By Rebekah Hall
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Since its inception more than 120 years ago, the 4-H youth development organization has prepared participants to be engaged, healthy and productive citizens. From Oct. 7-12 Arkansas 4-H members, leaders and volunteers will celebrate the program during National 4-H Week.
Arkansas 4-H is the largest youth organization in the state, with 7,800 members and more than 600 4-H clubs. Nationally, the program has more than 6 million members. The 2024 theme of National 4-H Week is “Beyond Ready,” which focuses on how the organization is “building a ready generation in a world of change.”
Debbie Nistler, extension assistant vice president for 4-H and youth for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said Arkansas 4-H is excited to celebrate with programs nationwide.
“4-H has been growing strong, amazing young people for more than 123 years,” Nistler said. “We are excited to continue the tradition in every county across Arkansas. National 4-H Week is a great time to highlight 4-H and the way our program impacts our members.”
To celebrate during the week, Arkansas 4-H’s Facebook and Instagram pages will highlight different program elements, including 4-H mentors, stories of 4-H alumni who’ve used their 4-H skills to achieve workplace success, and local 4-H leaders in their communities.
Breanna Wade, extension program associate for 4-H and youth development for the Division of Agriculture, said she encourages 4-H agents, members and supporters to tag Arkansas 4-H in their social media posts using #BeyondReady and #AR4H.
“By sharing their stories during National 4-H Week, our Arkansas 4-H’ers can contribute to the conversation about how this program has helped them dream bigger and achieve more,” Nistler said.
To learn more about Arkansas 4-H, its programs and scholarship opportunities, visit the organization’s website at 4h.uada.edu or follow along on social media.
4-H is a youth development program operated by the Cooperative Extension Service, part of the Division of Agriculture. The program teaches participants life skills through the “learn by doing” model. Program participants gain knowledge through non-formal, science-based, experiential education activities.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
