4-H Youth Development

4-H Enrollment

The 4-H enrollment year begins in October. Members must re-enroll every year, either through a 4-H club or as an independent member. Youth must be 8 to 19 years old in the current calendar year to join. Wyoming County also offers a program called Cloverbuds for youth in 1st and 2nd grade.

Please call Sharon in the 4-H office at (585) 786-2251 before or in September if you are interesed in enrolling in the 4-H program for the first time. She will help you find the club in your area that is perfect for you or will give you the information that you need to be an independent member. There is a nominal enrollment fee of $5 for Wyoming County residents and a $10 enrollment fee for out-of-county residents, in addition some local clubs have dues. 4-H is open to everyone regardless of race, religion, color, sex or place of residence.

Club Leaders: Please pick up your Enrollment Packets in mid-October! If clubs are not enrolled, members will not receive the 4-H News and will not be covered by our insurance.

Secretary's Reports:

Your secretary's monthly report is due in the 4-H office on or before the third Wednesday of the following month (for example, October's report is due by the third Wednesday in November). These reports should be sent in every month. If there were no meetings, the secretary writes "no meeting" on the report and sends it in. If you have a young club secretary, we hope that you will assist them with the reports. Also, remind your secretary of the secretary's book contest. Each September, club secretaries submit their book to be judged. Books are evaluated on neatness, completeness, and timeliness of reports being submitted.

• 4-H Enrollment Form
  Enroll in a 4-H club.
  
• 4-H Independent Form
  Enroll in 4-H as a independent member instead of with a 4-H club.
  
• Volunteer Agreement Form
  4-H Leaders need to fill out and return this form every year.
  
• Yearly Project Planner
  Please return to the 4-H office by October 15.
  
• 4-H Insurance Information Sheet
  
  

4-H Completion

Please understand that we are not trying to make your job harder by adding more paperwork. It is impossible for the 4-H office to operate efficiently when we continually have to call to remind leaders of deadlines or to gather information. Our funding depends, in part, on our ability to represent the program in terms of youth served through 4-H, and we cannot do that without your help and cooperation. Please be aware of and adhere to these deadlines!

Completion Forms:

The 4-H year ends on September 30th. Your club’s completion forms should be submitted as soon as possible. In order for your members to be recognized at Achievement Night or receive their year pins, these must be turned in by mid-October. Along with your completion form, you must submit the Club Financial Record. This was provided in your packet last year, and another copy will be in this year’s packet. (It can also be download here). Please remember that every club MUST submit this form every year. If your club does not handle any money, please indicate that on the form and return it.

• Year End Completion Sheet
  
• Year End 4-H Club Financial Statement Form
  
• Year End 4-H Club Audit Report
  
• Wyoming County 4-H Junior Leadership Completion Form
  Use this form to show which project areas you assisted with or taught as a Junior Leader.
  

Community Service

• Community Service Olympics
  Community Service is a helpful action undertaken to benefit others. A key component of our 4-H Youth Development Program, Community Service provides a great opportunity for young people to give back to Wyoming County and an even greater opportunity for our 4-H members to LEARN.
  
  What makes an activity a community service project?
  A clear intent to benefit another is the foundation of service. 4-H members have opportunities to give service through their 4-H clubs, schools, churches, families and other organizations. We encourage our young people to take advantage of every opportunity to serve.
  
  Community service can be one of many types of activities. Community clean-up, raising money for a charity, visiting nursing home residents are among examples of projects Wyoming County 4-H members have completed in the past. In addition, club members and leaders have also worked together to implement service projects that give members the opportunity to learn leadership skills develop a sense of generosity. Examples include the “Cookies for the Troops” project and the County-Wide canned food drive.
  
  If a 4-H Club participates in a community service project, we encourage you to wear your 4-H shirts and even borrow the “4-H at Work” signs from the 4-H office.
  
  
  
• Community Service Log
  Several key changes were made in 2006 concerning the Community Service Olympics recognition program. Clubs and individuals will still be encouraged to complete the traditional form (see Community Service Olympics form below), outlining the service performed. In addition, a “service log” will be required. On this log, you will record the date, your role in the activity, number of hours, and will require a signature of the supervisor of the activity. As in the past, these awards will be presented at achievement night. However, different awards will be given based upon the quality and quantity of service performed. Highest awards will be Gold, followed by Silver and Bronze awards. Gold awards will be reserved for clubs and individuals who complete either a project that requires a high level of youth leadership and a high number of hours to perform, or complete several smaller projects that require a great number of combined hours.
  
