Cast segment evaluation

Evaluation program to determine feasibility of fabricating segmented rocket engine thrust chambers using low cost, lightweight castings extends state of the art in areas of casting size and complexity, and in ability to provide thin sections and narrow, deep, cooling channels. Related developments are discussed

Program Development in a Political World--It\u27s All About Impact!

Impact is the difference we make in people\u27s lives as a result of programs we conduct. To be effective, they must ultimately change people\u27s attitudes or behavior, or benefit society in other ways. Measuring impact is part of evaluation, and it must be considered while a program is being developed, not after-the-fact. Most Extension staff are already experts in conducting outstanding programs but don\u27t always take the final steps to evaluate, summarize, and market the impacts of such outstanding programs. This article presents a process for developing and promoting Extension educational programs that yield impact

Using Research Methods to Evaluate Your Extension Program

For Extension practitioners, research is typically considered an ominous practice reserved for ivory tower academics, and evaluation is nearly as mysterious. Therefore, Extension agents often shy away from using scientific methods to evaluate educational programs. However, research is simply a methodical way of finding answers to questions used to discover new information or prove scientific theories. And research methods can also be useful to effectively evaluate an educational program or its participants in the most objective way. This article presents an overview of research methods that Extension agents can use in program evaluation. It includes a bibliography of helpful resources

Preparing Youth Development Professionals to Be Successful: How Do the Needs of Extension/4-H Compare to Those of Other Organizations?

An online Master\u27s degree in Youth Development Leadership offered by Clemson University serves students nationally with the goal of using a multi-disciplinary approach to prepare professionals for best practices in positive youth development. A nationwide needs assessment was conducted so that plans to improve and expand the program will meet the needs of the youth development profession. A variety of findings proved beneficial for determining similarities and differences among leaders of 4-H programs and other youth development organizations as well as implications for the types of degrees that would be most valuable for contemporary youth development professionals

Program Standards and Expectations: Providing Clarity, Consistency, and Focus

The effort described in this article resulted from requests for clarity and consistency from new and existing Extension/4-H educators as well as from recommendations by university auditors. The primary purpose of the effort was to clarify standards for effective county-based 4-H youth development programs and to help focus the roles of 4-H professionals in developing and maintaining effective programs that contribute to the 4-H mission and highest priority statewide needs. Five major categories of expectations for all county 4-H programs were identified on the basis of a related model for 4-H program delivery. The approach described may be useful across Extension for achieving improved program quality, program transformation, and effective dedication of resources

Orbit transfer vehicle advanced expander cycle engine point design study. Volume 2: Study results

The design characteristics of the baseline engine configuration of the advanced expander cycle engine are described. Several aspects of engine optimization are considered which directly impact the design of the baseline thrust chamber. Four major areas of the power cycle optimization are emphasized: main turbine arrangement; cycle engine source; high pressure pump design; and boost pump drive

Shifting the Focus of 4-H Record-Keeping from Competition and Subject Matter to Youth Development and Life Skills

Youth can gain a lot of valuable knowledge and skills in 4-H, especially through 4-H clubs and long-term projects. But they typically don\u27t recognize what they learn while participating. Record-keeping can help them realize more of the value of their involvement in clubs, camps, projects, and other educational activities. And record-keeping can also help Extension staff document the impact of their 4-H programs. A new format for record-keeping developed in New Jersey incorporates key elements deemed needed in a contemporary 4-H record book, including goal setting and reporting of life skills and S.C.A.N.S. workforce competencies

The County Fair- What Has It Done for You, Lately?

Nearly every county has a county fair, in which staff, volunteers, and families invest a great deal of time and money to organize, promote, and run every year. After decades of habit, it\u27s easy to forget or ignore why you\u27re doing it in the first place. Now could be the time to stop and ask, What has your county fair done for you, lately? Our question is not a call to turn back from tradition, but to reflect on history and current status and to set a course for the future

Evaluating the Impact of a Community Agricultural Leadership Development Program

A variety of agricultural leadership development programs have been offered throughout the nation, but the impact of many has gone unevaluated or unreported. This article outlines a process used to measure the long-term benefits of the New Jersey Agricultural Leadership Development Program (NJALDP), a 2-year, Extension-led collaborative program created to help members of agriculture-related professions sharpen business skills, establish an extensive agricultural network, and develop effective marketing and communication skills. Participants from classes completing the program since 1996 were surveyed to determine the difference NJALDP has made on their lives and careers