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Report includes insights from the 4-H Healthy Habits program; a youth-focused healthy living program supported by the Walmart Foundation.

Chevy Chase, MD (March 26, 2019) – National 4-H Council, in partnership with the University of Arizona, announces the release of a special report highlighting key learnings of youth-focused healthy living programming through its 4-H Healthy Habits program. Administered by land-grant universities across the country, and funded through grants from the Walmart Foundation, 4-H Healthy Habits offers promising practices to build inclusive environments for a diverse array of youth, their families and communities.

Since 2012, 4-H and the Walmart Foundation have partnered to reach a million youth with nutrition education and physical activity, with an intentional focus on populations who face challenges in achieving positive health outcomes. The Walmart Foundation has renewed its commitment to youth healthy living programming in 2018-2019 by awarding a grant to National 4-H Council for $2,999,350 million to reach 200,000 youth and families with 4-H Healthy Habits programming.

According to Eileen Hyde, Program Manager for the Walmart Foundation, “Walmart and the Walmart Foundation committed to help provide nutrition education to 4 million people by 2020. We recently announced that we have put funding in place to reach this commitment ahead of schedule, and as part of that work, we’re excited to support the 4-H Healthy Habits program. This program enables youth to create a deeper understanding of healthy habits among a diverse population of peers, as well as in their families and communities.”

The special report synthesizes multiple data points and thoughtful feedback from educators, volunteers and youth to help 4-H and peers in positive youth development most effectively impact hard to reach populations, including youth of color and rural youth.

“We are so glad to see from this research that a diverse body of teens across the country are inspiring engagement of their peers, families and communities in the 4-H Healthy Habits program,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, President and CEO, National 4-H Council. “4-H is committed to ensuring all youth feel welcomed and engaged in their club, community, country and the world.”

Best practices found to increase diverse audiences align with the areas of Teen Leadership, Learning Activities and Community Partnerships. Below are a few key findings from the study.

Teen Leadership

  • Involve diverse teen teachers to lead the program and engage homeschoolers to lead programming during the day when school is in session.
  • Eliminating or waiving participation fees for teen leaders who may also come from families experiencing extreme financial hardship.
  • Remember transportation can be a limitation for youth, particularly in rural areas, so consider providing transit fare for teens who do not have vehicle access or budgeting for transport of larger groups to avoid transportation challenges (e.g., fuel money if 4-H has access to vehicles, or rental of vans).

Learning Activities

  •  Host family-centered events where youth and their families learn about and participate in physical activity and healthy eating together; these events can add to cultural relativity.
  • Be innovative in approaches to engage families and the larger community through hosting or appearing at community-based events where a broader audience is accessible, or during times when parents typically pickup children at school.
  • Lead hands-on activities like gardening or games in areas where language barriers might make seat-learning more difficult.

Community Partnerships

  • Increase reach among youth of color by collaborating with partners in K-12 schools, other 4-H programs, afterschool programs, summer camps, other Extension programs and participants’ families.
  • Seek ways to leverage systems-level or proximity-based conveniences to minimize burdens around scheduling and transportation, which can be particularly advantageous in rural areas, given the heightened transportation challenges.

Health is not only one of the four H’s, but it is also a key programmatic pillar for 4-H, as health in youth leads to better long-term outcomes in the future. Today, as 4-H affirms its commitment to equity, this study provides insights to inform best practices that can benefit those within and outside the Cooperative Extension System.

To view the white paper in its entirety, please visit www.4-h.org/about/research/#!healthy-living.

Walmart Foundation logo

 

About Philanthropy at Walmart

By using our strengths to help others, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation create opportunities for people to live better every day. Walmart has stores in 27 countries, employing more than 2.2 million associates and doing business with thousands of suppliers who, in turn, employ millions of people. Our philanthropy helps people live better by supporting upward job mobility and economic development for the retail workforce; addressing hunger and making healthier, more sustainably-grown food a reality; and building strong communities where Walmart operates and inspiring our associates to give back.

To learn more about Walmart’s giving, visit http://giving.walmart.com/foundation.

About 4-H

4-H, the nation’s largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for career tomorrow. 4-H programs empower nearly 6 million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. 4-H is the youth development program of our nation’s Cooperative Extension System and USDA, and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3000 local Extension offices. The research-backed 4-H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.

Learn more about 4-H at www.4-h.org, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/4h and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/4h.

A $500,000 grant will bring computer science education to underserved youth in five Lockheed Martin communities

Chevy Chase, MD (March 19, 2019) – National 4-H Council today announced a $500,000 grant from Lockheed Martin to bring computer science (CS) education to underserved youth in five communities where Lockheed Martin has a significant presence: Colorado Springs, CO; Dallas/Fort Worth, TX; King of Prussia, PA; Moorestown, NJ and the San Francisco Bay Area, CA.

