Supporting UConn 4-H means investing in the future of youth development and empowering the next generation of leaders, innovators, and community builders. By contributing to the 4-H Centennial Fund, you help ensure that this vibrant program thrives for another century, fostering learning and leadership in countless young people. Donations to the 4-H Development Fund provide vital resources for new opportunities and experiences, allowing our youth to explore, grow, and succeed. For those looking to make a hands-on impact, volunteering offers a unique chance to guide and mentor, shaping the future in a deeply personal way.
Supporting the Next Generation of Leaders: The 4-H Centennial Fund
The 4-H Centennial Fund plays a vital role in helping UConn 4-H fulfill its mission of assisting youth, ages 5-18, in acquiring knowledge, developing leadership and life skills, and cultivating the attitudes necessary to become self-directed, productive, and contributing members of their families and communities. Through the generosity of donors, the fund has supported a wide range of programs and activities that empower young people to reach their full potential.
How Donations Make a Difference
Donations to the 4-H Centennial Fund have provided critical support for various initiatives that directly benefit youth and volunteers across the state, including:
- Z Suite Software License: Facilitating online engagement and project management for 4-H youth and volunteers.
- 4-H STEM Kits: Providing hands-on learning tools that inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.
- CPR Training: Equipping volunteers and teens with life-saving skills that enhance their ability to lead safely and responsibly.
- 4-H Citizenship Day: Offering youth the opportunity to learn about civic engagement and their role as active members of their communities.
- Public Speaking Awards: Encouraging youth to develop confidence and communication skills through public speaking competitions.
- Volunteer Awards & Recognition: Acknowledging the invaluable contributions of 4-H volunteers with awards and tokens of appreciation for their efforts on the county and state levels.
- 4-H Horse Roundup: Providing partial trip expenses for youth participating in the 4-H Horse Roundup, a key event in fostering teamwork and responsibility.
- Newsletter & 4-H Calendar: Keeping the 4-H community informed and engaged with printed newsletters and calendars that highlight program milestones and opportunities.
In addition, the fund supported the All Camps Conference in 2023, allowing 4-H camp leaders to come together and share best practices for delivering impactful, youth-centered camp experiences.
Looking Ahead
The 4-H Centennial Fund is an endowed account and continues to be instrumental in shaping tomorrow’s leaders, providing the resources needed for educational programs, volunteer development, and community-building events. Every donation contributes to making a lasting impact on youth and their families, creating opportunities for personal growth and community service.
We are deeply grateful to our donors for their support and commitment to UConn 4-H’s mission. Together, we are building a brighter future for today’s youth and tomorrow’s leaders.
Supporting the Next Generation of Leaders: The 4-H Development Fund
Contributions to the 4-H Development Fund empower youth across the state to participate in life-changing leadership programs at both statewide and national levels. These experiences foster personal growth, build essential skills, and inspire the next generation of community leaders.
As the youth development program of UConn Extension, 4-H provides participants ages 5-18 with research-backed, age-appropriate knowledge, equipping them with the tools to reach their full potential. UConn 4-H has offered programs in Connecticut for over 120 years, with alumni excelling in leadership roles worldwide—from corporate boardrooms to agricultural enterprises, and as public servants.
UConn 4-H programs align with the strategic initiatives of UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources (CAHNR), including climate adaptation and resilience; promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice; enhancing health and well-being; ensuring sustainable agriculture and food systems; and fostering sustainable landscapes at the urban-rural interface.
By supporting the 4-H Development Fund, you are helping to create opportunities that shape future leaders, ensuring that every youth has access to programs that transform their lives and communities.
Become a 4-H Volunteer
Volunteering with UConn 4-H offers an unparalleled opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people. Whether you choose a short-term commitment, such as helping with events, workshops, or project-based activities, or prefer a long-term role as a mentor or club leader, your involvement plays a crucial role in shaping the skills, confidence, and potential of youth in our community. By sharing your time, expertise, and passion, you become a positive role model, guiding young people through hands-on learning experiences that foster leadership, responsibility, and resilience. Volunteering with UConn 4-H allows you to witness firsthand the transformation and growth of participants as they gain new skills and develop a sense of purpose. Every hour you dedicate enriches the lives of youth and strengthens the 4-H program’s mission to build empowered, capable, and engaged citizens for the future.