About
History
Since 1910, University of Idaho Extension has had an established presence in Ada County. 4-H is a nonprofit organization implemented through each land-grant university and is the largest youth program in the United States, serving over 6 million youth each year. In Idaho, the University of Idaho Extension 4-H Youth Development program is implemented through University of Idaho Extension. Ada County 4-H operates through a partnership between county, state and national levels:
- Ada County Board of Commissioners
- University of Idaho (Idaho’s land-grant university)
- USDA/NIFA (National Institute of Food and Agriculture)
Mission
The goal of 4-H is to develop citizenship, leadership, responsibility and life skills of youth through experiential learning and a positive youth development approach. The mission mandates of 4-H focus on the areas of STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), civic engagement and healthy living.
The 4-H motto is “To make the best better” and the slogan is “Learn by doing.”
Our People and Organization
Kara coordinates the UI Extension 4-H Youth Development program in Ada County. She focuses on building capacity in the 4-H program by recruiting, training, and supervising 4-H volunteer leaders and 4-H members. She works as a key member of the team to develop 4-H programming that meets the needs of Ada County youth.
Sendy leads 4-H programming in both Ada & Canyon counties to reach underserved audiences. She works to develop key partnerships with community partners in the Treasure Valley to engage many youth in positive developmental experiences.
Ada County 4-H Leader’s Association
All Ada County 4-H volunteers are enrolled as a member of our leader’s association. Our 4-H Leader’s Association meets the first Thursday of almost every month at 7 p.m. at the UI Extension, Ada County office. Our staff frequently provides volunteer development trainings before the meeting at 6 p.m. To maintain active 4-H volunteer status in Ada County, we ask our leaders to attend at least two meetings and two trainings throughout the year.
Ada County 4-H Endowment Board
Our endowment board focuses on awarding programmatic scholarships or equipment for 4-H youth to engage in programs that may be too costly. If you are in financial need or would like to donate to help support 4-H youth programs, please contact the UI Extension, Ada County office at 208-287-5900 or ada@uidaho.edu.
4-H-FFA Junior Livestock Sale Committee
Every summer, our committee made up of volunteers directs the Junior Livestock Sale at Western Idaho Fair. If you are interested in helping support our 4-H youth by purchasing an animal for home or restaurant use, or would like to submit a smaller “add-on” amount of money onto a youth’s project without buying an animal, please contact the UI Extension, Ada County office at 208-287-5900 or ada@uidaho.edu.