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4-H is the nation’s largest youth organization and is a part of the land-grant university system. In Louisiana, the LSU AgCenter is responsible for overseeing this educational outreach program. A major goal of the program is to help young people acquire the skills needed to benefit them, their families and their communities.
Louisiana 4-H’ers will join others across the country in observing National 4-H Week Oct. 7-13. The main focus is to celebrate the accomplishments of the young people, volunteer leaders and parents involved in 4-H – as well as to encourage others to become involved in the unique youth development program.
As part of the celebration, 4-H clubs are focusing on science, engineering and technology. In addition, a long-time supporter, Joan McCrory, will be recognized for her significant contributions to the youth organization throughout her 4-H career by being named to the National 4-H Hall of Fame. Members will also acknowledge volunteers and sponsors who make 4-H programming efforts succeed through their donation of time and resources.
4-H clubs across the country will place an emphasis on science, engineering and technology throughout the year to help prepare young people with the workforce skills needed in today’s technology-driven society. Through the 4-H SET project, nearly 6 million youth have engaged in hands-on learning experiences that foster exploration, discovery and passion for the sciences.
“It is obvious that tomorrow’s workers are going to have to be technologically-savvy in order to compete in a global marketplace. 4-H is accepting the challenge to get our members competent with technology through various initiatives,” 4-H state technology coordinator David Boldt said.
Louisiana is developing programs in rocketry, robotics and wetland restoration. Rocketry and robotics projects would give club members an opportunity to build working models and give 4-H’ers valuable hands-on experience.
Wetland restoration is an area of critical importance to Louisiana. 4-H participants will continue to participate in projects geared toward helping preserve Louisiana’s vanishing wetlands.
4-H agents across the state are leading a grassroots effort and are responsible for bringing a wetlands-centered curriculum into the classrooms in every parish according to David Latona, 4-H coordinator for Youth Wetlands Week. “More than 21,000 Louisiana youth took part in Youth Wetlands Week last year. With wetlands restoration being a technology focus for this year, that number is expected to increase significantly,” Latona said.
Youth Wetlands Week will occur next year beginning on March 31 and concluding on April 4. It is funded through a grant by the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources.
Joan McCrory of Baton Rouge, who spent 36 years as an agent and specialist in 4-H, will become the fifth person from Louisiana to be inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame. She is Louisiana’s only representative among the 20 people being honored this year. The induction takes place Oct. 5 at the National 4-H center located in Chevy Chase, Md.
Paul Coreil, vice chancellor for the AgCenter recognizes the outstanding work and dedication McCrory had during her career and her commitment to the organization continues through her volunteer work.
“During her tenure, she helped tens of thousands of young people become productive contributors to their communities as adults. No person is more deserving of this recognition in our state,” Coreil said.
4-H programs are found in all 50 states and several U.S. territories. In 2005, more than 6.5 million youth participated in 4-H club activities or 4-H school enrichment programs.
While 4-H has its roots in rural and agricultural communities, more than half of its members live in towns (more than 10,000 people) suburbs or cities. Because of this metropolitan migration, 4-H has developed curriculums aimed at urban audiences.
In Louisiana, approximately 225,000 youth participated in 4-H clubs and school enrichment programs. Statewide, approximately 33 percent of 4-H’ers live in towns or suburbs, while 35 percent live in smaller towns or other nonfarm settings and 32 percent on farms or rural areas.
Mark Tassin, state leader for Louisiana’s 4-H program feels 4-H is adapting to the changing needs of its clientele. “We will always have a strong and viable agricultural component in 4-H, but with our audience becoming increasingly urban, we recognize the importance of developing alternative programming,” Tassin said.
Tassin cites programs in public speaking, GPS mapping, computer science, photography and nutrition as examples of programs aimed at urban youth.
Citizenship and community service are key components of the 4-H experience. Communities benefit from service projects performed by the students, and the students learn responsibility and become active citizens.
Research shows that students who participate do better in school, are motivated to help others, are more confident in attempting to learn new skills, have higher self-esteem and develop lasting friendships.
In January 2008, Louisiana 4-H clubs will begin the Centennial celebration of 4-H in Louisiana. Various activities are planned for this historic event and will be coordinated at both the state and local level.
To find a variety general information about 4-H, visit the Kids, Teens and 4-H section. That section includes information about what 4-H is, how to join 4-H and the history of the program in Louisiana.
4-H’ers develop a strong sense of serving their communities, as evidenced by the 4-H Club pledge they recite at each event and attempt to live by every day:
I pledge my head to clearer thinking,
my heart to great loyalty,
my hands to larger service, and
my health to better living, for my club, my community, my country, and my world.
(This AgCenter Lead was updated on Oct. 3, 2007, by Craig Gautreaux.)