Currently 4-H empowers nearly six million young people in every county across America, including more than 170,000 4-H’ers in New York State. (Courtesy Photo)

Currently 4-H empowers nearly six million young people in every county across America

National 4-H to Award Funding to State Programs

4-H is asking supporters in NY to 'Raise Your Hand' to help kids in our community

Article contributed by New York State 4-H

Currently 4-H empowers nearly six million young people in every county across America, including more than 170,000 4-H’ers in New York State. (Courtesy Photo)

ITHACA, N.Y. — 4-H, the largest youth development program in the nation, is calling on alumni and supporters to raise their hands to help bring 4-H to 10 million youth by 2025. Currently 4-H empowers nearly six million young people in every county across America, including more than 170,000 4-H’ers in New York State.

For more than 100 years, the 4-H impact on young people has been immeasurable. “Having experienced our programs first-hand, our alumni know best what a positive impact 4-H had on them growing up, which is why we’re reaching out to them to support the next generation of true leaders,” said Jennifer Bassman, Communications and Events Administrator for New York State 4-H.

“Whether they’re running Fortune 100 companies, performing to sold-out crowds, leading community programs or volunteering to empower local youth, 4‑H alumni are the epitome of true leadership,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO, National 4‑H Council. “Our alumni and supporters across the country now have the perfect opportunity to support 4-H youth in their communities, ensuring that the next generation has the opportunity to benefit from the 4‑H experience.”

As part of the Raise Your Hand campaign which runs April 1 – May 15, 2018, 4-H is asking supporters in New York to ‘Raise Your Hand’ to help kids in our community by providing the hands-on learning that only 4-H provides.

Joining is easy – alumni and friends can go online to tiny.cc/ryh4nys and fill in their details. Raising your hand is a vote towards a $20,000, $10,000 or $5,000 award for the states with the most hands raised.

“4-H gives kids the opportunity to learn by doing, to grow from not only the encouragements brought by success, but also through challenges and failures, as these skills will help them to handle whatever life may throw their way,” explains Jennifer Nettles, Grammy-award winning musician, actress and 4‑H national alumni spokesperson.

The 4-H Youth Development Program is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County (CCE-Chautauqua). CCE-Chautauqua is a community based educational organization, affiliated with Cornell University, Chautauqua County Government, the NYS SUNY system, and the federal government through the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. For more information, call 716-664-9502 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua. Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.

Last updated April 19, 2018