Ohio 4-H Launches CareerNext Online Course, Empowering Youth for Success in Tomorrow’s Workforce

Ohio 4-H proudly announces the debut of CareerNext: Are You Ready?, an innovative online course designed to equip young individuals with the skills and confidence needed to excel in the dynamic landscape of tomorrow’s workforce.

As the career landscape evolves rapidly, Ohio 4-H recognizes the importance of preparing youth for forthcoming challenges and opportunities. CareerNext stands as a comprehensive program integrating practical knowledge, interactive modules, and real-world scenarios to empower participants to explore various career paths, hone critical skills, and make informed decisions about their future.

Key features of the online course include interactive learning modules covering resume building, interview techniques, post-secondary education, and financial literacy. Participants also benefit from expert guidance, flexible learning options, hands-on activities, and resources for career exploration.

For more information about CareerNext: Are You Ready?, visit http://go.osu.edu/careernext.

Teen Opportunity: AG Yost Encourages High-School Students to Apply for Teen Ambassador Board

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — The office of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is accepting applications for Yost’s Teen Ambassador Board (TAB) for the 2024-25 academic year.

TAB – which is designed for high-school juniors and seniors from public, private, charter and online schools statewide, including home-schooled students – offers young people an opportunity to engage with state government officials and discuss issues affecting their lives.

“This program allows Ohio teenagers to gain firsthand experience in law and government,” Yost said. “It’s a chance for our future leaders to have their voices heard and to play an active role in shaping their communities.”

Board members serve a one-year term, during which they convene twice in Columbus to collaborate and advise the Attorney General’s Office on matters relevant to teens.

The ideal applicant is a motivated, enthusiastic self-starter who has an interest in law and government, seeks to develop leadership skills, and wants to make a difference.

Board members participate in small group projects, attend presentations, meet with Attorney General Yost, and interact with assistant attorneys general and elected officials.

The submission deadline for applications – an application can be found here – is Sept. 15, 2024. For more information about the program, visit www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov/TeenAmbassadorBoard.

Said Yost: “Don’t miss this chance to be part of a dynamic group of young leaders and make a meaningful impact on the state of Ohio.”

Scholarship Opportunity: Fairfield County Cattlemen’s Association (Deadline 1/15/2025)

Since the FCCA college scholarship program was begun in 1999 more than $36,000 in scholarships have been awarded to local youth. Scholarships are funded by the FCCA and, in part, through a donation from the Sally Grimm Community Fund in memory of past FCCA President Greg DeWitt. The scholarship application portal is now open and youth can find more details and apply on-line at: go.osu.edu/FCCAscholar.

Source: Fairfield County Cattlemen’s Association Blog Post 8/23/2024

Teen Opportunity: ExploreAg Camps (free!)

Ohio Farm Bureau Federation is pleased to announce we will be hosting two free ExploreAg Camp experiences this fall! If you know of any students who would be interested in applying, please encourage them to do so by Sept. 30. Please use this PDF flyer to share this opportunity with rising high school students in your community

ExploreAg Overview

Purpose: Discover careers linked to agriculture and related STEM fields through a series of immersive and hands-on experiences and tours.

Who: Ohio students entering grades 9-12 in the fall, or recent high school graduates.

Cost: Free 

Learn more and apply by Sept. 30 at ExploreAg.org

2024 ExploreAg Fall Sessions

  • Oct. 11, COLT Electric Lineman Training, Mt. Gilead
  • Nov. 1, OSU Columbus Campus

ExploreAg is Ohio Farm Bureau’s signature ag literacy and workforce development program, offering free week, multi-day and day-long immersion programs for high school students. In ExploreAg, teens learn about agriculture and related STEM fields from industry experts, scientists and educators.

Questions or concerns? Contact info@exploreag.org.

ExploreAg is made possible through the support of the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation

Source: Ohio Farm Bureau email 8/15/2024

Teen Opportunity: 4-H Urban Immersion Project in Washington D.C. Apply by July 31st

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 11th 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 as well as build cultural understanding of those who are different.  This experience will not be about shopping or sightseeing, although we will visit some monuments and historic sites. The cost of the experience is $200.  All teen applicants will be contacted to complete an additional zoom video/phone interview before selection.   More information about the experience can be found at https://warren.osu.edu/program-areas/4-h-youth-development/urban-immersion-project/dc-immersion-project

  • Who: Teens ages 15-18 (by the date of the trip – still in High School)  –  Space is limited.
  • Where: Washington, DC     (Washington Seminar Center –  201 4th St. SE, Washington, DC)                      
  • When: Thursday (6am), September 19th – Sunday, September 22nd, 2024
  • Application: https://warren.osu.edu/sites/warren/files/imce/2024%20Urban%20Immersion%20Application%20-%20Washington%20D.pdf
  • Cost: $200 (check payable to Warren County Extension) Includes most meals, program fees, overnight lodging and transportation.

