Outside of our rural communities, 4-H programming continues to thrive in our urban centers. In addition to helping youth understand the importance of STEM, healthy living, and career readiness education, 4-H professionals in Ohio’s urban counties are ensuring that youth know about the integral role the agriculture industry plays in our lives.
Through programs like the 4-H Garden Leaders in Franklin County and the Urban Farmer Youth Initiative in Lucas and Summit Counties. 4-H professionals are bringing
hands-on agricultural education to youth in cities across the state.
4-H Garden Leaders is a three-year program for youth in Columbus currently in grades 4-12. The program uses gardening as a means of experiential learning, with each year building on the previous one.
“While year one focuses on basic gardening, cooking and agricultural careers; year two takes it a step further through the development of team farmers market projects that teach entrepreneurial skills,” said Sue Hogan, Extension educator for 4-H in Franklin County. “In year three, all aspects of the program come together through daily field trips for further exploration of agriculture careers.”
In addition to strengthening their understanding of the agriculture industry, youth develop skills in leadership, citizenship, public speaking, and teamwork. Throughout the program they actively participate in project-based learning, engage with meaningful adults
in a positive way, and take on leadership roles.
As a part of the Urban Farmer Youth Initiative Pilot Program, youth have the opportunity to expand their understanding of urban farming and nutrition education. With a goal of showing youth that the benefits of farming can go beyond simply putting food on the table, the program uses hands-on activities and education opportunities to demonstrate the broad scope of the agriculture industry.
The program’s hands-on lessons in farming, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and environmental
awareness are available to youth ages 6 through 18 across Lucas and Summit Counties. It not only teaches youth the importance of the food they eat but shows them how to grow foods they may not be able to access otherwise, introduces them to qualified farming professionals, and teaches them about holistic health and wellness practices.
“It’s not just growing the food, it’s not just eating the food, it’s what we can do with the food,” said Jess Burns, Extension educator for 4-H in Lucas County. “I want to help kids see their potential and know what’s going into those products that they’re eating, using in their body, and that they’re selling. And I hope to bring research-based material to these kids to help them succeed as a young entrepreneur, as a farmer, or just as a human being.”