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Acadia Parish Board hears LSU AgCenter overview; 4‑H reports 1,141 youth enrolled
Summary
LSU AgCenter staff told the Acadia Parish School Board that 4‑H is active in 28 of about 30 schools, with 1,141 youth enrolled (2024 data) and roughly 138 volunteers; presenters outlined school enrichment offerings and local partnerships to reduce barriers to participation.
Kayla Segura, one of Acadia Parish’s two 4‑H agents, and youth development agent Dani Perko briefed the school board on the LSU AgCenter’s local work and 4‑H offerings.
Segura said the AgCenter acts as the local arm of Cooperative Extension, described recent hires including horticulture/4‑H staff Mariela Estrada, and reviewed materials in a packet provided to board members explaining program staffing and funding. Perko said the parish 4‑H program was active in 28 schools and that the 2024 enrollment totaled 1,141 youth, supported by about 138 volunteers.
Perko described after‑school project clubs (sewing, art, livestock, shooting sports, robotics) and school enrichment modules offered as a minimum of six hours of hands‑on lessons covering subjects such as financial literacy, healthy living and farm‑to‑table units. She said the program includes a homeschool ‘Lucky Clovers’ club and outreach to virtual academy students.
During questions, board members raised concerns about participation barriers in livestock projects because of cost. Presenters said local funding helps subsidize camps and events so students do not bear the full expense and noted ongoing collaboration with organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club and Rotary to expand access.
The board thanked the presenters. Presenters noted the 2024 figures will be updated after the fiscal year closes on June 30.
The board did not take formal action on the presentation; the meeting moved on to budget items.