4-H Advisors – please pass this information on to those teens who would benefit from an experience like this one.  Application is attached and weblink to application is above.

2024 Urban Immersion Application – Washington D

Teen Opportunity: Be a Veterinarian for a Day!

Are you a high school student with dreams of becoming a veterinarian? Now’s your chance to step into the shoes of a professional and experience the world of a veterinarian firsthand!

Join our “Vet for a Day” program at the Ohio State Fair:

  • Engage in Interactive Demonstrations: Learn about anatomy, practice basic medical procedures, and understand the daily responsibilities of the doctors.
  • Hands-On Experience: Participate in simulated medical scenarios, use real medical equipment, and get a taste of what it’s like to work on a farm or in a clinic.
  • Career Guidance: Receive valuable advice on veterinary school applications, career paths in the profession and financial aid options.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore your passion in animal care medicine. Apply now and take the first step towards your future!

Date: Thursday, August 1, 2024, 9 am

Location: Ohio State Fairgrounds (717 East 17th Avenue, Columbus OH 43211)

Registration Deadline: July 31, 2024

 

For more details and to register, click here.

Source: Ohio Ag Ed Newsletter – July 23, 2024

Teen Opportunity: Ohio 4-H Fashion Board

Considering applying for the Ohio 4-H Fashion Board!!

There is no longer a limit on the number of applications accepted per county. Teens with clothing project experience can apply through the online application posted at https://go.osu.edu/state4hfashionApplications are due Friday, August 9th. Zoom interviews will be scheduled after the application deadline and will happen in late August to early September.

For more information contact State Fashion Board Advisors:

  • Laryssa L. Hook, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development – hook.26@osu.edu
  • Danielle Combs, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development – combs.311@osu.edu

The State 4-H Fashion Board is a group of outstanding 4-H teens from across the state interested in clothing and textiles. They assist with conducting the State Fair 4-H Fashion Revue, 4-H clothing workshop sessions and promoting 4-H clothing projects and programs.

The State 4-H Fashion Board meets face-to-face four to five times during the year. A fall orientation meeting is held to review the roles and responsibilities of members, and develop plans for educational programs throughout the year. During the winter meeting, retiring members are recognized, the previous Ohio State 4-H Fashion Review is evaluated, and plans are finalized for upcoming educational programs. Board members present at the Ohio 4-H Conference in March and a summer meeting is held to prepare for the Ohio State Fair 4-H Fashion Revue.

For more info, click here.

Scholarship Opportunity for Swine Exhibitors: Ralph E Doak Memorial Scholarship – Due 7/31/2024

The Buckeye Barrow Boosters is pleased to support youth and education and will offer a $500 scholarship to an Ohio young person that has been active in the showpig industry.

2024 Ralph E. Doak Memorial Scholarship

The Buckeye Barrow Boosters is pleased to support youth and education and will offer a $500 scholarship to an Ohio young person that has been active in the showpig industry.

1. It is preferable that the application be submitted in electronic or typewritten form. Please answer all of the questions in a thorough and detailed manner so that the review committee can learn as much as possible about each applicant.

2. The applicant must have been a member in good standing of 4-H and/or FFA in Ohio.

3. The applicant must be accepted into or currently enrolled in a 2 or 4 year accredited university, college, or certified program to be considered for scholarship.

4. The applicant must submit 2 letters of recommendation from teachers, 4-H/FFA leaders, clergy, employers, etc. who knows the individual on a personal level, but not a relative.

5. The scholarship will be presented prior to the Final Barrow Drive on Saturday, August 5.

The completed application must be returned by July 31 to the Buckeye Barrow Boosters either by email (kremerk31@gmail.com), mailed to 5137 U.S. Highway 6 Vickery, OH 43464, or hand delivered to Kevin Kremer at the Ohio State Fair. For questions please contact Kevin Kremer (419) 366-4611.

Source: Showpig.com email 7/10/2024

LOCAL YOUTH RECEIVE STATE 4-H AWARD – Brianna Downey, Evelyn Hill, Brin-Leigh Hoisington, Silas Kohler, Julia Luallen, Kendall Wild

The 2024 Ohio 4-H Achievement Awards were presented earlier this month at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center in Columbus. Local 4-H members received the following awards.

