Teen Opportunities

Teen Opportunity ExploreAg STEM Camps – Applications OPEN!

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Ohio Farm Bureau’s signature ag literacy and workforce development program, ExploreAg, will once again be offering free weeklong camps and one-day experiences for high school students in 2025.

In ExploreAg, teens learn about agriculture and related STEM fields from industry experts, scientists and educators. Participants visit locations like ST Genetics Ohio Heifer Center and Sunrise Cooperative, manufacturers like Bob Evans and CropKing, and college research laboratories at Ohio State, Wilmington and Findlay. During these multiday or daylong immersion programs, students are able to develop their leadership and collaboration skills and prepare for college and further careers.

“These camps truly highlight the vast array of possibilities for a meaningful career in Ohio’s farm and food industries for students who may have never considered seeking a role in these fields,” said Katie Share, ExploreAg and youth development specialist with Ohio Farm Bureau. “As the need for a strong next generation of workforce continues to grow, agriculture is teeming with opportunities in all aspects of food production, from agronomy to technology, and we are excited to share many of these opportunities with ExploreAg participants.”

As part of ExploreAg camp, students are introduced to various aspects of agriculture, food science, environmental sciences and more, both in the classroom and through opportunities for hands-on learning on and off-campus at The Ohio State University, University of Findlay, and Wilmington College. Students interact with and learn directly from internationally known teachers, scientists and researchers.

Subject areas include food science, precision agriculture, animal sciences, natural resources, management skills, technology, and agricultural business. In addition to the classroom experience, students will participate in field experiences that highlight cutting-edge research and meet industry partners to provide a glimpse of various careers in related fields.

Weeklong immersive session locations and dates:

• Ohio State Columbus, June 8-13

• University of Findlay, July 6-11

• Ohio State Wooster, July 13-18

• Multiday Camp

• Wilmington College, June 17-20

• Single-Day Camp: COLT Lineman Training Facility, May 30

The ExploreAg program is free to all high school students and includes on-campus accommodations, meals, staffing, program materials, and transportation. Supervision is provided at all times by faculty, staff, and program counselors who are current college students in related majors.

The deadline to apply is April 30 at exploreag.org. Students selected will be notified by May 1 of their selection. Parents and students can find more information at exploreag.org or by contacting info@exploreag.org.

Source: Ohio Ag Net 3/16/2025

Teen Opportunity: Ohio 4-H Event Youth Assistant (4HEYA) Applications due 5/15/2025

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4-H Event Youth Assistant (4HEYA) applications are now available! Please promote this to your 13-18 year old (as of January 1) 4-H members interested in state-level leadership experience! Applications are available at https://go.osu.edu/4HEYA and are due, along with supporting materials, by May 15, 2025.

  • What: 4-H Event Youth Assistant (4HEYA)
  • Who: Individuals age 13-18 (as of January 1 of the year of application) and have at least 1 year prior 4-H experience.
  • Timeframe: Apply by May 15, selection, training, service to OSF, and evaluation. Complete responsibilities by August 31, 2025.
  • Requirements (in addition to application/selection process):
    • Training – Must attend one of the options for training (July 10 or July 15)
      • Please note: individuals MUST attend one of the training options. This is not negotiable. If you know you are unable to attend a training option before applying, it is best to wait another year before applying to serve in this capacity.
    • Events – Must work a minimum of 3 events at the Ohio State Fair; may work more if desired
  • Program Fee: $25/person (paid at [go.osu.edu/4HEYA25]go.osu.edu/4HEYA25);
  • Teens Receive:
    • 4HEYA Polo & Nametag
    • State Fair admission, parking ticket, and meal ticket(s)
    • Optional State Fair housing in the Rhodes Center (if desired)
    • Experience of working events at the Ohio State Fair
    • Opportunity to enhance leadership skills and be involved in the State 4-H program
  • What about the Teen Leadership Council? YES, these members may apply for 4HEYA AND TLC this year, if desired. TLC applications will be available in June and will be due the Friday following the Ohio State fair. Their term is September 1, 2025-August 31, 2026. Current TLC members are not eligible to apply for 4HEYA, as they are already fulfilling obligations at the Ohio State Fair.
  • Questions? Contact Frances (foos.61@osu.edu) or Sara (Deakin.5@osu.edu)

National 4-H Congress sparks new opportunities for teens

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Last summer twenty-nine youth were recognized at the 4-H Achievement Awards banquet for their success in specific project areas, as well as their leadership, community service experience, and overall contributions to their county and state 4-H programs.

Just a few short months ago, these same youth had the opportunity to celebrate their hard work as they traveled to Atlanta to participate in National 4-H Congress. Ohio youth trading pins with their fellow delegates during an opening session.

Ohio youth trading pins with their fellow delegates during an opening session.