The grant will support the establishment of teen-led computer science clubs and that will engage young people in in-depth, year-round computer science programming. The clubs will allow 4-H teens to build both technical and leadership skills as they learn CS concepts and are given opportunities to teach them to younger kids. The clubs will also focus on career exploration and understanding real-world applications of CS skills through sustained interaction with Lockheed Martin engineers.

“Lockheed Martin is deeply committed to helping equip the next generation with skills in computer science,” said Lockheed Martin Chief Information Officer Jim Connelly. “This investment in 4-H will inspire and support students who, in just a few years, will be the heart of our nation’s workforce where computer science skills will prove invaluable.”

Without access to CS education, young people are missing out on a tremendous opportunity for economic advancement as industries are starved for the talent they need to drive technological progress. This grant is designed to help make those opportunities accessible to more young people, reaching populations that have traditionally struggled with access to CS education and helping to build a talent pipeline to tomorrow’s workforce.

“The computer science clubs created by this partnership will provide exciting, meaningful and engaging learning opportunities for young people,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO of National 4-H Council. “Together, 4-H and Lockheed Martin are focused on creating young leaders who have the life skills to thrive in today’s – and tomorrow’s – world.”

Since 2010, Lockheed Martin and 4-H have worked together to bring science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs to young people across the country. Over the last nine years, Lockheed Martin has supported 4-H in launching hundreds of robotics and engineering clubs across the country and reaching over a million young people with hands-on STEM projects through National Youth Science Day. The grant builds upon the success of that work, and is an extension of the STEM Futures partnership National 4-H Council and Lockheed Martin launched in 2015, aimed at increasing diversity in STEM among minority youth and girls.

About 4 H

4‑H, the nation’s largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for career tomorrow. 4‑H programs empower nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. The research-backed 4‑H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.

About Lockheed Martin

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 105,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

Van Dyke will receive $10,000 in scholarships sponsored by HughesNet, and will serve as 4-H’s leading voice for young people

Chevy Chase, MD (March 12, 2019) — National 4-H Council announced that Clyde Van Dyke, 18, of Johnson City, NY, was selected as the national winner of the 2019 4-H Youth in Action Award. Van Dyke, who also won the 4-H Youth in Action STEM Pillar Award sponsored by HughesNet®, was honored at National 4-H Council’s Legacy Awards in Washington, D.C., among notable 4-H alumni including singer and songwriter Jennifer Nettles and celebrity chef Carla Hall.

As the national Youth in Action winner, Van Dyke will receive $10,000 in scholarships for higher education.

The 4-H Youth in Action Award recognizes Van Dyke for his resilience and commitment to using technology to spark community change.

Van Dyke, a New York 4-H’er, faced many challenges in his childhood, including losing his mother at a young age. He was further discouraged in elementary school when he was told that most kids with his background wouldn’t succeed. This feeling of defeat led him to put forth little effort in school. But everything changed when a friend invited him to a 4-H technology club meeting. Not only did the 4-H program bring him access and exposure to technology, it helped him develop a wealth of resources and life skills that altered his perspective and motivation.

“Without 4-H, I would’ve slipped through the cracks. 4-H gave me the motivation and resources I needed to overcome the mindset that I couldn’t succeed,” said Van Dyke. “Now, I show other kids the path for success and what they can gain in 4-H, too.”
Van Dyke’s 4-H educator, Kelly Adams, encouraged him to get involved in Broome County 4-H’s Geospatial Mapping Club, a program that teaches youth how to create maps to visualize data. Clyde took the project to the next level by creating maps that help people see the impact of important community issues and envision a pathway for community action. Van Dyke routinely teaches workshops to educate others to use geospatial mapping technology to enact community change.

Now, Van Dyke serves on the National 4-H GIS/GPS Leadership Team and has presented his most powerful geospatial map at the annual international Esri User Conference and Education Summit. This map, which visualizes the drug overdose epidemic, charts the increase in drug overdose deaths from 2008-2016 along with potential factors that contribute to this growing epidemic.

“Clyde’s story demonstrates the powerful and positive impact a caring, adult mentor can make in the life of a young person,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president & CEO, National 4-H Council. “When given the tools they need to lead, 4-H’ers like Clyde are becoming the next generation of changemakers in their communities and for our country.”

Clyde was selected as the 4-H Youth in Action Award National Winner from a pool of three other youth who were recognized as winners in other pillar areas: Addy Battel of Michigan (Agriculture), Mason McClintock of Georgia (Civic Engagement) and Elisabeth Watkins of California (Healthy Living).

“Clyde has demonstrated an authentic passion for applying STEM skills to solve real-world problems,” said Peter Gulla, senior vice president of marketing for HughesNet. “We are proud to support him on his journey to continued success in STEM and in life. We are equally proud to work together with 4-H to continue broadening young people’s access to STEM education in an increasingly technology-dependent world.”
The 4-H Youth in Action Awards, sponsored in part by HughesNet, began in 2010 to recognize 4-H’ers who have overcome challenges and used the knowledge they gained in 4-H to create a lasting impact in their community. This award highlights youth in each of 4-H’s core areas of Agriculture, Civic Engagement, Healthy Living and STEM. These four pillars represent the fields in which 4-H youth excel on a national level and align with the mission mandates of National 4-H Council.

