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In 2015, National 4‑H Council joined colleges and universities across the country to celebrate a significant milestone in the history of Cooperative Extension. It marked the 125th anniversary of the second signing of the Morrill Act of 1890. Events commemorating the Act were held locally and nationally, including 1890 Wellness Walks and ceremonies, a National Day of Prayer Day, and Capitol Hill exhibitions, testimonies on agriculture, and a convocation.

The signing of this Act resulted in the establishment of 19 land-grant universities, which opened doors for African-American students who were given equal learning opportunities through scientific research and extension programs by higher learning institutions.

From the 1890 website:

“This act required each state to show that race was not an admissions criterion, or else to designate a separate land-grant institution for persons of color. Among the seventy colleges and universities which eventually evolved from the Morrill Acts are several of today’s historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).”

These colleges and universities, which represent about 17% of all HBCUs, are home to well-renowned past and present leaders. Many notable historical figures who played a major role in the development and advancement of the 1890 land-grant universities include Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver (both of Tuskegee University).

Celebrating Success

The 1890 Land-Grant universities are “finding answers today and preparing for tomorrow,” through education, research, and programs designed to advance their communities and strengthen the knowledge of young people, families and future leaders. Much success can be attributed to the work of the 1890 land-grant system:

  • “Tuskegee is mentoring beginning farmers to strengthen their ability to produce a quality product at the volume that attracts larger retailers such as Walmart and Whole Foods.” – Tuskegee University
  • “UMES research is being used as the guide for the FDA in designing and implementing a Vibrio control plan in oysters.” – University of Maryland Eastern Shore
  • “FVSU is using marginal soil to grow sweet sorghum for bioenergy with minimal outside inputs helping small farmers economically.” – Fort Valley State University
  • “Southern University’s obesity prevention program: 26 people lost a total of up to 62 pounds, within 24 weeks by drinking shakes containing whey protein and resistant starch, and incorporating exercise and nutrition education.” – Southern University
  • “WVSU’s community and youth-based efforts are repurposing abandoned lots into demonstration gardens that expose inner-city youth to sustainable agriculture and economic development.” – West Virginia State University
  • “AAMU: is using/developing technology to convert cooking oil wastes into biofuels available for rural communities, disaster relief efforts, or for use in developing countries.” – Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University

These are just a few of many success stories from institutions that are committed to “serving the underserved and reaching the unreached.” (APLU) Most importantly, these institutions have adopted 4‑H programs, arming youth with leadership skills to help them thrive today and in the future, while empowering their families and peers to do the same.

  • “Alcorn State University Extension Program (ASUEP) 2501 and 4‑H programs worked together to help four youth apply for USDA Farm Service Agency youth loans totaling $20,000 to purchase livestock. The youth have been able to work with their sponsor to learn more about their livestock and how they can expand their operation in the future.” – Alcorn State University
  • “4‑H Programs: Through evaluations, they indicated that they learned more about their capabilities and now understand that education is the gateway to rewarding careers and lives.” – Delaware State University
  • “The 4‑H Goat Giveaway Program has provided rural youth in more than 59 counties in Texas with more than 500 goats since its inception. The program not only provides an opportunity to gain experience raising goats and goat breeding, but it also promotes the development of important skills, such as responsibility and dedication.” – Prairie View A&M University
  • “In Extension STEM, hundreds of youth have learned about science through animal and plant science day camps. In addition, youth have increased their knowledge of engineering and mathematics by learning how to build and program robots. – Tennessee State University

Celebrating Enrollment, Advancement and Innovation

While we celebrate the significance and impact of the 1890 land-grant universities, it is important to remember they are a part of a much larger HBCU system. These 106 institutions (all established before 1964) are making it possible for African Americans to advance in learning and in careers while advancing the world.

According to a 2013 discussion paper published by APLU, Repositioning HBCUs for the Future, over 335K students in the U.S. were enrolled in HBCUs in 2011, 83% of which are African American. Of the total student HBCU enrollment; 29% were enrolled at land-grant universities.

