Extension Today

In 1968, Extension presented my mother, my two younger brothers, and me with an incredible opportunity thanks to the guidance of the late Mrs. Rubye Ragsdale, county Extension agent. We eagerly looked forward to each gathering of the Shamrock 4-H Club, embracing the 4-H Motto: “To Make the Best Better.”

The 4-H pledge inspired us to pursue excellence in both our personal lives and our communities. I pledge my Head to clearer thinking, my Heart to greater loyalty, my Hands to larger service, and my Health to better living for my club, my community, my country, and my world.

4-H is America’s largest youth development organization, empowering nearly six million young people with lifelong leadership skills. Let’s keep inspiring both youths and adult mentors to engage in this transformative program, where hands-on learning cultivates confidence, independence, resilience and compassion.

Join me and the 25 million 4-H alumni across the nation in expressing gratitude to Extension staff, youths and volunteers for their dedication to this impactful program, which nurtures skills in science, health, agriculture and civic engagement.

Zyien was a quiet and reserved student. Her peers often saw her as the girl who sat quietly and observed others, rarely raising her hand or speaking up. However, everything changed when she became an ambassador for the 4-H Tech Changemakers program.

Zyien initially joined Tech Changemakers out of a simple interest in technology. Her curiosity grew as she began learning about digital tools and resources. The turning point came when Alabama 4-H at Alabama A&M University held sessions to provide digital literacy skills to adults in her community. The Extension 4-H specialist encouraged Zyien to take on a leadership role, something she had never done before. Despite her initial hesitation, Zyien accepted the challenge.

Zyien prepared diligently, learning how to teach others and practicing public speaking. On the day of the first session, she surprised everyone, including herself. She confidently guided adults through the intricacies of using drones in the workplace. Zyien’s confidence soared over the course of several sessions. She soon became the face of the program, inspiring other youths to step out of their comfort zones. Her transformation was remarkable — the once shy girl became a capable leader and mentor.

Zyien’s journey highlights the importance of providing opportunities for girls in tech. Programs like 4-H Tech Changemakers not only equip youths with valuable skills but also empower them to take on leadership roles, breaking stereotypes, and paving the way for a more inclusive future in technology. Girls like Zyien are proof that the potential for growth and leadership is limitless with the right support and opportunities.

The Alcorn State University AgDiscovery Summer Enrichment Program has left a lasting impact on numerous students, inspiring them to pursue careers in agricultural sciences. Since its inception in 2001, 460 youths have participated in the program, each benefiting from its enriching experiences. One student who embodies the program's influence is Caleb Turner, a sophomore animal science major from Greenville, Mississippi.

Turner's journey from being a participant in the AgDiscovery program to serving as a counselor for the 2024 program showcases the profound impact of the program on the lives of its participants. Having been a part of the program, Turner credits it as the reason he chose to attend Alcorn State University and major in animal science.

The AgDiscovery program's activities, including exploring animal health and care, farm safety, and hands-on experiences at influential sites such as Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, Muse3Farms and the MSU Dairy Research Facility, have not only broadened the perspectives of the participating students but have also sparked a passion for the agricultural sciences.

With Turner's dedication to mentoring and guiding the next generation of program participants, the Alcorn State University AgDiscovery Summer Enrichment Program continues to influence and shape the aspirations and careers of young students. Turner's commitment to giving back reflects the enduring impact of the program and its role in nurturing the next generation of agricultural scientists.

Stephen Hayes and Winter Merilan are both members of Florida A&M University (FAMU) 4-H who participate in the 4-H Tech Changemakers. Hayes has been a FAMU 4-Her for a number of years and participated in various programs and projects. Merilan has been a FAMU 4-Her for the last four years and has participated in leadership and 4-H Tech Changemakers. Both students graduated from high school in May 2024. They are planning to attend college and stay involved in 4-H.

Why did you join 4-H?

Hayes: My mom signed me up. She said I would like it, guess she was right.

Merilan: I started 4-H by attending summer camps so I’d have something to do over the summer.

How many years have you been in 4-H?

Hayes: I feel like I’ve been in 4-H forever. I started when I was like 7 or 8. So, like 11 or 12 years.

Merilan: Five or six years.

Describe the main project area that you participate in or like the most in 4-H.

Hayes: Mostly, I participate in leadership style areas, Tech Changemakers for the last three years. I like leadership, community service and STEM projects most.

Merilan: STEM, technology and leadership.

What are your future plans (college, career, etc.)?

Hayes: My future plans include going to college majoring in business, making a few billion dollars, and traveling. I also want to mentor youths and stay involved with 4-H.

Merilan: I’m going to FAMU and I am going to become a dentist.

What advice would you give to a young 4-Her just starting out (5-10 years old)?

Hayes: Try everything! There are so many things to do in 4-H that it's to your advantage to try everything. You never know what will pique your interest.

