Youth Education Resources

For over 100 years, OSU Extension, in cooperation with partners across Oregon and the U.S. has fulfilled its mission to deliver research-based, hands-on education throughout Oregon communities, and is still strong today.

Our Extension educators are providing new ways to support the health and education of children and adults throughout Oregon. We are teachers. We are researchers. We are neighbors. We are here for you.

Extension programs for youth

4-H Youth Development: 4-H empowers young people with hands-on learning experiences to help them grow and thrive. By creating a safe and welcoming environment, young people develop the skills needed to make a positive impact on the world around them.
Open Campus: OSU Open Campus, a community-based education partnership convened by Oregon State University, provides local access to learning in order to address the unique educational needs of Oregon’s communities. Through a statewide network of...
Outdoor School: This is an exciting time for Oregon and for Oregon’s 5th and 6th grade students as OSU Extension works in collaboration with schools, partners, and communities to support and grow the statewide Outdoor School program, building on a legacy that began in 1966.
KidSpirit: KidSpirit provides young people with intentional, high quality, equitable learning experiences that promote positive interactions. Activities include sports, arts, science, gymnastics, cooking and many other activities offered each summer or throughout the year.

Resources by subject

Photo: Amy Schmid

Photo: USDA Food & Nutrition Service

Resources by grade level

Latest resources

Episode 27: NTFP Crafts

In this episode, Lauren Grand is joined by Tiffany Hopkins to discuss how making non-timber forest product crafts can help people feel more connected with their local environment.

Lauren Grand, Tiffany Hopkins | Nov 2022 | Podcast episode

Fusion of music and technology draws teens to 4-H Mariachi STEAM Camp

The summer residential camp brings students to the OSU campus to expose them to technology through their interest in mariachi music.

Chris Branam | Oct 24, 2022 | News story

Nourished and Thriving Children Course

Children who have experienced trauma have unique feeding and mealtime challenges that can impact their growth, development and overall health. Understanding these challenges and addressing them with trauma-informed strategies allows caregivers the opportunity to improve nutrition and mealtimes, and create resilience in the children in their care. This self-paced course introduces the six principles of trauma-informed feeding and nutrition, discusses nutrition and mealtime challenges specific to children who have experienced trauma, and offers guidance in addressing these challenges using trauma-informed principles.

Oct 2022 | Online resource

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Try these activities at home!

Families can play BEPA 2.0 activities at home with either the English and Spanish instructions to increase their daily physical activity.

Try out:

Food group ball pass
Bean bag balance
Breakfast song
Bucket ball
Muscle tag
And more!

See all the activities

Photo Credit: JackF - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

Food Hero

Food Hero is your go-to bilingual site for quick, delicious, healthy recipes, and helpful tips. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, you will find something new for your family to enjoy.

Explore more / Explora más

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Community Planning

Community Science

Nutrition and Healthy Eating

Environmental Education (PreK-12)

Parenting

Physical Activity

Meet Our Experts

Kristen Moore

4-H Youth Development

Contact me for companion pet 4-H program questions in Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties or if you are interested in getting involved in the statewide DIVE4Ag project.

Kristopher Elliott

Associate Director for OSU Extension

Contact me with questions about OSU Extension Service operations.

Gina Galaviz-Yap

Juntos Statewide Coordinator

José R. García

OSU Open Campus Juntos Coordinator

Have a question? Ask an Expert!

Ask an Expert is a way for you to get answers from the Oregon State University Extension Service. We have experts in family and health, community development, food and agriculture, coastal issues, forestry, programs for young people, and gardening.

Ask us a question

Program for tiny 4-H tots?

Q: In regards to the horse groups... What can a 2nd grader be involved with. Can they be a part of practices and lessons and just not compete?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

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