Adolescent Development
The Issue:
Adolescence is an important period of the lifespan. Physical changes, renegotiation
of roles, and identity seeking are just some of the processes that youth undergo
during this period - making it a time that is both challenging and full of possibilities.
The task for parents, educators, and others, is to support youth in negotiating
the path between success and risk during the adolescent years, and to prepare
them to be successful, happy, and productive members of society.
The Response:
Extension has multiple programs that support youth in their successful development.
Family and youth programs focus on helping youth acquire life-skills, positive
relationships, leadership roles, and experiences of success. Extension faculty
and educators have also conducted research on these issues, and have made efforts
to share information with the commuity by translating results of current research
into user-friendly publications.
Coalitions and Partners:
Extension faculty and staff recognize the importance of partnerships with organizations
and people who have simlar interests and goals. Current coalitions exist with
mulitple groups and faculty within UNL and other universities and colleges,
various schools across the state, and other community organizations.
Impact and Results:
Extension programming reaches thousands of youth and families across the state.
In addition, 4-H is the largest youth organization in the whole country - with
a membership of millions over its century-long history. In Nebraska, Extension
programs have impacted the lives of youth by providing programs that improve
family life on multiple levels. Extension has also provided educational programs
both directly through extension and 4-H, as well as through schools.
Links:
See UNL website for up-to-date information on families http://unlforfamilies.unl.edu;
adolescence http://manila.unl.edu/teens;
and 4-H programs http://4h.unl.edu
Faculty Contact Information:
Maria de Guzman, Ph.D.
Department of Family and Consumer Sciences
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
256 Mabel Lee Hall
Lincoln NE 68588-0236
(402) 472-9154
mguzman2@unl.edu
