4-H University is the statewide event that is both an educational and fun learning experience. The event is held in Baton Rouge on the Louisiana State University campus in mid June of each year. Over 1,200 4-H club members from throughout the state attend this event. The objectives for 4-H University are:
-
To become better acquainted with the state university and career opportunities.
-
To have satisfying civic and social experiences based on the needs and interests of youth.
-
To recognize the accomplishments of 4-H’ers.
-
To develop competencies in subject matter.
-
To offer youth competitive and non-competitive opportunities for learning.
-
To improve communication, decision-making, teamwork and other relevant life skills.
During this event, middle and high school students have the opportunity to meet new friends from across the state, participate in competition, visit different colleges on the campus and learn new skills. Do you want to be a part of this great and exciting experience?
If you are a current 4-H member and 13 years old or older as of December 31 of the current club year, you may be eligible to participate in this event this summer. If you are interested in attending, these items will be considered when selecting participants.
-
Previous year’s 4-H University/State Records performance.
-
Participation in Junior Leadership.
-
Participation and performance in parish contest(s) (i.e. Judging Contest, Achievement Day, etc.)
-
Completion of 4-H projects.
-
Overall activeness in 4-H.
What 4-H Parents Should Know
4-H University is one of the most valuable experiences a middle school or high school student can have. It’s a learning experience that allows members to become better acquainted with the state university and career opportunities. They will also have satisfying civic and social experience based on their needs and interests.
4-H University offers youth either a competitive or non-competitive opportunity for learning where they will develop competencies in specific subject matter area. They will improve their communication, decision-making, teamwork, and other relevant skills while adapting to college life in the university dorms.
The delegates are provided transportation to LSU as well as throughout the week while on the campus. We have incorporated numerous safety measures for the safety of our members. A few of these are members will be responsible for checking in with agents and/or volunteers throughout each day, staying in groups of four or more while walking on campus, conducting themselves in a respectable manner and respecting all adults throughout the week. We do encourage delegates to bring a cell phone, if at all possible, to be in continuous contact with us the entire week.
We will be housed in the LSU dorms from Tuesday through Friday. The dorm contact information will be sent out in the informational packet that will have contact information for each dormitory.
4-H agents and volunteer leaders from each parish attend and stay in the dorms next to our delegates. Parents/volunteers are encouraged to attend and assist agents with various roles that include transporting youth during the week to various activities. The LSU AgCenter, Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service has implemented a background screening process and training process for all volunteers that will be chaperoning youth while at 4-H University.
Cost Event
We encourage 4-H members to get involved and participate in the 4-H University experience, not allowing the cost to be the determining factor. The Lafayette 4-H Foundation conducts an annual fundraiser that provides assistance to each member. This assistance of $20 is generated through their annual fundraiser.
Individual 4-H University fees must be paid to parish agents in advance, so these fees are collected through the informational packet sent out in March. The charges will include fees for housing, 4-H University fee registration and transportation that totals about $60. An annual 4-H University T-shirt is available for each delegate at an additional charge. This information will be provided in the informational packet.
Furthermore, the delegates will be responsible for meals during the week while on the LSU campus. The Lafayette 4-H Foundation has begun to help sponsor evening meals. If you or a business you know may be interested in making a donation to support this effort, please contact one of the 4-H Youth Development Agents. Additional expenses could be incurred for demonstration materials, clothing or a shirt of your individual or team contest.
Summary
This is a great experience and memorable opportunity for members that are in middle or high school. Members set goals, dedicate their time and attention to accomplishing their goals and many have achieved success. Members that participate have grown into kind, respectful and responsible young adults through their experience. They are acquiring leadership, citizenship and life skills through their experience.
Don’t pass up this opportunity to meet new people and “Make the Best Better” as our 4-H motto states. Make every effort to be part of the Lafayette Team at 4-H University. If you have questions, please contact the 4-H agents: Angie Arnould, Nikki Mouch or Charles Hebert.
You can download the 4-H University Contest Summary
from our contest rules and forms page listed under the month of March.