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ExCEL 4-H programming involves students in something
positive and exciting, while empowering them to become leaders. Older ExCEL
students take on important leadership roles by developing their own service
learning project for their community. Students and staff work together learning
about the needs of the community and creating a plan of action to meet those
needs. One student-created project was to knit hats for the local children's
cancer hospital wing. Students decided to not only knit and distribute the
hats, but also write letters to the children in the cancer unit. This enabled
ExCEL students to truly see their impact on the community from start to finish
by learning about each person their project would benefit.
Whether they are knitting, cooking, or learning about
robotics, ExCEL engages students in unique learning experiences that develop
interests from new hobbies to possible career paths. In the past, students have
learned about aerospace, natural resources, African drums, and any number of
other programs from the sciences to the arts. Regardless of the activity
students take part in, the ultimate goal is that they find something they enjoy
and that makes them excited to learn.
ExCEL also provides important mentorship experiences for
their students. Steve Wagoner, Extension Educator, received the Teens Teaching
Biotechnology grant that created an opportunity for 9 high school students from
the Cahokia and Madison school districts to teach 20 biotechnology lessons to
ExCEL youth. Teens were responsible for creating lessons and team building
activities that helped the high school students get to know the ExCEL children
and create a positive learning environment. Lessons were creative and exciting
activities that engaged students with biotechnology, such as extracting DNA
from strawberries, creating a DNA double helix out of candy, and making soy
soap. These lessons not only exposed ExCEL students to biotechnology, but also
provided them with wonderful role models.
In addition, ExCEL provides tutoring and homework help services
that have shown to improve students' grades, standardized test scores, and
overall interest and engagement in school. While Illinois Extension provides
enrichment opportunities through 4-H programming, the school districts provide
certified teachers to assist students with their schoolwork. This partnership
of academic assistance with personal and intellectual enrichment engages the
students while helping them feel more confident with their everyday school
work.
ExCEL meets four times a week for 12 hours each
week. The program lasts a minimum of 28 weeks throughout the school year,
providing consistent academic and personal support for students. ExCEL programs
are funded largely by the Illinois State Board of Education's 21st
Century Community Learning Center Grants. For more information on ExCEL
programming, please contact the Madison-Monroe-St. Clair Illinois Extension Unit.
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