This five-day event gave teen 4-H members the opportunity to connect with their fellow youth around the country as they exchanged ideas, attended workshops, gave back through community service work, and grew as young leaders.

Teens kicked off the event by getting to know each other through educational workshops on team building, public speaking, self-care, and more. They also heard from motivational speaker Dr. Laymon Hicks as he shared his strategies for overcoming obstacles, finding motivation from within, and pursuing dreams.

As one of the larger state delegations at National 4-H Congress, the Ohio youth were excited to make new friends and meet fellow 4-H’ers from across the country. During one of the welcome sessions, they participated in a pin exchange with other delegates and met youth who had traveled from Hawaii and Puerto Rico to attend.

Throughout National 4-H Congress, 4-H members also had the opportunity to learn more about the history of Atlanta. In addition to exploring some of Atlanta’s most popular attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, youth participants engaged in an “evening of culture” at the Atlanta History Center.

Another highlight of the experience was the morning of service that all youth delegates participated in. 4-H members were assigned to a variety of community service projects in the Atlanta metro area, with options ranging from landscaping projects at the Piedmont Park Conservancy to reading to youth and assisting with holiday preparations at inner city elementary schools.

Kaleigh Williams, the Ohio 4-H Companion Animals Achievement Award winner, posing for a photo with Brutus during a community service project at Piedmont Park.

Kaleigh Williams, the Ohio 4-H Companion Animals Achievement Award winner, posing for a photo with Brutus during a community service project at Piedmont Park.

Ohio delegates posing for a photo at the Congress Gala.

Ohio delegates posing for a photo at the Congress Gala.

The Congress Gala served as a culminating celebration for all the youth participants. They dressed to impress as they enjoyed a delicious meal before hitting the dance floor for a final party with their fellow delegates.

“I will always remember this experience and the awesome people I met at Congress,” said Cayden Jones, Ohio delegate and winner of the Shooting Sports Achievement Award. “I have enjoyed everything I have done here, even if it put me outside of my comfort zone. I can’t express how thankful I am to everyone who helped put on this once in a lifetime event.”

Teen Opportunity: Ohio 4-H Urban Immersion Project

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Applications for the 2025 Ohio Urban Immersion Project – Washington DC are available! Please pass this information on to teens who would benefit from this experience. This year, the planning committee will be selecting 15-17 youth. The application is through Qualtrics and those interested can apply directly. All applicants will have a Zoom interview with Steve Brady who coordinates the trip before final selection. The deadline to apply is July 15.

More information about this and all Ohio Immersion experiences can be found at https://ohio4h.org/families/just-teens/cultural-immersion-projects

Ohio 4-H Urban Immersion Project

Thursday, September 18th – Sunday, September 21st, 2025 – Washington D.C.

The 4-H Urban Immersion Project (UIP) is an Ohio 4-H initiative that combines cross-cultural learning, teamwork, and service learning in the urban environment of Washington, DC.  This year marks the 12th anniversary of the UIP Experience!

4-H teens ages 15-18 and still in High School are eligible for this 4-day service-learning experience that will build skills and abilities to prepare youth for success in a diverse workplace and build cultural understanding of those who are different.  This experience will not be about shopping or sightseeing; we will visit some monuments and historic sites. The cost of the experience is $250.  All teen applicants will be contacted to complete an additional Zoom video/phone interview before selection.

Program Components

  • Diversity and the Urban Experience
  • Cooking in Food Groups
  • Service Projects
  • Ethnic Food Night
  • City Scavenger Hunt
  • Exploring Issues of Homelessness
  • DC Monument Night Tour
  • Metro Challenge                   

Who: Teens ages 15-18 (by the trip date – still in High School)  –  Space is limited.

Where: Washington, DC (Washington Seminar Center – 201 4th St. SE, Washington, DC)                      

When: Thursday (6am), September 18th – Sunday, September 21st, 2025

Application link: https://osu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6QX2SYim38bKTHM

Cost: $250 (check payable to Warren County Extension or by Credit Card) (Includes most meals, program fees, overnight lodging, and transportation)

Counselor Opportunity: Leadership Camp

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Applications for 2025 Leadership Camp counselors are now available and due March 24! This opportunity is open to individuals ages 18+ by June 1, 2025, who have an interest, confidence, and ability in teaching and facilitating leadership skill development to teen campers AND are excited about doing so in a camp setting. Applicants are required to fully attend staff training dates (May 9-11 and May 31) and camp (June 1-5), all held at 4-H Camp Ohio. Learn more and find links to apply at go.osu.edu/leadershipcamp!

Teen Opportunity: Ohio State Fair Junior Fair Board Applications due 3/12/2025

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Applications are open through March 12. The Ohio State Fair Junior Fair Board is made up of our great state’s best and brightest young leaders, hand-picked to contribute to the success of the Ohio State Fair each year. These students come together for two weeks of hard work and team building while fostering professional relationships along the way.

