Purdue Extension 4‑H reports program growth, school outreach and upcoming Ag Day events

Purdue Extension educators Megan Hofer and Taylor Vanmeter updated the Vandiver County Board of Commissioners on March 18 about 4‑H youth development programming, school outreach and upcoming events.

Megan Hofer, the county 4‑H educator, and Taylor Vanmeter, 4‑H program assistant, told commissioners they have expanded school enrichment offerings and community events. Vanmeter said the annual Classroom Connection newsletter generated more than 50 teacher requests this school year. "Last year I taught 622 students in pre‑K through second grade in 25 different classrooms," Vanmeter said, describing nutrition and character-building programs delivered in county schools.

Hofer said the office will host Ag Days for fourth graders in April; she said 15 schools and approximately 747 students are signed up for the field trip, which is free to schools and will include 14 learning stations and live animals. The office also plans a homeschool day and an after‑school Ag Day open to the public on Wednesday, April 2, from 4 to 6 p.m.

Hofer described adult training work as well, including youth mental health first aid and programs delivered under a Department of Defense grant to train adults on military bases. "Our whole team of 10 educators have trained almost 400 adults in the last year," Hofer said. The presenters said Indiana 4‑H participation has grown by 27 percent in reach since the pandemic year and that the county has 17 4‑H clubs and 75 project areas available for youth development and the county fair.

Commissioners thanked the presenters for the report; no action was required and no public comment was recorded during the presentation.