Discover the latest research and practical solutions from UF/IFAS experts. These are the new EDIS/Ask IFAS documents published by the Florida 4-H Youth Development Program during May and June. Stay informed and inspired with our updates!
Florida 4-H Tailgate: Make Your Own Dry Rub
By Brian Estevez, Heather Kent, Jereme Johnson, Haylee Linam, Nick Simmons, and Murilo Morata
Dry rubs are a delicious way to season protein and vegetables for the grill. There are four flavor components to a dry rub: spicy, salty, sweet, and savory. This publication lists traditional herbs and spices for each component to get you started designing your own dry rub.
Promising Practices for Working With Youth With Disabilities
By Vanessa Spero, Darcy Cole, Vera Bullard, Jennifer Cushman, Tara Dorn, Kelsey Dugan, Crystal Perry, and Jennifer Taylor-Winney
The most recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics report that 15% of individuals aged 3–21 are served under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. This means that 15% of youth are diagnosed with a disability that has the potential to affect their success academically and in the workforce. As a youth development organization, 4-H programs should anticipate at least 15% of their population, if not more, to have a diagnosed disability. As youth development professionals, we are tasked with meeting the needs of youth with disabilities through proactive and reactive planning strategies. This also includes professionals being flexible, accommodating, and ready to foster Positive Youth Development best practices.
The Value of 4-H to Youth in Florida and Beyond
By Keith G. Diem
To maximize the strengths of the 4-H Youth Development Program and to promote its value to the public and funding agencies, Extension staff must know the value of 4-H as it is perceived by others. Since parents are key stakeholders in the 4-H program because they approve of their children being members and they are taxpayers and voters, this descriptive survey research involving a randomly selected sample of parents of 4-H club members in Florida aimed to determine what value 4-H brings to youth members, what problems 4-H faces, and what other beliefs parents have about 4-H.
Risk Management for Florida 4-H Youth Development Work: Large Animals—Horses
By Saundra TenBroeck, Wendy DeVito, Dale Pracht, Chad Carr, Brittani Kirkland, and Georgene Bender. Revised by Saundra TenBroeck, Bailea Scarbrough, Candi Dierenfield, and Amber Norris.
This is one part of the series Risk Management for Florida 4-H Youth Development Work.
Welcome to the Apiary! Honey Bee 4-H Project Book
By Written by Megan Hammond, Amy T. Vu, Natalie Parkell, Mary Bammer, Emily Helton, Karen Henry, Jessica Sullivan, and James D. Ellis
The purpose of this publication is to offer a follow-up 4-H curriculum to Chapter 1: Welcome to the Hive! The text is most appropriate for junior-, intermediate-, and senior-aged youth (about 8–18 years old) and may serve as a guide for prospective and beginner beekeeping.
Universal Design Learning (UDL) for Extension Audiences
By Vanessa Spero
Universal Design Learning (UDL) is about designing for the minority in the learning environment to meet the needs of all. This publication explains the principles of Universal Design Learning—engagement, representation, and action and expression—and how to incorporate them into lesson plans. As practitioners, 4-H Extension agents and other professionals who educate youth can support learners by incorporating these UDL principles.
4-H Afterschool Resource Guide: 4-H Youth Development Programming in Hard-to-Reach Communities
By Sharon K. Junge (original lead), Vanessa Starr Spero (lead); Niki Crawson, J. R. Davis, Tara Dorn, Beth Rasa Edwards, Stacy Hall, Karen Henry, Heather Janney, Beth Kerr, Andrea Lazzari, Abby Morgan, Kristie Popa, Cindy Smalley, Melinda Souers, Katie Stenroos, Laura Valencia, Travis West, Tracy Winters, and Mary-Louise Wood.
This is part of a series of guides that have been updated with permission from 4-H National Council. This resource guide is designed to be used by Extension professionals and after-school providers to deliver positive youth development programs in hard-to-reach areas or populations. It includes information on identifying hard-to-reach audiences and potential challenges to their participation in 4-H programming. The original educational material was edited and revised for this edition by the National Association of 4-H Youth Development Professionals Afterschool Working Group, led by Vanessa Spero. Published by the 4-H Youth Development Department, UF/IFAS Extension, May 2023. Revised June 2025.
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