HBCUs are also making impactful contributions to the number of minorities receiving degrees and entering particular fields. In 2011, 32.6K bachelor’s degrees were awarded by HBCUs. More specifically, 22% of bachelor’s degrees earned by African Americans at HBCUs are in STEM fields.

“The National Science Foundation found that a third of all African American science and engineering doctorate recipients nationally completed their undergraduate education at an HBCU,” stated by the APLU. “In fact, African American students attending HBCUs are more likely to go to graduate or professional schools than African American students from other institutional types.”

When it comes to innovation, HBCUs are making major strides in groundbreaking research, with at least 100 patents being awarded to these universities. As of 2011, seven out of 18 institutions awarded patents are land-grants:

  • Florida A&M (16)
  • NC A&T (12)
  • Tuskegee (2)
  • Alabama A&M (1)
  • Fort Valley State College (1)
  • Alcorn State (1)
  • Virginia State (1)

 

 

“For my club, my community, my country, and my world.”

For every 4-H program or club, this final line of the 4-H Pledge is at the forefront of their learning and experiences. For the 4-H National Mentoring Program implemented by Texas A&M University Extension, there is an emphasis on “country,” particularly with regards to those who served it.

In partnership with the Hidden Heroes Military Caregiver Community (HHMCC), youth mentees had the opportunity to give back to those who fought tirelessly for our country. The HHMCC—managed by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Caring for our Hidden Heroes—is a network of military caregivers, from all eras, to connect with one another and provide resources and support. The Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s mission is to strengthen and empower American military caregivers and their families by raising public awareness, driving research, championing policy, and leading collaborations that make a significant impact on their lives.

Mentees participating in the program were tasked with making weighted lap blankets for seven wounded warriors. After researching the benefits of the weighted blankets for the service members’ ailments, and how to make the blankets, the youth teamed up to sew, design and mail the completed blankets, ensuring their arrival by the Christmas.

Disclaimer

The program described here is funded through grants from OJJPD, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Neither the U.S. Department of Justice nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse, this page (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided).

4-H Mentoring: Texas 4-H

When families come together, communities can reap the benefits. That’s what happened when the Danville 4‑H Center in Virginia held a Family Night Out that doubled as a community service project. As a part of the Youth and Families with Purpose (YFP) program (part of the 4‑H National Mentoring Program), mentors joined youth mentees and their families to give back and serve their community.

Over the course of several days, the group spent time growing and harvesting produce at the local Promear Community Garden. The opportunity was a rewarding one for the youth as the garden helps contribute to meals for their families, many of which receive government assistance. Participants spent their time weeding and watering the garden, as well as learned the significance of the plants in the garden and how to make organic plant spray. Community garden owners Mr. and Mrs. Predgen also treated the families to a lesson in food preservation with a canning demonstration.

The event/project proved to be a success as YFP families came together to support one another and their community.

Disclaimer

The program described here is funded through grants from OJJPD, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Neither the U.S. Department of Justice nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse, this page (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided).

4‑H Mentoring: Virginia 4‑H

In partnership with the Catawba Cultural Center, Clemson University Extension helped young people put family and culture first. Through the National Mentoring Program of South Carolina 4-H, mentors, mentees and their families came together for a Family Night Out event to celebrate “Family Traditions & Rituals.”

During the eventful night, attendees learned valuable lessons about the practices and rituals of their ancestors. Through a brief history lesson and art tutorials, the group learned how to make and decorate gourd “carry-alls” using traditional decorating techniques and natural materials, following in the footsteps of those before them.

The activity proved to give youth and their families a valuable, in-depth lesson in their history and allowed them to gain a greater appreciation for their culture and the work of their ancestors.

Disclaimer

The program described here is funded through grants from OJJPD, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Neither the U.S. Department of Justice nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse, this page (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided).

4-H Mentoring: South Carolina 4-H

There are always two sides to every story, and when it comes to mentoring, the same rule applies. For those seeking a mentor, there is the need for an outside perspective and a desire to unlock our full potential. When seeking mentoring opportunities, we want to pay it forward and to share our knowledge, skills, and compassion with someone else. Mentoring is a powerful tool, and no matter which side you’re on, it’s a relationship that benefits all involved.