To learn more about Youth in Action or to see the other pillar winners from around the country, please visit https://4-h.org/parents/4-H-youth-in-action/.

Clyde-Van-Dyke-4-H-YIA-Winner-640x428
About Hughes Network Systems

Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES) is the global leader in broadband satellite technology and services for home and office. Its flagship high-speed satellite Internet service is HughesNet®, the world’s largest satellite network with over 1.3 million residential and business customers across the Americas. For large enterprises and governments, the company’s HughesON™ managed network services provide complete connectivity solutions employing an optimized mix of satellite and terrestrial technologies. The JUPITER™ System is the world’s most widely deployed High-Throughput Satellite (HTS) platform, operating on more than 20 satellites by leading service providers, delivering a wide range of broadband enterprise, mobility and cellular backhaul applications. To date, Hughes has shipped more than 7 million terminals of all types to customers in over 100 countries, representing approximately 50 percent market share, and its technology is powering broadband services to aircraft around the world.

Headquartered outside Washington, D.C., in Germantown, Maryland, USA, Hughes operates sales and support offices worldwide, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS), a premier global provider of satellite operations. For additional information about Hughes, please visit www.hughes.com and follow @HughesConnects on Twitter.

About 4-H

4-H, the nation’s largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for career tomorrow. 4-H programs empower nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. 4-H is the youth development program of our nation’s Cooperative Extension System and USDA, and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3,000 local Extension offices. Globally, 4-H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4-H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.

Learn more about 4-H at www.4-h.org, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/4-H and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/4-H.

National 4‑H Council and Bridgespan’s Report on Social Mobility Surfaces Promising Pattern of Supports for Young People

BOSTON, November 14, 2018 — A study published today illuminates factors that may support upward social mobility in rural America—the possibility that children will grow up to earn more than their parents. The “Social Mobility in Rural America: Insights from Communities Whose Young People Are Climbing the Income Ladder,” a field report from National 4‑H Council and The Bridgespan Group, with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, provides ideas and guiding questions that other communities might build upon, as they work to expand economic opportunity for their young people.

“There has been a lot of talk about how the “American Dream” is playing out in rural communities,” says Mark McKeag, a Bridgespan partner and co-author of the report. “While much of that research has focused on analyzing social mobility in rural contexts, we took a different tack. We went into rural communities where upward mobility is thriving, to get a ground-level view of what that looks like.”

Informed by data analysis of high-opportunity counties, and building upon existing studies in the field, including Bridgespan’s previous work on social mobility, Bridgespan and 4‑H sought to discern how high-opportunity rural communities are helping their young people build a brighter future. With the help of National 4‑H Council and the Cooperative Extension System of our nation’s land-grant universities, Bridgespan’s research team visited 19 communities across three Midwestern states and Texas, interviewing more than 200 public, private, and nonprofit community leaders, including over 100 middle and high school students.

“While there has been renewed interest in social mobility in rural communities, we do not consistently see investment in young people or their voices represented as a critical part of these conversations,” says Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO, National 4‑H Council. “In 4‑H, we know that each community’s most powerful asset for growth and development is its young people. We sought to lift up this vital asset through this work with The Bridgespan Group.”

With young people’s critical perspectives at the center, the field report surfaces six common factors that seem to support upward mobility in these 19 rural communities:

  1.  A high expectation that youth will “opt in” and work hard to acquire the skills to build their future. Many of the communities infuse their young people with a sense of possibility—that if they set high goals and stay engaged, they can build a good life. As a result, there are both the expectation, and the pathways, for youth to “opt in” and participate in skill-building activities that might help them advance. “Opting out” is far less of an acceptable alternative.
  2.  Strong, informal support systems, with neighbors helping neighbors. For young people who choose to opt in, there is often a tight social fabric to support them. Indeed, these communities’ high expectations are grounded in durable, informal support systems, deep investments in communal spaces, and celebrations of youth achievement.
  3.  An early focus on career pathways. When considering their future careers, young people exuded a strong sense of direction. Education is not an abstraction, but a foundation for career development. In some communities, efforts to help children build in-demand skills begin in grammar school.
  4.  A wealth of opportunities for youth to build life skills, regardless of the community’s size. All of the towns Bridgespan and 4‑H studied—which range from populations of 600 to approximately 20,000 people—are small enough to ensure that all young people have an array of options to build skills, apart from working on a farm or in an after-school job. Although they are small and often remote, these communities provide enough access points for kids to engage.
  5.  Many potential challenges to access opportunities, but creative solutions to overcome them. These communities do not just generate youth development opportunities. Residents work to ensure that as many young people as possible can seize on those opportunities, despite multiple potential barriers: financial, cultural, psychological, logistical, or simply a lack of awareness.
  6.  A sense of shared fate and a deep commitment to sustaining the community. People in these small communities still recall existential threats from the past, such as the 1980s farm crisis and the oil industry’s busts. Against this backdrop, residents spoke of how their individual well-being is tied to their neighbor’s well-being—that their future depends on taking responsibility for sustaining their communities.

