4-H teaches youth about STEM, finances, nutrition
University of Idaho Extension 4-H Youth Development programs reached 56,000 Idaho youth ages 5 to 18 in 2014. 4-H programs from robotics to nutrition and youth financial literacy help young people prepare for their future and helps Idaho prepare an educated workforce for the jobs of tomorrow. All 4-H programs center on citizenship, science and healthy living.
“4-H prepares young people to be leaders in their communities by giving them hands-on, real world experience,” said Jim Lindstrom, 4-H state director. “We offer many diverse programs across the state of Idaho to enhance the education of our youth.”
Building and programming robots to perform useful tasks taught more than 1,200 youths the power of teamwork and technology during 2014. 4-H Afterschool and classroom programs in communities across Idaho supplemented regular science education.
Support from agricultural lenders Northwest Farm Credit Services and CoBank helps University of Idaho Extension faculty develop education programs so youth learn the importance of managing their finances responsibly.
Grants from ConAgra, Walmart and USDA support nutrition education programs that train and deploy 4-H teens as peer nutrition advisors. They shared information with more than 2,500 other youth, made healthy snacks together, took home healthy recipes and learned ways to exercise more. National 4-H Council funding also supports Idaho efforts.
“The partnerships that we have developed with private industry really help us accomplish our goals,” Lindstrom said.
Idaho leaders have their chance to assess 4-H’s efforts during the legislative session each year. The Know Your Government event in the capital city during the Presidents’ Day weekend draws 200 4-H’ers to Boise to learn civics first hand in the state’s judicial and legislative branches and practice leadership skills that last a lifetime.
To learn more about 4-H programs taking place within University of Idaho Extension, visit www.uidaho.edu/extension/4h.