Since 1908, Louisiana’s youth have been given opportunities to become positive, productive, capable and compassionate citizens in their communities through the largest youth organization in the world known as 4-H. Louisiana 4-H is an educational program of the LSU AgCenter and is part of the National 4-H organization. 4-H is the youth development and outreach program of the nation’s largest land-grant university system.
As we celebrate the past we trace our roots back to Avoyelles Parish where 4-H began with a Corn Club. With program growth the state’s first 4-H Club Short Course was held in 1915. In 2004, this statewide event took on a new look with expanded educational programs and is now known as 4-H University. Today, Louisiana is one of only a few states where 4-H is a co-curricular activity and is present in every parish.
During 2008, more than 218,000 Louisiana youth along with more than 9,000 volunteers will celebrate the 4-H Centennial Anniversary. As we look to the future, we see 4-H as an organization that seeks to provide individualism to Louisiana’s youth as well as provide educational programs to teach life skills. These programs focus on the areas of science, engineering and technology, healthy lifestyles and citizenship.
As we celebrate 100 years, we will reflect on an eventful past and look forward to an even more eventful future. 2008 will be a year of recognition and celebrations, while staying true to our roots focusing on the development of youth.