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The Lycoming County 4-H program is expanding its animal science educational opportunities to help youth build stronger agricultural knowledge and gain valuable hands-on experience essential for the future of the industry.
According to a news release, this expansion is made possible by the $25,000 through the Williamsport Lycoming Competitive Grant Program at First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania (FCFP).
“With this grant funding, Lycoming County 4-H will enhance its programming through traditional club settings, school-based activities, and a series of educational day camps and clinics,” the news release said. “The funding allows the program to acquire new educational materials, models, and simulators designed to increase understanding of the agriculture industry. These tools will give youth interactive and realistic learning experiences in areas such as animal husbandry, equipment use, and agricultural science.”
4-H volunteers will also benefit from having access to these materials, which they can borrow for club meetings to enrich their members’ experiences. The expanded resources will provide youth across the county with opportunities they may not otherwise have, helping bridge gaps in hands-on agricultural education.
According to the news release, a “key component of Lycoming County 4-H’s school programming–embryology–will also grow through this funding. In the embryology project, students observe the full 21-day process of hatching chicks, care for the incubators, and learn about animal life cycles. The purchase of additional equipment will enable the program to reach more classrooms and inspire greater agricultural literacy among students.”
Lycoming County 4-H promotes its programs and events through the county 4-H Facebook page, the monthly volunteer newsletter, the Penn State Extension website, and the 4-H enrollment platform, ZSuites.
Following the purchase of the new educational equipment, volunteer training sessions will be offered so that club leaders can explore the materials and learn how to integrate them effectively into their programming.
For more information about Lycoming County 4-H or upcoming educational opportunities, please visit the Penn State Extension website or follow Lycoming County 4-H on Facebook.
First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania works to improve the quality of life in north central Pennsylvania through community leadership, the promotion of philanthropy, the strengthening of nonprofit impact and the perpetual stewardship of charitable assets. For more information visit www.FCFPartnership.org.