What are the requirements for my organization members?

In addition to being an outstanding leader, prospective members should meet the following general criteria:

  • 16-20 years old
  • Currently a member of 4-H, FFA, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, or Farm Bureau, or any other career technical organization
  • Highly involved members in their organization
  • Significant accomplishments within the organization (i.e. competition at the state and/or national level, leadership experiences, community service/volunteer experiences, etc.)
  • Leadership experience with the potential and desire to continue to grow as a leader
  • Very responsible, respectful, and professional
  • Members are only eligible to serve one two year term on the JFB representing one organization

What is the time commitment?

Junior Fair Board members commit approximately two weeks of time to the Ohio State Fair, arriving the Monday prior to the Fair’s Wednesday opening. First year Junior Fair Board members are paid a flat-rate stipend for their service; returning members will receive a higher stipend for their second year of service.

How do my organization members apply?

All interested applicants should submit the official Ohio State Fair Junior Fair Board application through the online application portal between February 1 and March 1. Interested students can also apply to serve as an at-large member if they represent one or more of these organizations.

Source: Ohio Expo Center & State Fair website

Teen Opportunity: Ohio 4-H Spark EXPO

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From June 11-14, teens at the Spark EXPO will learn about agriculture and related STEAM fields from industry experts, and faculty and staff of the Ohio State College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES).

Open to all Ohio students who have completed the eighth grade or ninth grade at the conclusion of the 2024-2025 school year. Participants do not need to be enrolled in the 4-H program.

As part of Spark EXPO, students visit Ohio State’s Columbus and Wooster campuses and learn from Ohio State students, teachers, scientists, and researchers. Students explore careers, hear from Ohio 4-H alumni who share their career stories, and learn about the college and career-readiness program: Ohio 4-H Pathways to the Future.

Want to see all the fun from last year? Click here.

Additional details or to register: go.osu.edu/4hsparkexpo.

Payment is due no later than April 25 to be considered a complete registration. Health Forms are included in registration.

The event includes on-campus accommodations, meals, program materials, and transportation. Supervision is provided by adult program staff.

Youth Opportunity: Forestry & Wildlife Camp

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The Forestry Wildlife Camp is open to campers in grades 7-11. Registration for camp is due April 1. Campers can enjoy wildlife education, fishing, hiking, tree climbing, outdoor survival, ODNR careers & college opportunities, learning about forestry and more!

There is a GoLink for registration, go.osu.edu/ForestryWLCamp25. Or members can apply by clicking this link.  http://go.osu.edu/ForestryWLCamp25

We will also need experienced camp counselors to assist at this camp. Counselor fees will be covered with our Ohio 4-H Foundation grant funds. The link for camp counselors to apply is https://go.osu.edu/25forestrycampcounselorapplication. Those are due March 21. We will have a zoom meeting/training with those counselors who are selected prior to the camp.

 

Scholarship Opportunity: Fairfield Foundation – due 3/7/2025

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With the preliminary review deadline quickly approaching on Friday, February 14, we’d like to offer a list of common mistakes that would make a scholarship application ineligible:

  • High school students must confirm that their counselors upload their transcript BEFORE the final deadline.
  • Student Aid Index (SAI): When uploading your 2025-2026 FAFSA information, make sure that your document shows your name, school year, and SAI.

You can find example documents and tips in the FAQs section of our website. Don’t wait until the last minute! You need time to request transcripts and if applicable, letters of reference. Some scholarships require additional information, which can only be viewed and requested AFTER you submit the general application portion.

Remember our preliminary review deadline is Friday, February 14 and our final application deadline is Friday, March 7, 2025. If you have any questions, please email Program Officer, Andrea Spires Drumm, at aspires@fairifeldcountyfoundation.org.

Source: Fairfield County Foundation Newsletter 2/5/2025

Scholarship Opportunity: United Producers due 3/1/2025

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United Producers, Inc. is offering up to 10 – $1,500 scholarships to graduating high school students. The purpose of
the scholarship program is to help and encourage deserving students who are pursuing higher education.

Requirements:

  • Applicants must be a member, or a child/grandchild, of a UPI member. To be considered a member, the member must market at least one head of livestock at UPI per year. Membership is based on UPI’s 2024 records.
  • Applicants can also be nominated by a member if they are not a child/ grandchild of a member as long as the nominee works for the member on their farm or in their agricultural operation.
  • Applicants must be a 2025 high school graduate planning to attend college or technical school.
  • Applicants must submit an application and essay summarizing their college and career goals. 

Scholarship Program Flyer

Applications must be completed by March 1, 2025.

Source: United Producers, Inc. website. Please click here for more information.