Breaking barriers: Expanding 4-H opportunities in Florida - Land-Grant Impacts

a 4-h leader helps a participant with a planting

Breaking barriers: Expanding 4-H opportunities in Florida

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2025, Extension, Florida, Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math (STEAM), Southern, University of Florida, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

Orange Park, Florida, traditionally had low youth involvement in 4-H due to misconceptions and lack of local clubs. Since 2021, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences has worked to increase engagement. A breakthrough came when a St. Johns Country Day School student won the 4-H in Space program, sparking interest in STEM opportunities.

In spring 2023, 14 weeks of STEM lessons were provided to 48 fourth and fifth graders, developing their teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills. In 2024, another St. Johns student became Florida 4-H state president, leading to deeper 4-H integration in the school. Middle school students now have a 4-H club focused on healthy living, lower school students participate in weekly STEM programs, and the upper school’s Earth Club uses 4-H curriculum.

By the 2024-2025 school year, 173 lower school students were engaged in 4-H, a new club leader emerged, and four new members joined the middle school club. This initiative has made 4-H more accessible, shattering the myth that it is only for rural youth. The Science Lead at St. Johns Country Day School stated, “4-H changed how our students see science and leadership.”

View the full statement on the NIDB.

Project supported by Smith-Lever (3b&c) and county funds. Photo courtesy of Lance Cheung, USDA.

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