Across the United States, none of the approximately 200 rural counties in which at least a quarter of the population is Black American rank in the top quartile for upward mobility. That dispiriting statistic—as well as the fact that all site visits focused on the center of the country—pushed the research team to test the six factors by interviewing leaders in more diverse rural communities. Those additional field-testing counties in Mississippi, West Virginia, California, and Louisiana have more typical levels of social mobility, household incomes lower than the rural median, and in some cases, a more substantial Black American population. While each of those communities has its own assets as well as challenges, including histories of racial oppression and financial struggles that span generations, the report shows that many of the six factors supporting upward mobility still resonate.

“As places across rural America work to create the conditions for young people to thrive, it is important to consider what it will take to activate these factors in more diverse rural communities,” says Monica Hobbs Vinluan, senior program officer, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. “We want to ensure that in places where a history of discriminatory policies and practices led to chronic disinvestment, opportunity can be expanded for all young people.”

While the site visits and interviews, though meaningful and informative, touched just one percent of the country’s rural counties, common themes emerged across all of them. Concludes Bridgespan manager and co-author Mike Soskis: “We hope this report will enable leaders of rural communities, as the experts in their own places, to work towards a future where every young person has an opportunity to build a better economic life.”

Learn more about supporting upward social mobility in rural America at Bridgespan.org.

About the Bridgespan Group

The Bridgespan Group (www.bridgespan.org) is a global nonprofit organization that collaborates with mission-driven organizations, philanthropists and investors to break cycles of poverty and dramatically improve the quality of life for those in need. With offices in Boston, Mumbai, New York, and San Francisco, Bridgespan’s services include strategy consulting, leadership development, philanthropy and nonprofit advising, and developing and sharing practical insights.

About 4‑H

4‑H, the nation’s largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for career tomorrow. 4‑H programs empower nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. 4‑H is the youth development program of our nation’s Cooperative Extension System and USDA, and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3000 local Extension offices. Globally, 4‑H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4‑H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.

Learn more about 4‑H at 4‑H.org, find us on Facebook at WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/4‑H and on Twitter at HTTPS://TWITTER.COM/4H.

(Chevy Chase, MD, October 23, 2018) – The CHS Foundation recently partnered with National 4‑H Council as a sponsor of the 2019 National Youth Summit on Agri-Science. The Summit, held at the National 4‑H Center outside of Washington, D.C., brings together hundreds of the best and brightest high school students to develop their skills and knowledge to address today’s most pressing agricultural challenges.

“The CHS Foundation is extremely excited to partner with National 4‑H Council to bring agri-science education to youth across America,” said Nanci Lilja, president, CHS Foundation. “Through our support of the National Youth Summit on Agri-Science we continue to build on our commitment to equip youth with the skills they need to become the next generation of leaders in the agriculture industry.”

Support from the CHS Foundation will provide scholarships for youth to attend the four-day Summit. While there, they will be immersed in an agenda focused on agriculture, food security and sustainability. Through hands-on activities and workshops youth dive into topics including soil health, animal biosecurity, drones and precision farming. Students are also exposed to careers in agri-science through an interactive career fair, while developing action plans to tackle a unique science challenge in their community.

Jill Bramble, Vice President, Chief Development Officer at National 4‑H Council, says the Summit goes beyond textbook learning to bring together leaders in the agriculture industry to lead workshops that help youth see how agri-science connects to multiple aspects of their lives.

“When young people have the opportunity to learn-by-doing, they grow skills that allow them to pursue their passions and contribute to the world around them. We hope the Agri-Science Summit serves as a catalyst for youth to return home and continue to pursue their work in agriculture.”
To learn more about the 2019 National Youth Summit on Agri-Science, visit National Youth Summit Series - National 4-H Council.

About the CHS Foundation

The CHS Foundation, funded by charitable gifts from CHS Inc., is focused on developing a new generation of agriculture leaders for life-long success. Together, with our partners, we are igniting innovation and driving excellence in agriculture education, cultivating high-impact programs for rural youth and accelerating potential for careers in agriculture. Learn more at chsfoundation.org.

About 4‑H

4‑H, the nation’s largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for career tomorrow. 4‑H programs empower nearly 6 million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. 4‑H is the youth development program of our nation’s Cooperative Extension System and USDA, and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3000 local Extension offices. The research-backed 4‑H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.