Merilan: My advice to the 5-10-year-old kids would be to have fun and soak it all in. Things only get better. For the middle school kids thinking of quitting, I’d say don’t do it. 4-H can grow with you. I know your interests have changed, but there is still a 4-H program/project out there for you. Talk to your agent and find it. I promise it's worth it.

More than 1,200 teens attended the Ignite 4-H Ultimate Teen Summit from March 14-17 in Washington, D.C.

“We were blessed to secure a national 4-H BAYER grant funding and another 4-H positive youth development grant funding to sponsor four of Chattahoochee Hills Charter School 4-H teens and two 4-H adult volunteers to attend the National Ignite 4-H Ultimate Teen Summit in Washington, D.C.,” said Woodie Hughes Jr., assistant Extension administrator 4-H program leader for the Fort Valley State University (FVSU) Cooperative Extension 4-H Program.

The summit included inspiring panels, respected speakers, engaging workshop sessions, entertainment and touring the nation’s capital. The summit also provided the best that 4-H has to offer in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), agriscience, healthy living, career readiness, emotional well-being and outreach educational workshops for all 4-H teen summit participants.

Hughes thanked BAYER for their grant funding and the Tuskegee University Cooperative Extension Program for the opportunity to be a sub-awardee on their 4-H positive youth development grant funding. He also thanked Principal Patrick Muhammad for his leadership and for allowing his students and teachers to attend the summit. In addition, he appreciates Muhammad for collaborating with the FVSU 4-H Positive Youth Development Program as the Chattahoochee Hills 4-H Charter School.

The 25th annual Oklahoma 4-H Day at the Capitol was celebrated on Wednesday, April 17, at the Oklahoma State Capitol Complex in Oklahoma City. 4-H members from Langston University and Oklahoma State University, along with administrators, staff, students, volunteers and supporters attended this full-day event. The opportunity provided a platform for 4-H members to engage with their state senators and representatives, sharing personal stories and the impact of their 4-H experiences.

Meeting with the Oklahoma Black Caucus

A significant highlight was the meeting between Langston 4-H participants and the Oklahoma Black Caucus Representatives. This provided a fantastic opportunity for the 4-H members to observe, engage with and understand the legislative process firsthand. Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson, president of Langston University, and Dr. Alonzo Peterson, vice president, were also present during this engaging session.

Legislative milestone

The day marked a significant legislative achievement as Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed a bill authorizing excused absences for 4-H members participating in 4-H activities and events. This new law underscores the importance of 4-H programs and supports the ongoing development of youth leadership and civic engagement.

4-H youths engaging with legislators

Aston Peterson (Growing Adventures 4-H club member) addressed both the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Senate. During his addresses, Aston expressed the following: “My 4-H club has granted me the opportunity to meet and forge friendships with fellow members. These relationships have taught me the value of diversity and inclusion, showing me that when we come together with a common purpose, we can achieve incredible things.” Aston is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Alonzo Peterson.

Today’s teenagers might be tech-savvy and able to manage multiple social media accounts, but that doesn’t mean they know how to balance a budget or even write a personal check.

“Lots of students graduate without any idea about using credit cards, managing debt, writing checks, or other skills you need to survive as an adult,” said Der Xiong Holcomb, family and consumer sciences agent with Cooperative Extension at N.C. A&T State University. “Gen Z wasn’t taught these things.”

Holcomb is one of several Extension agents who offers Real Money, Real World, a financial literacy program for youths aged 12 to 18 that includes classroom learning and a simulation of what it’s like to live as an adult in the “real” world. The program starts with four classroom sessions taught by either a teacher or Extension agent that cover basic financial literacy. Equipped with some basic knowledge, the students then participate in a simulation in which they pretend to be a 27-year-old, are assigned a career and a corresponding pay level, and must make decisions about spending and budgeting, hopefully without running out of money.

From South Carolina to the nation’s capital, nine 4-Hers traveled to Washington, D.C., to attend the national Ignite by 4-H Summit from March 13-17.

Representatives from four Extension regions had the opportunity to participate in the transformative event. Imai J.C. and Quinasia P. were accompanied by 4-H Extension Low Country region agent Latosia Gibson; Zahriana G. and Watley L. were accompanied by 4-H Extension Upstate region agent Kaliyah Woods; Aiden J., Desmond W. and Zy'Kiera A. were accompanied by 4-H Extension Pee Dee region agent Kinda McInnis; Brooklyn R. and Demetrius B. were accompanied by 4-H Extension Midlands region agent Leroy Jones.

“Our 4-Hers and 4-H agents had an amazing time in [Washington] D.C.,” said Demier Richardson-Sanders, 4-H youth development state program leader. “For some of our 4-Hers, it was their first time traveling outside of South Carolina and attending a conference of that magnitude. Our 4-Hers were able to get out of their comfort zone and be engaged with different youths from all over the nation throughout the various sessions and activities.”