Brianna Downey from Canal Winchester won the Horse Achievement Award. Downey, 18, has been a member of the Rough Riders 4-H Club alongside her horse, Harley, for nine years. She shows in multiple classes and has received awards at the Fairfield County Junior Fair and many state events. She was also a four-year member of the Junior Leaders. She is currently a senior at Groveport Madison High School and is the daughter of Elizabeth McGrady and Patrick Downey.

Evelyn Hill from Lancaster won the Health and Safety Achievement Award. Hill, 17, has been a 4-H member in Fairfield County for seven years. She has taken a multitude of health-related projects and is currently serving as an Ohio Health Hero and the State Outreach Committee Chair on the Ohio 4-H Teen Leadership Council. She is a junior at Lancaster High School and hopes to study biochemistry as a pre-med track to pursue a career as an ER Physician. She is the daughter of Jessica Hill, James Martin, and Jason Hill.

Brin-Leigh Hoisington from Baltimore won the Leadership Achievement Award. Hoisington, 15, has been a 4-H member in Fairfield County for seven years. She is a camp counselor, a Junior Fair Board Member, and has had success at the Ohio State Fair, winning a clock trophy for her workforce preparation project. Hoisington is currently a freshman at Liberty Union High School and is the daughter of Ryan and Amber Hoisington.

Silas Kohler from Lancaster won the Dairy Achievement Award. Kohler, 15, began his 4-H career as a Cloverbud. He has shown dairy cattle, dairy feeders, and hogs, is a camp counselor, and recently attended the National 4-H Dairy Conference in Madison, Wisconsin. He is a freshman at Liberty Union High School and is the son of Jeremy and Hannah Kohler.

Julia Luallen from Pataskala won the Clothing and Textiles Achievement Award. Luallen, 18, has been a part of Fairfield County 4-H for ten years. She has achieved many awards at the county and state level for various sewing projects. She is a camp counselor, a member of the Fashion and Nutrition Board, and attended Sea Camp last summer. She plans to attend college in the fall to pursue a degree in occupational therapy. She is the daughter of Scott and Misty Luallen.

Kendall Wild from Canal Winchester won the Environmental Science Achievement Award. Wild, 14, began her career as a Cloverbud eight years ago. She has taken numerous STEM projects, which includes the area of environmental science, shows alpacas, and was the recipient of the Julie Miller Memorial Award at the 2023 Ohio State Fair. Wild also participates in the state demonstration contest and is a member of her county’s Junior Leaders, as well as Fashion and Nutrition Board. She is an eighth grader at Bloom Carroll Middle School and is the daughter of Christopher and Tiffany Wild.

Ohio 4-H Achievement Awards are presented annually to individuals for outstanding work in their project area. The evening was hosted by the Ohio 4-H Foundation, with 29 youth receiving 2024 honors.

Ohio 4-H is the youth development program of Ohio State University Extension, the outreach arm of the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. In 2023, over 156,000 Ohio youth participated in clubs, groups, and special interest programs.

Silas Kohler – 2024 Ohio 4-H Dairy Achievement Award Winner

Kendall Wild – 2024 Ohio 4-H Environmental Science Achievement Award Winner

Julia Luallen – 2024 Ohio 4-H Clothing and Textiles Achievement Award Winner

Evelyn Hill – 2024 Ohio 4-H Health and Safety Achievement Award Winner

Brin Leigh Hoisington – 2024 Ohio 4-H Leadership Achievement Award Winner

Brianna Downey – 2024 Ohio 4-H Horse Achievement Award Winner

 

Junior Leader Outdoor Furniture Sale – NOW OPEN!

Thank you to all the 4-H Clubs who collected plastic bottle caps for the Fairfield County 4-H Junior Leaders! Now we need your help to sell benches and tables to put those caps to good use. Any outdoor furniture purchased is for that customer’s own use and will need to be picked up from the Ag Center (831 College Ave, Lancaster). A fillable order form can be found here. All orders and money are due July 5th to the Fairfield County Extension Office. Questions? Contact our office at 740-653-5419! Order Form: Outdoor Furniture 2024 Sale fillable

To order an item, complete an order form above. Checks can be made out to the Fairfield County Junior Leaders. Please drop off order forms and payment to the OSU Extension Office by July 5, 2024. 

These items will be ordered mid-July and will be available for pick up in August. More details will be shared with those who purchase an item as timelines are finalized.