Learn more about 4‑H at 4-h.org, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/4-h and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/4h.

4‑H Launches Campaign with 30 Days of Doing, Celebrity Alumni Ad Series, and a Goal to Reach One Million DOers with the Support of Alumni, Parents, and Partners

CHEVY CHASE, MD (September 5, 2018) – This back-to-school season, 4‑H is placing a national spotlight on the stories of young people, through its ‘Inspire Kids to Do’ campaign. Led by youth and alumni voices, the campaign aims to engage parents, alumni and the public to join 4‑H in empowering one million kids to learn-by-doing year-round and send a message of inspiration – the more kids do, the more they grow the skills they need for life and career.

Once thought of as less significant than academic learning, life skills such as confidence, resilience and curiosity are now mandatory to prepare kids for life readiness, impacting their education, future careers and societal engagement. Preparing kids with these skills today, comes at a pivotal time in our country, when the need for a highly adaptive workforce and leaders who can solve community and societal challenges is more critical than ever.

“4‑H knows that more kids ‘doing’ works. For more than a century, we’ve inspired youth to learn-by-doing by leveraging the best knowledge and research from more than 100 public universities,” says Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO, National 4‑H Council. “By creating hands-on programs customized for the needs of local communities, and by building the largest national network of positive youth-adult relationships kids get more opportunities to learn-by-doing and their unique skills grow and take shape. This campaign is about empowering the actions of millions of true leaders – youth who DO with purpose, impacting their own lives and changing the world around them.”

To kick off the campaign, an array of prominent 4‑H alumni voices who embody the results of ‘doing,’ ranging from musicians, athletes to actors and media personalities are featured in a series of alumni ads for social media and digital release as an opportunity to share the impact of 4‑H and highlight the life skills garnered from hands-on doing.

“We hope 4‑H alumni across the country will also join us in sparking change, supporting our communities, and inspiring a movement by helping us to grow the next generation of true leaders,” says Artis Stevens, chief marketing officer, National 4‑H Council. “Our alumni base of 25 million have firsthand knowledge of the incredible impact 4‑H. ‘Inspire Kids to Do’ is an opportunity for alumni to reconnect and share the powerful message of doing by amplifying the stories of young people and creating ‘doing’ experiences like those that helped them pursue a positive path in life and achieve their goals.”

Alumni supporters include Grammy award-winning singer and songwriter, Georgia 4‑H alumna, Jennifer Nettles and award-winning journalist, South Carolina 4‑H alumnus, Craig Melvin—each of whom offered comments on their participation.

  • “I support 4‑H because of all that it’s given me. Growing up in a small town in Georgia, 4‑H opened doors and set the groundwork for me to pursue my dreams,” said 4‑H National Spokesperson and Georgia alumna Jennifer Nettles. “4‑H enables young people to explore and develop their passions just like I did. The organization continues to evolve and offer new programming from STEM to performing arts while embracing its core mission of empowering youth to learn by doing.”
  • “4‑H exposed me to the journalism field—the experience turned my curiosity as well as my interest into a career,” MSNBC news anchor, South Carolina alumnus Craig Melvin “To help young people succeed in this world, it’s important to connect them with hands-on learning opportunities and supportive communities who will help them along the way. This September, 30 Days of Doing will pave the way for this movement of change through experiential learning.”

Other celebrity alumni supporters include:

  • Aubrey Plaza, producer and actress, currently on FX’s Legion, Delaware 4‑H alumna
  • Reba McEntire, award-winning singer, actress, author, entrepreneur, philanthropist, Oklahoma 4‑H alumna
  • Carla Hall, celebrity chef and co-host of ABC’s The Chew, Tennessee 4‑H alumna
  • Dolly Parton, award-winning singer songwriter, actress and country legend, Tennessee 4‑H alumna
  • Kent Bazemore, NBA player, Atlanta Hawks, North Carolina 4‑H alumnus
  • Eric Stonestreet, Emmy award-winning actor, ABC’s Modern Family, Kansas 4‑H alumnus
  • Peggy Whitson, record breaking NASA astronaut
  • Nancy Grace, TV & radio host, legal commentator, author, Georgia 4‑H alumna
  • Avery Williamson, NFL player, NY Jets, Tennessee 4‑H alumnus
  • Lazarus Lynch, Host of Food Network’s “Comfort Nation,” New York 4‑H alumnus
  • Trisha Yearwood, award-winning country singer and cookbook author, Georgia 4‑H alumna
  • Anne Burrell, American Chef and TV Personality, New York 4‑H alumna

4‑H’s ‘Inspire Kids to Do’ campaign also includes 30 Days of Doing, a month-long initiative that aims to engage one million young people across the country in hands-on learning opportunities. Alumni, parents and the public are invited to join in for 30 Days of Doing experiences and galvanize local communities to sustain programs, projects and experiences that empower kids to learn-by-doing year around.

