La. 4-H enrollment expands

BATON ROUGE — Enrollment in Louisiana 4-H Clubs continues to grow, with a total of 46,232 youth participating in state 4-H Clubs this year. About 98,800 students participated last year, and that number rose significantly this year to 125,325. Club membership included more than 45,100 students last year, according to an LSU AgCenter news release.
Louisiana has a total of about 250,000 4-H’ers, but not all are members of 4-H Clubs.
“The growth we’re seeing in 4-H Clubs and programs is very encouraging,” said Mark Tassin, LSU AgCenter program leader for 4-H youth and family development. “We’re reaching more young people with valuable opportunities that help build their skill sets and character.”
Tassin said there is also increased interest in 4-H programs such as the Youth Wetlands Program, which works with educators to promote awareness of wetland loss in Louisiana.
4-H emphasizes learning by doing and helps young people develop a diverse, lifelong knowledge base they can use to serve others, the release said.
During the school year, 4-H Club members work on projects ranging from robotics to fashion design.
In the summer, 4-H’ers can attend 4-H camp and compete in contests at 4-H University.
For information contact the LSU AgCenter Extension Service office in St. Mary Parish.