This National Mentoring Month, we’re highlighting stories from both sides of the spectrum—the mentor and the mentee—and how the relationship can help create new perspectives, develop new skills, and present new opportunities.

In Baltimore, Maryland, young members of the Waverly Star Wars 4-H STEM Club (part of the 4-H National Mentoring Program)  held a community service project in which they held a fun, interactive demonstration and workshop on coding and robotics. Although under the supervision of adult mentors, club members between the ages of five and eight years old led the session during the 2017 Maryland STEM Festival to teach students about coding through the Daisy the Dinosaur coding app.

As a result of their participation, club members learned the importance of peer mentoring, giving back to their community, and developed leadership skills. Through their learning, they didn’t let their age be a barrier to making an impact.

Even Baltimore City Council Woman Mary Pat Clarke (District 14), took notice and applauded the youth for their knowledge and leadership.

Disclaimer

The program described here is funded through grants from OJJPD, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Neither the U.S. Department of Justice nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse, this page (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided).

4‑H Mentoring: Waverly Star Wars 4‑H STEM Club

These days, every piece of technology created has a modified, safer simpler version for kids. After all, we are in the digital age, and how can we possibly progress in a world that is powered by technology if we aren’t giving future leaders the tools to continue innovating and expanding on these trends.

If you haven’t heard by now, 4‑H National Youth Science is adding wearable technology to its now 10-year catalog with the 2018 4‑H NYSD Challenge, Incredible Wearables, giving kids the opportunity to build a custom fitness tracker of their own. It’s a great opportunity to teach youth about the power of technology in everything we do, and how they can take part in helping create technology that can serve us now and in the future.

To help build excitement for the new challenge, we are shouting out some of our favorite kid-friendly wearable tech tools:

VTech 80-171600 Kidizoom Smartwatch DX (2nd Generation)

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You’re going to love this cool watch with a built-in camera, games, and activities to help keep kids moving!

LeapFrog LeapBand

With over 50 built-in challenges, getting kids to get active is easier than ever.

Swimband Personal Drowning Detection System

4-h national youth science day, nysd, wearable tech, kid-friendly, science, fitness, healthy living, safety, tracker. STEM

Safety comes first for this versatile band that tracks kids’ activities in and around water.

FiLIP 2 Smart Locator with Voice for Kids, Watermelon Red (AT&T)

4-h national youth science day, nysd, wearable tech, kid-friendly, science, fitness, healthy living, safety, tracker. STEM

With a flick of the wrist, kids can easily get in touch with emergency contacts, while allowing adults to keep tabs on their whereabouts with a built-in GPS.

iBitz Kids Activity Tracker

Set challenges and reward kids for staying active with this cool-colored clip-on tracker.

Encourage youth to create a health and fitness tracker with the 2018 4‑H National Youth Science Day Challenge, Incredible Wearables!

As the summer ends and we prepare for the new school year, young men and women across the country are saying goodbye to their families, friends, and pets to return to their college homes. My departure from our family farm is always bittersweet with lots of extra goodbyes to all my animals. However, one of my most difficult partings is when I bid farewell to my 80,000 sweet, hardworking friends down in my apiary. My honeybees and I had a great summer vacation and I’d love to share some of the highlights with you.

While riding horses, we came across a wild hive in a water meter box that the water company would probably kill. So I rescued it and brought the bees to my farm and set them up in a ten-frame Langstroth hive box, alongside the other 5 hives in my apiary. The extraction was challenging because the bees had sealed a whole concrete water meter box with propolis, a special bee glue, leaving only one entrance. So prying the lid off was very difficult. I wedged a hammer under the lid after breaking the propolis seal with a screwdriver. I’m a big guy and it took all my strength. Can you imagine that tiny little bees can make something so strong? I cut their honeycomb out of the sprinkler box and secured it with rubber bands to empty frames in my hive box.

After about two weeks, I checked on the bees and they had attached all their honeycomb to the frames with propolis and chewed off the rubber bands. They pushed the rubber bands out of their front door for me to clean up and remove.  It is amazing the way the girls take out the trash – they are fastidious creatures!