30 Days of Doing will feature a free downloadable ‘Inspire Kids to Do’ guide with daily activity ideas; a youth “Doer of the Day” throughout September and a photo contest that will give participants a chance to win a $10K scholarship.

A new public service announcement, titled Love, Mom, will be released featuring the emotional connection parents, especially moms, feel about their kids’ futures. In addition, social storytelling content will run across the 4‑H network’s digital channels throughout the year showcasing how kids develop their purpose through hands-on learning experiences unique to 4‑H programs.

To learn more visit https://4-h.org/inspire-kids-to-do/.

About 4‑H
As the nation’s largest youth development organization, 4‑H grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for career tomorrow. 4‑H programs empower nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. In the U.S., 4‑H serves every county and parish through our network of 110 universities and more than 3,000 local offices. Globally, 4‑H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4‑H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs. 4‑H is led by a unique private-public partnership of universities, federal and local government agencies, foundations and professional associations. National 4‑H Council is the private sector, non-profit partner of the Cooperative Extension System and 4‑H National Headquarters located at the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Learn more about 4‑H at www.4‑H.org, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/4‑H and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/4H.

Chevy Chase, MD (June 7, 2018) — The American Marketing Association (AMA) and the American Marketing Association Foundation (AMAF), named Artis Stevens, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, National 4-H Council as the recipient of the 2018 Nonprofit Marketer of the Year Award.

The award, which recognizes one nonprofit marketer annually for their extraordinary leadership and achievement in the field of nonprofit marketing, is the highest honor bestowed by the AMA/AMAF on nonprofit marketing professionals. Stevens will receive his award during the annual AMA Nonprofit Marketing Conference in Washington, DC, July 16-18.

“Through his time at National 4-H Council, Artis Stevens has led the revitalization efforts of the organization and has proven himself as a leader in the industry,” says Julie Schnidman, Director of Strategic Alliances and Foundation Relations at the AMA. “The American Marketing Association Foundation is proud to recognize Artis for the recent transformation of his organization and the impact his work continues to have on the nonprofit field.”

Under Stevens’ leadership, 4-H has revitalized its 100-year-old brand image to capture the modern organization it has become, reaching nearly six million youth a year across programming in STEM education, civic engagement, healthy living and agriculture. Working in partnership with the 4-H system, Stevens developed and implemented a marketing strategy that leveraged the power of 4-H’s 25 million alumni to drive brand relevance while exponentially increasing revenue and reach. He united 4-H’s historically decentralized and complex program delivery of 110 universities, over 3,000 local field offices, as well as 4-H’s government partner, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, to lay the groundwork for multiple successful brand campaigns, new strategic partnerships, innovative field marketing programs and many more initiatives.

Prior to joining National 4-H Council, as the national vice president for Marketing, Strategy & Operations at Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), Stevens helped spearhead BGCA’s new tagline and largest brand awareness campaign launch in its history—Great Futures Start Here. He also led the marketing strategy to increase BGCA’s brand recognition, which generated $15 million in cause and marketing related revenue.

“I’m thrilled and honored to receive this recognition. It represents the incredible efforts of the 4-H system to evolve an organization that has been critical in empowering millions of young people with the skills needed to succeed in life and career for over 100 years,” says Stevens. “With the invaluable support of Cooperative Extension’s 4-H program, partners, alumni, field offices and other key stakeholders, 4-H will continue to pursue its cohesive ‘4-H Grows’ marketing strategy with an unwavering focus on those we aim to serve—the country’s next generation of true leaders.”

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About 4‑H

 

As the nation’s largest youth development organization, 4-H grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for career tomorrow. 4-H programs empower nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. In the U.S., 4-H serves every county and parish through our network of 110 universities and more than 3,000 local offices. Globally, 4-H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4-H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs. 4-H is led by a unique private-public partnership of universities, federal and local government agencies, foundations and professional associations. National 4-H Council is the private sector, non-profit partner of the Cooperative Extension System and 4‑H National Headquarters located at the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Learn more about 4-H at www.4-h.org, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/4-H and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/4-H.

About American Marketing Association (AMA)

 

The AMA is trusted by nearly 1.3 million marketing and sales professionals a year worldwide. It has more than 70 professional chapters and over 350 collegiate chapters throughout North America and select international locations. The American Marketing Association (AMA) is the largest marketing association in the world. AMA serves organizations and individuals who practice, teach and study marketing across the globe. It serves as a forum for connecting like-minded individuals to foster knowledge sharing and relationship building; to be a trusted resource for marketing information, tools, education and training; and to advance marketing practice and thought leadership. For more information about the AMA, visit http://www.ama.org or follow the latest AMA news at @AMA_Marketing.

About the American Marketing Association Foundation

 

The American Marketing Association Foundation (AMAF) champions individual marketers who are making an impact in our profession and community. We recognize marketing visionaries who have elevated the field, and we support the next generation of marketers who will transform the profession.

