4-H members participate in National Youth Summit on Agri-Science

 

[March 23, 2021]   High school students developed the skills and knowledge needed to face challenges in agriculture, food security, and sustainability at the recent National 4 H Youth Summit on Agri-Science.

Teens gained knowledge on topics including food science, environmental science, ag literacy and advocacy, ag production, and ag technology and how to use this knowledge to become changemakers in their community. "I think that we got to see the best and the brightest of 4-H, but what I'm always impressed with is how the students want to use their knowledge to become changemakers,” says Dr. Megan Dailey, director of Metropolitan Food & Environmental Systems and summit career panelist. “We can absolutely trust the youth with our future.”

Students worked with each other and experts in the agricultural community in a collaborative, hands-on educational setting, with teen teachers playing a large role in the summit.

A focus of this year’s Summit was increasing awareness of available career opportunities and pathways in agriculture. “I thought it was really beneficial that so much of the information was career focused,” says Donna Nuger, University of Illinois Extension educator in 4-H Youth Development. “Speakers were frank about how they got started and the path they took. That focus was something that you can’t usually get from a traditional conference speaker.”

The career panel format also provided value to the panelists. “When you hear the questions they ask about educational and career opportunities they are so great.” Says Dailey. “4-H youth in particular, if we follow what they want out of the world, we will be just fine.”

Locally, Cloverdale 4-H club members, Stephen Starasta and David Morrow participated in the summit. Stephen stated “I participated in the environmental science track. I learned a lot about renewable energy and how power can come from different sources. The ag career information was interesting too.” David added “I participated in the ag technology track. I learned that you can use methane from cow manure to make energy. I plan to discuss this with a neighbor and learn more about it.”

Despite the virtual format, teens were able to connect and network. “They used the chat to network with kids around the country.” Nuger says. “Those chances to connect did make a difference.”

About Illinois 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences.4-H grows true leaders, youth who are empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. The hands-on approach in 4-H gives young people guidance, tools and encouragement, and then puts them in the driver’s seat to make great things happen. Independent research confirms the unparalleled impact of the 4-H experience, demonstrating that young people 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 Extension: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.

[Carissa Nelson, 4-H Media Communications Manager, University of Illinois Extension]