I check on my girls every couple of weeks.  So I noticed that they were having a little trouble with varroa mites – time to add some powdered sugar to the hive! I just use a flour sifter with about one cup of powdered sugar and dust the whole hive with it.  The mites get all covered in the sugar and cannot crawl around. They immediately drop through the screened bottom where the ants are waiting to feast on them – no more hitchhiking mites!

My bees had become a bit aggressive so I ordered 6 new queens from Old Sol Apiaries in Oregon to re-queen our hives. About 90% of our wild honeybee population in San Diego is Africanized and very aggressive. Re-queening means we put a tame European queen bee into a colony of wild Africanized bees, who then accept the queen as their leader. This results in a genetic cleansing of the hive as the old aggressive bees die off and the new queen’s gentle offspring replace them.  One part of this that is fascinating is that the new queen arrives in a little cage with a sugar plug called a candy release. She eats it from the inside to stay alive and the bees in the hive eat the plug from the outside to release her. By the time she emerges, they are so excited to accept their new leader!

By far, the sweetest (and stickiest) part of beekeeping is the annual honey harvest. When the bees determine that there is the perfect amount of humidity in the honey, they seal it in little hexagon-shaped cells for safekeeping. When I see those caps, I know it’s go time. This is a great time for teamwork as there are plenty of jobs for everyone.  After we remove the honey filled frames from the hive, we have to gently cut the wax caps off each frame with a hot knife. Then we put four frames at a time into our extractor, which is like a big barrel with a crank on top. By turning the crank for a very long time, it spins all the honey out using centrifugal force and it runs down to the bottom of the barrel.  We then run the honey through many filters from course to fine until it is very clear and looks like liquid sunshine. Then we carefully bottle it into little honey bears. No matter how careful we are, there is sticky honey everywhere, but it is so worth it!

So now, after all these fun summer adventures together, I hand my honeybees over to my mother and sister to care for and tell all the girls goodbye until winter break. How did I end up having to bid farewell to 80,000 honeybees, you may ask? I learned to be a beekeeper from my 4‑H leader, Jamie Sternberg, when I was 12 years old. She opened up a whole new world for me and sparked a passion for beekeeping that I am certain will last a lifetime. I’ll close with the words of that huggable old honey-lover himself, Winnie the Pooh, “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

4‑H Alumni nationwide have a story to tell and a testimony to share when it comes to how 4‑H has changed their lives, shaped their personalities, and opened up doors, getting them to where they are today. Read the final installment of 4‑H Grown stories, shared by 4‑H alum who are now Farm Bureau members. American Farm Bureau Federation is a proud partner and advocate for 4‑H!

Heather Hill, Indiana 4-H

“As a third generation 4‑H’er, 4‑H had and continues to have a large impact on my life. As a 10-year member, I gained many life skills from communication to organization to leadership. I will never forget when I was 10 years old and my mother made me do the demonstration contest. I was scared to death and not very happy with her for making me do it, but I thank her almost daily as talking in front of a crowd as only gotten easier. Many of the memories of my childhood come from 4‑H, whether it being sewing with my Gramma or working with my livestock. 4‑H introduced me to Purdue University at an early age which made deciding to go there for college a no-brainer. My husband and I are so excited to be able to share and build new 4‑H experiences with our children. I can’t say enough about what 4‑H did for me and continues to do today.”

Amy Hegeman, Texas 4-H

“4‑H was HUGE in Texas! Here in Alabama, FFA is bigger, but I feel like giving those kids an extra 6 years in agriculture really solidifies their experiences and encourages them to pursue a future in it. Especially, when you can snag them before they get into sports! My goal is to start an after-school program through 4‑H, that way inner city kids can get exposure every day versus once a year.  We did a tremendous amount of service through 4‑H, and I think that is something lost to upcoming generations. Although the animal projects and judging teams were what consumed my time, I think the civic responsibility is what has made a lasting impression on my life. I tell young people not to ever feel bad about the time that they give to someone else because there is not much that compares to it in value.”

Learn more about the 4‑H and American Farm Bureau Federation partnership.