The AMAF is the philanthropic arm of the American Marketing Association—the largest community-based marketing association in the world dedicated to discovering what’s coming next in the industry. The AMA has a community of local chapters in more than 70 cities and 350 college campuses throughout North America. We’re home to award-winning content, PCM® professional certification, premiere academic journals, and industry-leading training events and conferences.

To learn more, visit www.ama.org or ama.marketing/foundation.

CHEVY CHASE, Md., April 20, 2018 — National 4-H Council recently received a three year, $1.5 million grant from the New York Life Foundation to enable more Latino students to successfully transition from middle school to high school, graduate on time and pursue a college education. The grant will provide continued support to the Juntos 4-H program launched in 2015 while expanding the program to new markets in California and Illinois.

The Juntos 4-H program, developed by North Carolina Cooperative Extension, works with middle and high school grade Latino youth to provide one-on-one mentoring, life skill workshops, and financial literacy training for participating youth and their families. Between 2015 and 2017, the Juntos 4-H program impacted nearly 400 youth in Texas, New York and Florida, with 87.5% of youth participants reporting increased motivation for high school graduation and 87.4% reporting increased motivation for college attendance.

“Research shows that Latino youth are at the greatest risk of dropping out of school between the ninth and tenth grades,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO, National 4-H Council. “New York Life Foundation’s support is instrumental in inspiring youth to pursue higher education while building fundamental life skills. We are thrilled that the Juntos 4-H program will continue to change the lives of more youth across the country and help grow the next generation of leaders for years to come.”

In recognition of New York Life’s dedication to improving education outcomes of Latino youth, the company was awarded the Corporate Leadership Award at the 9th annual National 4-H Council Legacy Awards in Washington, DC on March 20th, 2018.

“The renewed support will enable Latino youth and their families in California and Illinois to gain the knowledge and skills they need to bridge the gap between high school and higher education,” said Marlyn Torres, corporate vice president, New York Life. “The Juntos program is helping us reach our goal of preparing more students to graduate high school on time and be ready for college.”

“Without Juntos in middle school or high school I wouldn’t be the person I am today,” said Naomi Rivera, a former Juntos 4-H participant who is now a college student and Juntos 4-H mentor. “Before I joined Juntos, I had no motivation to pursue college. This program gave me the push to believe ‘maybe I can do something with my life.'”

About 4-H

 

4-H, the nation’s largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for career tomorrow. 4-H programs empower nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. 4-H is the youth development program of our nation’s Cooperative Extension System and USDA, and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3000 local Extension offices. Globally, 4-H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4-H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs. Learn more about 4-H at 4-h.org, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/4-H and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/4-H.

About the New York Life Foundation

 

Inspired by New York Life’s tradition of service and humanity, the New York Life Foundation has, since its founding in 1979, provided more than $250 million in charitable contributions to national and local nonprofit organizations. The Foundation supports programs that benefit young people, particularly in the areas of educational enhancement and childhood bereavement. The Foundation also encourages and facilitates the community involvement of employees, agents, and retirees of New York Life through its Volunteers for Good program. To learn more, please visit www.newyorklifefoundation.org.

New Trustees to support ambitious goal of growing 4‑H to reach 10 million young people by 2025

Chevy Chase, MD (March 16, 2018) – Two new Trustees have joined the National 4‑H Council Board, bringing with them a wealth of experience from a diverse range of industries, including education, government, agriculture and business.

Dr. Juliette Bell, who leads the University of Maryland Eastern Shore as its president, is known as an educator who encourages her students to pursue careers in STEM. In addition, Krysta Harden joins the board having served in various leadership roles, including previously at the United States Department of Agriculture with a focus on conservation and sustainability as well as expanding opportunities for the next generation of farmers and ranchers, and emboldening rural communities with the resources they need to thrive.

“We are extremely grateful to these new Trustees for bringing their leadership and expertise as well as their passion for empowering young people to Council’s Board,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO, National 4‑H Council. “They will be important partners in the Board’s work to continue to engage alumni as well as support the 4‑H system’s goal of significantly increasing investment and participation in Cooperative Extension’s 4‑H program.”

Dr. Juliette Bell, President, University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Dr. Bell, a 4‑H alumna from Alabama, is the 15th president of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, a 4,500-student land-grant university which was founded in 1886. Dr. Bell was the first in her family to earn a college degree and credits her late parents for instilling in her a work ethic that has served her well throughout her prestigious career.

Having graduated as valedictorian of her bachelor’s degree class in chemistry, Dr. Bell went on to earn her Ph.D. in chemistry from Atlanta University (now Clark Atlanta University), before going on to do post-doctoral work in biochemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Among her many honors, Dr. Bell has received the National Role Model Citation from Minority Access, Inc., and the Millennium Award for Excellence in Teaching in STEM at Historically Black Colleges from the White House.

