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4-H: Where Are They Now? Extension Matters Volume 10 Number 1

Q&A and photos by Michaela Parker

Just a few years ago, Chantel Stringfellow was a leader in Kemper County 4-H, and, now, she’s readying her leadership skills for entrepreneurship as she completes her studies for her Master of Business Administration at Mississippi State University. Stringfellow credits 4-H with helping her develop the skills she needs for success.

How did your Extension agent influence you?

MSU Extension 4-H grant helps teach digital skills

RAYMOND, Miss. -- The Mississippi State University Extension Service Center for 4-H Youth Development recently received a grant that will help close the digital divide in the state.

The one-year, $53,000 grant from the National 4-H Council and Verizon will help implement the 4-H Tech Changemakers program. The program enlists 4-H members to teach digital skills that can provide more opportunities, including better jobs, to adults in their communities.

The Center for 4-H Youth Development will partner with eight Extension agents in Choctaw, Noxubee, Attala, Coahoma, Humphreys, Newton, Pike and Harrison counties to train 40 young adults. Grant funding will provide technological devices, such as iPads and drones, for participants to use in the training.

“As Mississippi is preparing to expand broadband, this is the perfect time for the 4-H Tech Changemakers program in our state,” said Mariah Morgan, 4-H STEM specialist and associate Extension professor for the Center for 4-H Youth Development. “The training can help bridge the digital gap that exists in so many of our rural communities.”

Training through the program is free.

The 4-H Tech Changemakers program will reach 10,500 adults across the country with the current round of funding. For more information about the program, visit https://tinyurl.com/szzvfrac.

Block Play

Playing with blocks includes creating, building, and experimenting with wooden, plastic, or cardboard blocks. Block play changes as your child gets older. They begin by carrying, piling, and laying blocks on the floor. They soon learn that they can connect blocks to create things such as bridges. Finally, your child will learn to make big constructions.

4-H: Where Are They Now? Extension Matters Volume 5 Number 1

Q&A with Kerri Collins Lewis • Photo by Kevin Hudson

Born in Biloxi, Ashley Ward shines as manager of event promotion for Ducks Unlimited and cohost for Ducks Unlimited TV. Ward grew up in rural Wayne County in Waynesboro. While her 4-H projects included clothing construction and she was a top singer at State Congress, her true passion was always the shooting sports program, Safe Archery & Firearms Education & Training for Youth, or 4-H S.A.F.E.T.Y.

4-H: Where Are They Now? Extension Matters Volume 4 Number 3

Former 4-H’er serves as Miss Hospitality

Story by Keri Collins Lewis • Photos by Kevin Hudson

When Emma Grace McGrew became Mississippi’s 2017 Miss Hospitality, a year of exciting experiences awaited the former Prentiss County 4-H’er and self-proclaimed country girl.

“I had never been in a pageant before, but I knew Miss Booneville got to read stories to kindergartners and cut the ribbon when a new business opened. I love my town and decided to compete,” McGrew explains.

4-H Seed Judging

Seeds have been important to humankind since before the dawn of civilization. Humans gathered seeds as a source of food, but later they learned how to plant seeds and cultivate crops. Most importantly, seeds allow the survival of their species. Each seed contains stored food and a tiny plant that, when given the proper conditions, will develop into a new plant that will produce more seeds. Thus, the cycle of life continues through seeds.

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