Approximately 1,200 youths participated in hands-on workshops, career readiness sessions and networking opportunities, providing youths the chance to explore the best that 4-H has to offer in STEM, career readiness, agriscience, and healthy living. The conference also included an off-site educational experience and visits to the National Monuments and the National Mall.

The 4-H program at SC State 1890 Extension continues to be a cornerstone in youth development, empowering students to achieve their full potential and become the leaders of tomorrow. For more information about the 4-H Youth Development Program, contact Richardson-Sanders at drica6@scsu.edu.

The drone certification program, "Taking Flight," offered by the Southern University Ag Center’s Youth Development program, is poised to make a significant impact in Louisiana and beyond.

As the demand for skilled drone operators continues to soar, this innovative program is equipping youths with the necessary skills and qualifications to thrive in the evolving aviation industry. Gone are the days when drones were solely seen as recreational gadgets; now, they play a crucial role in various sectors, including precision agriculture, aerial photography and shipping logistics.

Through comprehensive training provided by certified youth development agents, students across Louisiana are empowered to pursue FAA-107 licensing, unlocking opportunities for commercial drone operations. This certification program not only addresses the growing need for skilled drone pilots but also fosters a sense of responsibility and professionalism among the youth participants. By gaining proficiency in drone technology and regulations, students are prepared to contribute meaningfully to the workforce while adhering to safety standards and legal requirements.

As graduates of the program enter the workforce, they bring with them a valuable blend of expertise, innovation and ethical principles, poised to make a positive impact in various industries. Moreover, the ripple effects of this program extend beyond individual career opportunities, contributing to economic growth, technological advancement and the overall well-being of communities. Through the drone certification program, the Southern University Ag Center is empowering the next generation of aviation professionals, shaping a brighter future for Louisiana and beyond.

As Extension professionals continue to develop curriculum and implement programs for youths across the nation, we must continue to abide by the 4-H slogan of “Learn By Doing.” So many times, we focus solely on the youths who are receiving the information. Are there other stakeholders we may be forgetting?

I wanted to take a few minutes and ask you to think more broadly about the stakeholders of our 4-H programs. The answer to the question above, “Are there other stakeholders we may be forgetting,” is YES! Two youths learned how to code robots at a summer camp experience. This was the first time these youths experienced computer coding. They were excited and motivated to learn a new skill. A great testimony to Learn By Doing. These youths are usually our focus in programs.

In addition, an older youth, who was a teen leader, assisted in the delivery of the program. The teen leader was provided training on coding and how the program was to be implemented. The teen leader also learned how to work with others, teaching techniques and appreciation for the work a 4-H agent endures every day. Also, thanks to three other teen leaders for their hard work and dedication.

Next time you develop a 4-H program, think about how you can implement teen leaders and impact youths through 4-H youth development.

Through interactive workshops and webinars, Tuskegee University’s Extension, Education and Research Track (ExERT) 4-H program continues efforts to enhance programming in more than 20 counties in the Black Belt, including Wilcox, Dallas, Greene, Lowndes, Montgomery, Butler, Bullock and Macon.

Therefore, Antoinette Pulliam and our 4-H Tech Change Makers Zariya Etzioni, Imaan Etzioni, Treasure Sullivan, Treasjon Tate and Dr. Richard Whittington express sincere gratitude for the privilege of leading an enriching learning session on Feb. 12 in Tuskegee.

Hosted at the Greater Saint Marks Missionary Baptist Church, the 4-H Tech Change Makers conducted this workshop to focus on essential tech skills and professional development catered to the broader Tuskegee community. Despite inclement weather, including severe thunderstorms, our session saw an impressive turnout of 13 eager participants, demonstrating a commendable commitment to personal growth and skill enhancement. This diverse group, comprising five youths and eight adults braved the elements to engage in an evening of learning and empowerment.

The workshop marked the commencement of a series of 4-H Tech Change Makers sessions designed to equip participants with practical skills. 4-H Tech Change Makers is one of the many projects associated with Tuskegee University’s ExERT 4-H program. It was established to center experiential education under the supervision of Extension and research professionals to provide a strong STEAM pipeline for students in the Alabama Black Belt, helping students enhance their workforce readiness. It is part of the nationwide youth development organization with more than 6 million youth participants annually, which empowers young people through hands-on learning experiences, leadership opportunities and community engagement.

Cortez Henderson first learned about the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s (UAPB) Collegiate 4-H Club while serving time at the Jack Jones Juvenile Justice Detention Center in Pine Bluff. Today, Henderson is in the Collegiate 4-H Club at UAPB and is in his senior year at the university.