Krysta Harden, External Affairs & Chief Sustainability Officer, Corteva Agriscience™, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont™

Krysta Harden, a 4‑H alumna from Georgia, is responsible for developing and leading Corteva Agriscience’s External Affairs function which includes, global government and industry affairs, communications, community investment, as well as its sustainability efforts. Harden is a widely respected leader with experience in natural resource conservation, agriculture policy and sustainability. As deputy secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture (2013-2016), Harden shaped food and agriculture policy, including leading the implementation of the 2014 Farm Bill. At USDA and throughout her career, Harden has focused on expanding opportunities for women, young people, immigrants, socially disadvantaged producers, returning veterans and retirees.

Harden also spent five years as CEO of the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD), providing national leadership for natural resource conservation. Harden received her Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of Georgia.

About 4‑H

As the nation’s largest youth development organization, 4‑H grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for career tomorrow. 4‑H programs empower nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. In the U.S., 4‑H serves every county and parish through our network of 110 universities and more than 3,000 local offices. Globally, 4‑H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4‑H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs. 4‑H is led by a unique private-public partnership of universities, federal and local government agencies, foundations and professional associations. National 4‑H Council is the private sector, non-profit partner of the Cooperative Extension System and 4‑H National Headquarters located at the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

As the nation’s largest youth development organization, 4‑H grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for career tomorrow. 4‑H programs empower nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. In the U.S., 4‑H serves every county and parish through our network of 110 universities and more than 3,000 local offices. Globally, 4‑H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4‑H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs. 4‑H is led by a unique private-public partnership of universities, federal and local government agencies, foundations and professional associations. National 4‑H Council is the private sector, non-profit partner of the Cooperative Extension System and 4‑H National Headquarters located at the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Learn more about 4‑H at 4‑H.org, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/4H and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/4H.

Chevy Chase, MD (January 29, 2018) – The nation’s largest youth development organization is teaming up with a leading craft retailer to ensure young people everywhere have access to hands-on learning. National 4‑H Council and JOANN Stores today announced a joint effort that will help more kids learn by doing, creating and making. Through a combination of material donations, member discounts, special programs and in-store giving, current and future 4‑H members across the U.S. will benefit from the collaboration.

“Studies show many students lose their natural love of learning between kindergarten and their senior year of high school,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO, National 4‑H Council. “4‑H programming allows students to participate in projects where they can design, create and make for themselves. These hands-on experiences are proven to rekindle a love of learning, strengthen creativity and imaginative thinking, and improve motor skills, coordination and self-esteem. Our partnership with JOANN will allow us to expand those experiences and help more students across the nation continue to learn and grow.”

Current and lifetime 4‑H members, parents, volunteers and staff can save 15 percent off all in-store and online purchases with JOANN’s 4‑H Rewards program, and the retailer will give a minimum 2.5 percent of every eligible transaction to support 4‑H programming. Kicking off the joint effort in stores, a campaign across JOANN’s nearly 900 locations will allow customers, 4‑H members and supporters to share their hearts by purchasing $1 and $4 Paper Clovers throughout February. Proceeds will help to equip local Clubs with resources to reach more young people in need. Additionally, Saturday, February 3, all 4‑H members are invited to visit their local JOANN stores to hand-make Valentine’s Day cards for local senior citizen centers, children’s and veterans’ hospitals, and others in need during the month of love.

“We know every child is unique, and we all think, learn and grow differently,” said Jill Soltau, president and CEO of JOANN. “We’re glad to be partnering with 4‑H to give more young people the opportunity to learn by using their hearts, hands and minds. The programming 4‑H provides offers invaluable skills that members can use throughout their lives, and we are committed to helping future generations embrace creativity and learning.”

Proceeds from February’s Paper Clover campaign will directly support 4‑H programs in the local communities in which they are purchased. Each Paper Clover will include instructions for a special Valentine’s Day craft idea that customers can create to share with someone special. With the $4 Paper Clover, customers will also receive a coupon for $4 off their next purchase.

To learn more about the rewards program and events, visit 4‑H.org/JOANN.

About 4‑H

4‑H, the nation’s largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for career tomorrow. 4‑H programs empower nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. 4‑H is the youth development program of our nation’s Cooperative Extension System and USDA, and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3000 local Extension offices. Globally, 4‑H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4‑H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.  Learn more about 4‑H at 4‑H.org, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/4H and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/4H.

About JOANN

For nearly 75 years, JOANN has inspired creativity in the hearts, hands, and minds of its customers. From a single storefront in Cleveland, Ohio, the nation’s leading fabric and craft retailer has grown to include nearly 900 stores across 49 states and an industry-leading e-commerce business. With the goal of helping every customer find their creative Happy Place, JOANN serves as a convenient single stop for all of the supplies, guidance, and inspiration needed to achieve any project or passion. For store locations, project ideas, and a full product offering, visit joann.com.