You Are an Inspiration to Us All
By JENNIFER SIRANGELO
In 4‑H we serve young people from all walks of life. Many credit their 4‑H experience with helping them learn to be themselves and allowing them to shine—no matter their background, race, beliefs, lifestyles, circumstances, or upbringing. I am proud to affirm the thousands of LGBTQ+ 4‑H youth and alumni who live their truth. You…
4-H Youth in Action: Recognizing Hard Work
Has anyone ever told you that all of your hard work will pay off in the end? I heard this line several times growing up, never thinking twice about it. I always figured it was some adult way of trying to keep me motivated to stay on track. When I was recognized as the 2019…
4-H and Google Inspire Kids to Discover Technology
National 4‑H Council and Google recently convened in Oklahoma to announce a new $6 million collaboration to bring computer science (CS) education to underserved youth across the country. This grant—part of Grow with Google’s efforts to ensure that everyone has access to future opportunities—will help provide more than 1 million youth across the country with…
4-H Youth in Action: The Real Deal
I’m proud to be the 2019 4‑H Youth in Action Agriculture pillar winner (sponsored by Bayer). Since my friend Pearl and I founded our hunger relief project, Meating the Need for Our Village, five years ago, one of our guiding values has been to empower youth to make a change in their communities. To me,…
Youth Impact: The Power of Leadership Mentoring
Participating in 4‑H has been one of the most rewarding experiences I could have ever imagined. It afforded me with a launching pad that equipped me with a support system, skills, and space to dream. It conditioned me to never settle for mediocre and to strive to always rise to the occasion. The consistent mentorship…
Inspire Kids to Do: My 4-H Omelet
My very first 4‑H demonstration was entitled “Omelet Up!”. When I started putting the demonstration together, I didn’t even know how to make one myself. Needless to say, a few YouTube videos later and a lot of practice, I became a star omelet maker. As my demonstration advanced through San Joaquin County, North Central Section,…
Impacting Youth and Strengthening Communities
I recently had the pleasure of sharing my thoughts on the land-grant mission and how it can help strengthen its relationship with 4‑H in the 21st century. In the article, published by EvoLLLution.com, I was joined by fellow leaders of youth development and higher education: Gordon Gee, President of West Virginia University Stephen M. Gavazzi,…
4-H Youth in Action: Living My Truth
It was the week before Christmas Day 2018. My family and I were in our vehicle, traveling to Illinois to visit family over the holidays. Still a bit groggy as I had just woken up from a great nap, I received a phone call from a number I did not recognize. I had been expecting…
4-H Alumni Participate in the 2019 Kentucky Derby
Every once in a while, 4‑H alumni take center stage at some of the year’s most prominent events. One of those moments happened this weekend, as Georgia 4‑H alumna Jennifer Nettles and Arizona 4‑H alumnus Bob Baffert took part in the 2019 Kentucky Derby. As you can guess, Grammy award-winning singer Jennifer Nettles lent her…
Inspire Kids to Do: Inspiring STEM
Let’s be honest, STEM can be intimidating to adults, so of course it’s not surprising it is for kids too – especially for those who haven’t been exposed to the topics often. Trying new things can be scary, so a perfect way to overcome any fears is to introduce new ideas in creative ways. Paula…