At Citizenship Washington Focus this summer, one team each week was selected by program sponsor, Farm Credit, to receive $500 to implement a plan that addresses community challenges, and to put the plan into action. We’re excited to recognize and congratulate each of these outstanding delegations and the work they’re doing in their communities.

 

Week 1: Kentucky 4‑H

kentucky, 4-h, government, service, youth, teens, cwf, citizenship washington focus, farm credit, grant, community

The Kentucky delegation centered their project around addressing the low literacy rate among citizens in Louisville, Ky. They will partner with local school systems, clubs and organizations to provide programming designed to improve the literacy rates in adults.

 

Week 2: Alabama 4‑H

alabama, 4-h, government, service, youth, teens, cwf, citizenship washington focus, farm credit, grant, community

The Alabama delegation developed a leadership program consisting of community service, leadership workshops, and fundraising to benefit local communities. The delegation will partner with extension, local high schools and colleges, recreation centers, and community members to develop this program.

 

Week 3: Oklahoma 4‑H

oklahoma, 4-h, government, service, youth, teens, cwf, citizenship washington focus, farm credit, grant, community

The delegation of the Northeast District of Oklahoma created a career planning program for youth, ages 15-18, who will soon age out of the foster care system. The group plans to work with a local shelter and local government services in Tulsa, Okla., to establish this program.

 

Week 4: Kansas 4‑H

kansas, 4-h, government, service, youth, teens, cwf, citizenship washington focus, farm credit, grant, community

The Kansas delegation developed a program to teach community members how to grow their own food, select the right food from a food pantry, and cook healthy meals. The program will also focus on teaching about the agriculture industry. The Kansas delegation also received an additional $500 mini-grant for having the most outstanding overall community action plan.

 

Week 5: South Carolina 4‑H

south carolina, 4-h, government, service, youth, teens, cwf, citizenship washington focus, farm credit, grant, community

The South Carolina delegation will establish a program for elementary and middle school students from low-income families to receive school supplies. The delegation will work with other community partners to promote the program and gather needed supplies.

 

Week 6: Ohio 4‑H

ohio, 4-h, government, service, youth, teens, cwf, citizenship washington focus, farm credit, grant, community

The Southeast Ohio delegation will create a program to provide resources to the homeless. The delegation will hold a competition between 4‑H Clubs to bring in non-perishable items, clothing and personal hygiene products.

When you think of the attributes of a 4-H’er, what comes to mind? Courageous? Compassionate? Charismatic? Yes, all of these words perfectly describe a 4-H kid, but what’s even more important are the stories behind the words. The story of a shy boy who came into his own. The story of a girl’s simple act of kindness towards a neighbor. The story of a teen who stands up and speaks out on behalf of their peers. These are the stories that deserve the spotlight and need to be shared and celebrated.How do we help shine a light on these stories of character and accomplishment? The 4-H Youth in Action Awards Programs.For the last seven years, National 4-H Council has honored 13 4-H’ers who have a story to tell through 4-H Youth in Action. This year is no different as we seek out four 4-H’ers who are willing to share their stories of peer engagement, personal growth, community empowerment and much more. They are the everyday stories that result in local and national impact.There are four individual pillar awards up for grabs: Agriculture, Citizenship, Healthy Living and STEM. Here’s how to apply for 2018 4-H Youth in Action Awards:

  • Visit www.4-h.org/YouthinAction to learn about the awards program, review the guidelines, and meet past winners
  • Fill out the 2018 Application and answer the following questions in 150-words each:
    a. Describe how 4-H has impacted your life.
    b. Describe a project, program or 4-H activity within the pillar area in which you demonstrated leadership.
    c. Describe how your work in this particular area has improved or influenced your community.
  • Submit three individual photos showing your experience within your chosen pillar area, as well as a 60-second video that introduces who you are and your 4-H story
  • Complete and submit a reference form

Applications are due October 23, 2017.

So what will you win as a 4-H Youth in Action Awards recipient? A $5,000 scholarship; an all-expense-paid trip to Washington D.C. for the 2018 National 4-H Council Legacy Awards; and much more!

Every story is worth sharing, and sharing your story can earn you the opportunity of a lifetime. Apply for the 2018 4-H Youth in Action Awards today!