Teki K. Hunt, director of UAPB’s 4-H Youth Development Program, met Henderson while providing 4-H enrichment to the youths at the center. Programs offered there include healthy living activities, nutrition education and Health Rocks --- a drug awareness and addiction prevention program.

“We always tell the youth participants to look us up when they are back ‘in the free’ as they call it, but most of them never follow through,” Hunt said. “Fortunately, I ran into Cortez while he was in his sophomore year at UAPB and soon thereafter, he joined the Collegiate 4-H Chapter.”

Henderson, a regulatory science industrial health and safety major, said it took him a while to grasp the concept and to understand what 4-H is about, but it didn’t take long to “get it” after he began participating and getting involved.

“4-H has had a profound impact on my life. It has provided me with essential life skills, a sense of belonging, knowledge about agriculture and environmental sustainability, leadership opportunities, and the chance to give back to my community,” he said. “I am grateful for the experiences and opportunities the club has given me. It has shaped me into a well-rounded individual. I highly recommend 4-H to any young person looking to develop skills that will impact themselves, as well as their communities.”

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) hosted nearly 100 students from Greenwood Elementary School as part of its inaugural AgVenture Program.

“AgVenture is an opportunity for 5th-grade students to get out of their classrooms to experience hands-on agricultural activities,” said Ariel Clay, a youth development specialist with UMES Extension 4-H STEM.

Students visited UMES’ Research, Extension and Teaching Farm, rotating through stations geared toward agronomy, livestock husbandry, poultry science and horticulture, among others. UMES Extension specialists from 4-H STEM and its Small Farm Program, along with researchers from the School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, led the programming.

“Late elementary school is an important time for sparking lifelong interests and passions,” Clay said. “Our hope is that by exposing youths to these agriculture-related activities, it will open their minds to the possibilities of new fields of study and career paths.”

If you ask most high school students what they imagine a career in agriculture looks like, most will probably say something about farming. Layered on top of this assumption is the idea that agriculture is for people who own land. At Virginia State University (VSU), Virginia Cooperate Extension (VCE) Youth Development Specialist Nicole Swinson is opening doors to future opportunities in post-secondary education and beyond and showing students that agriculture is for everyone.

Swinson has dedicated her career to assisting youths and families in limited-resource and underserved areas. She has more than a decade of experience working in Cooperative Extension and came to VSU in 2023 after serving as the SNAP-ED and EFNEP nutrition educator with North Carolina A&T and North Carolina State University. Petersburg High School, located in VSU’s home city of Petersburg, has many economically disadvantaged students and lower graduation rates than the state average.

This past school year, Swinson had a new idea to support local students. She created AgCulture, combining 4-H with the high school level Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (Jr. MANRRS), which seeks to support and inspire minority students and professionals pursuing careers in agriculture, among other scientific disciplines. Petersburg boasts the only current Jr. MANRRS chapter in the Commonwealth, though Swinson plans to change that.

As to combining Jr. MANRRS and 4-H into AgCulture, she says, “Time is always an issue for young people. They have many other interests, such as work, school and extracurricular obligations. 4-H and Jr. MANRRS share the goal of supporting young people, specifically in agriculture. I thought, why not merge them?”

Virginia Cooperative Extension extends the resources of Virginia's two land-grant universities, Virginia State University and Virginia Tech, to solve problems facing Virginians every day.

Fayette County teen Emily Carothers was awarded the 2023 4-H Youth in Action Award and made significant contributions as one of West Virginia State University (WVSU) 4-H’s Teen Ambassadors for the 2023 Pollinator Habitat grant provided by Corteva.

In addition, she was named the Pollinator Ambassador for National 4-H and Corteva and will serve as the face of 4-H National Pollinator Week, which takes place June 16-22. As a Teen Ambassador, Carothers had the opportunity to participate in the 2023 Ignite by 4-H conference, where she collaboratively engaged with a select group of teens from southern West Virginia.

Beyond the conference, Carothers’ commitment continued to shine as she actively participated in the Pollinator Habitat program. Her efforts focused on expanding an existing community garden at Meadow Bridge Public Library in Fayette County to incorporate three distinct pollinator gardens. Through this work, she demonstrated her dedication to environmental conservation and leadership and collaborative skills, greatly benefiting her community.

“We're incredibly proud of Emily and her commitment to this project,” expressed WVSU 4-H Program Leader Sara Price. “Not only is she a shining example for other teens, but she's also making a positive impact on the environment by creating food, shelter and nesting spaces for bees, butterflies and other animals.”

Carothers is excited about continuing to partner with WVSU 4-H and West Virginia University (WVU) 4-H and has ambitious plans to develop a pollinator garden at the state 4-H camp at Jackson’s Mill.

The 1890 Land-grant Communications Committee won silver in the Publishing 1|Newsletters category for Extension Today at the 2024 Association for Communication Excellence Conference held June 23-25 in Salt Lake City, Utah.