Ten Years of the Oregon 4-H Latino Outreach Project

Community-based educational programs play a significant role in the education and positive development of youth. Over the last decade, the Oregon 4-H Youth Development program has made special efforts to reach and engage Latino youth and families in non-formal educational programs. Latino families most often do not access community-based educational programs because they don't know about them and/or they do not feel welcomed. This report was prepared to help educators better understand the nuances of Latino culture that impact the participation of youth and to learn how to design and implement culturally responsive programming that will attract Latino youth. The report provides a synthesis of the knowledge gained over ten years of experience through the Oregon 4-H Latino Outreach Project. Topics addressed include ways to build relationships and establish trust with Latino communities, issues involved in the selection of outreach staff, critical elements of culturally responsive programming, evaluating outreach programs, and recruiting and supporting Latino adult volunteers. While the information reported here was gained in non-formal educational setting, much of what was learned is applicable to formal educational settings as well. (Contains an appendix showing examples of project programs and activities listed by content or delivery method.)