USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture announced last week an investment of more than $10.5 million to support educators at technical schools, community and junior colleges, and youth development programs, including Cooperative Extension’s 4-H program. USDA-NIFA will invest in eight regional and national projects, including a $3 million grant to National 4-H Council to support the continued development of 4-H at Home, Cooperative Extension’s positive youth development digital platform on 4-H.org.

4-H at Home is designed to meet the growing needs for virtual and non-virtual educational resources that can be easily used by families at home or rapidly adopted by educators and Extension professionals. It is intended to level the playing field and address the widening opportunity gap for youth and families as a result of the pandemic. The platform currently features over 500 engaging, hands-on learning experiences powered by Extension’s research-based, 4-H positive youth development programs.

“Since the onset of COVID-19, 4-H educators have been dedicated to ensuring kids, families and communities have the support they need – from educational resources, caring adult mentors and perhaps most of all, a sense of community,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president & CEO, National 4-H Council. “Thanks to this significant grant from USDA-NIFA, our Cooperative Extension network can expand its reach through 4-H at Home by providing effective learning experiences to meet the needs of young people and families across the country.”

Through this award, USDA-NIFA recognized institutions deploying innovative techniques and technologies to continue offering high-quality skill development during these unprecedented times and will invest in eight regional or national projects to support their efforts.

Source: Wisconsin Ag Connection