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Extension staff describe growing 4‑H programs; county to host AmeriCorps member this summer
Summary
Richland County extension educators outlined expansion of 4‑H and youth outreach, described a new AmeriCorps summer position funded through a state partnership, and said extension programs remain largely funded by county and state sources with no current freezes affecting local programming.
Richland County extension educators on March 1 highlighted expanding youth and family programs, described a new AmeriCorps position to increase outreach over the summer and said current funding streams are stable for now.
Extension staff described the scope of 4‑H in the county: 11 community clubs, several countywide project groups and outreach through after‑school programs. Staff said Discovery Day this year drew roughly 120 participants across volunteers, youth leaders and attendees and showcased hands‑on classes including a veterinary demonstration and a rocketry class.
Staff described a program called Huntos (a family program aimed at Hispanic families in partnership with Richland Center Schools) that runs as a five‑week series and includes campus visits to Southwest Tech or UW‑Platteville; recent cohorts have included about seven to eight families. Extension staff said the program is offered in Spanish with local partnerships to support family engagement and transition planning.
Extension reported it has received funding to hire an AmeriCorps member to support day camps and outreach programming; the county’s share is a small match (one quarter county match was cited) and the state AmeriCorps program covers the remainder. Staff said they have three college‑age applicants and plan interviews next week for a mid‑May through August summer term.
Committee members asked about funding stability. Extension staff said there are university‑level budget conversations but that county and state funds still support the county educators’ core work and there were no immediate program stoppages.
Staff invited committee members to refer families to extension programs and said they will circulate printed handouts and provide electronic copies for committee distribution.
No committee action was required for the presentation; the committee thanked extension staff and asked staff to forward handouts electronically.
