Youth Loan Program

USDA, Farm Service Agency has loan programs available for individuals’ ages 10 to 21, beginner farmers and socially disadvantage applicants. This is a great opportunity for 4-H & FFA members to expand or build a project base. Loan funds can be used to buy livestock, seed, equipment and supplies; buy, rent, repair needed tools and equipment; and pay operating expenses for the project.

Contact Tina Mellinger, Farm Loan Manager at tine.mellinger@usda.gov. Her office is located in Zanesville, OH

Youth Loans Flier: FSA Youth Loans factsheet

Real Money Program at WC Career Center

With the help of many community volunteers who staffed 14 business booths, juniors at the Washington County Career recently participated in a Real Money Real World simulation. Students chose a career for the simulation based upon their current area of study at the career center. They also spent their monthly salary visiting the various booths making spending choices based on their family situation hoping they would have enough money to make ends meet at the end of the month.

The program is a product of OSU Extension and was organized for the school by Bruce Zimmer, 4-H Extension Educator in collaboration with Washington County Career Center teacher Bobbi Webb. Here are some pictures of our volunteers that helped out!

1. Chance – Evan Schaad
2. Child Care – Amanda Bohlen
3. Clothing – Pat Ralston
4. Communications – Sharon Dye & Ron Leisure
5. Contributions – Cindy Brown
6. Credit – Danielle Allphin
7. Entertainment – Marcus McCartney & Rileigh Trembly
8. Financial Advice – Brenda Robinson
9. Finish Line – Bruce Zimmer
10. Food – Pam Montgomery
11. Housing – Amanda Harris Silvus
12. Insurance – Neil & Sheryl Westfall
13. Student Loans – Cody Pettit
14. Transportation – Marcia Holschuh
15. Health and Wellness – Kathryn Hartline

Ohio CARTEENS 4-H Safety Education Virtual SPIN Club

The Ohio 4-H CARTEENS program is hosting a virtual SPIN club for all those interested in learning about CARTEENS clubs and safety education for drivers and passengers in the state of Ohio.  The virtual sessions will be held once a month at 5:30PM.  There is no cost to members, just join the zoom link and be ready to learn about hands on activities to implement in your county.  Please see the attached flyer for dates and topics.  Members attending at least 6 sessions will be awarded a goody bag of supplies.  For more information please call our office 740.376.7431.

Take the Leap: Career Readiness Day

Several Ohio 4-H teen leaders have been busy planning and will again be hosting “Take the Leap: Career Readiness Day” on Saturday, April 1, 2023 (9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center! This event is open to any 4-H member – ages 13 to 18!  Event cost is $10. Several Teen Leadership Council members have been planning this event and are excited to facilitate this opportunity for their peers.

This day is jam-packed full of opportunities for participants with some highlights listed here:

  • Learn about 4-H opportunities at the state level
  • Rotate through career preparation workshops covering topics such as resume writing, interview skills, goal setting, and more
  • Network with peers who are also interested in preparing for their future

Below is a flyer you can share. Participants can register at go.osu.edu/taketheleap. Registration is due by March 15. Please share with your teens and community!

Please feel free to reach out to Frances (foos.61@osu.edu) or me (longo.79@osu.edu) if you have any questions.

Flyer: Take the Leap Flyer 2023