4-H Forward
In 2023, the Iowa 4-H Foundation created a new funding opportunity called the 4-H Forward Grant. Designed as seed investments for an innovative local program, through these grants, we hope counties will be able to better recruit and retain members, reach new audiences and grow local capacity. Four proposals were selected from a competitive pool, to receive a total of $35,000 over a three-year period, beginning in 2025. These funds were allocated through the 4-H Program Endowment Fund. Congratulations to this grant recipient!
Polk County 4-H Supporting Schools with 4-Day School Weeks
The overall goal of this project is to support a school within Polk County as it transitions to a 4-day school week. Polk County 4-H Staff will work with Saydel school staff to provide training on 4-H curricula, stipends to educators, financial assistance to the youth members, and club supplies. The proposal aims to create in-school 4-H and Clover Kids Clubs for the youth in the school building on Fridays not receiving direct education from their teachers.
4-H Soccer
The Soccer For Success program continues to grow throughout Iowa. Last year, there were a total of 615 youth and students involved in 4-H Soccer For Success programming at 20 sites in 12 counties across the state of Iowa. Youth in grades K-8 had opportunities to learn the sport of soccer through various delivery methods including daily soccer sessions implemented in collaboration with afterschool and summer school programs, and in-school soccer lessons coordinated with community school districts. The soccer program also expanded to include Soccer Camps facilitated during spring break and summer.
Feedback from schools has been very positive:
“The Soccer For Success curriculum works incredibly well for the summer school program at Muscatine Community Schools.”
“It’s (Soccer For Success) an amazing program with great resources. It’s easy to understand and lots of information.”
“This was such an amazing experience for my 3rd and 4th grade students. They loved seeing Ms. Ginny Kjer each week and learned so much.”
The 4-H Soccer Program continues to be a great way to reach more youth and engage with them in a different way.
Iowa 4-H Computer Science
The Iowa 4-H Foundation funded a computer science grant to develope age-appropriate and interactive computer science curriculum tailored to different grade levels from Clover Kids (K-3), 4-8, and 9-12. This curriculum covers fundamental concepts such as coding, computational thinking, robotics, and unplugged activities in engaging ways.
4-H staff has been collaborating with schools, youth clubs, university partners and community organizations has been crucial. By partnering with these entities, we've been able to integrate computer science programming into their existing educational programs and extracurricular activities.
They have conducted workshops and training sessions to empower educators with the knowledge and skills needed to teach computer science effectively. These sessions cover curriculum implementation, classroom management techniques, and resources for ongoing support. They also created kits for county staff where they have the materials, they need to conduct the lessons created, taking away the barriers from counties who wouldn’t be able to afford the materials. Our team developed digital resources such as video tutorials allowing staff to revisit the training videos prior to implementing.
By employing these strategies and continuously adapting to the evolving landscape of computer science education, 4-H has made significant strides in bringing programming opportunities to youth and preparing them for success in the digital age. Our commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and innovation drives our efforts to inspire the next generation of computer scientists and technology leaders.