  If you have any questions or comments, please call the 4-H office at 786-2251. Keep up the great service work! .
  
  

Event/Class Registration

• Dog Obedience Classes - Dog Immunity Sheet
  NYS Dog Immunity Summary Sheet needs to be filled out and signed by your dog's veterinarian.
  
• Produced in New York State Foods Contest
  Held every year in October
  In an effort to learn about nutrition and practice food presentation skills, 4-H members present silent food demonstrations, promoting items from the Empire State. The major ingredient of the recipe feature a product grown or produced in New York State – such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, maple or meat. With agriculture being up-most important to the economy of not only Wyoming County, but New York State, the food contest allows an opportunity to promote the use and consumption of agriculture products either grown or produced in New York State! Participants are also encouraged to consider the U.S. Dietary Guidelines when selecting their recipes.
  • 4-H Food and Nutrition Contest Rules and Guidelines
  • Presentation Evaluation Sheet
  • Product Evaluation Sheet
    

4-H Projects

• 4-H Meat Animal Project
  • Meat Animal Project Record PDF
  • Spreadsheet for items purchased PDF - Microsoft Word

Financial and Secretary Report

• Request for Permission to Raise Funds
  Submit to the Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H office at least 30 days prior to the proposed fund-raising date.
  • Thinking About Selling Food to Raise Money?
    Fund raising involving preparation and service of food is discouraged due to health codes and safety issues. Any consumable items sold in the name of Wyoming County 4-H MUST have approval from the 4-H Program Leader, the 4-H Program Committee and the Wyoming County Health Department.
    
• Year End Financial Statement Form
  
  
• Monthly Secretary Report
  

Memorial Award Applications

• The 4th Annual Harold Meyers Memorial Dairy Sportsmanship Awards
  Nominations will be accepted through 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday of Fair Week.
  The fourth annual Harold Meyers Memorial Dairy Sportsmanship Awards will be presented at the conclusion of the Thursday Dairy Show at the Wyoming County Fair. These awards are presented to one junior, who receives a heifer show halter, and one senior, who receives a cow show halter. Applications are also available through the 4-H Office, at the Showing and Fitting Clinic, and at the fair. Winners will be chosen based on their willingness to exhibit good sportsmanship, regardless of the outcome of the competition. Please take the time to nominate a deserving 4-H member for this honor!
  
  Past Winners:
  

  2003	Senior – Todd Buckenmeyer	Junior – Marshall Hinz
  2004	Senior – Jonathan Nickerson	Junior – Stephanie Spencer
  2005	Senior – Melissa Bartholomew	Junior – Devon Hill

  
  
  
• Christopher Todd Dairy Achievement Memorial Award
  Application deadline is October 15.
  (In Dairy Area) This Dairy Achievement Award is being presented in memory of Chris Todd, a former 4-H dairy member in Wyoming County. The purpose of this award is to give public recognition annually to a 4-H'er who does outstanding 4-H work in the dairy area. If you feel you know someone who qualifies for this award, please fill out the nomination form.
  To be eligible, nominees must: 1) be enrolled in Wyoming County 4-H. 2) have been a 4-H member for at least 2 years. 3) be enrolled and active in the 4-H Dairy Program. 4) have demonstrated good sportsmanship in all phases of daily living. 5) not have received this award in previous years. The award consists of a $50 savings bond and a plague.
  

• Tabitha Huff Memorial Award
  Application deadline is October 15.
  (In Sheep or Home Economics Areas) This award is in memory of Tabita Huff of Perry, an eight year member of the LaGrange Ladybugs 4-H Club in Wyoming County. She was very actively involved in both the Sheep and Home Economics project areas.
  To be eligible: 1) Must be involved with either the Sheep or Home Economics projects. 2) Must be a senior in high school or in first year of college or trade school. 3) If a senior in high school, the person must be planning on attending either a college or trade school after graduating from high school. Award Amount: $300.
  

• Patricia J. Swartz Memorial Award
  Application deadline is October 15.
  (In Sheep Area) This award is in memory of Patricia J. Swartz of Attica, who was involved for many years with the Wyoming County Sheep program. She was the leader of the Young Shepherds 4-H club and served for many years as the Superintendent of the sheep department at the Wyoming County Fair. Pat's caring and giving ways touched the lives of many youth and adults in the area.
  To be eligible: 1) Must have participated in the 4-H Sheep program for the last five years, including showing sheep at the fair. 2) Must be at least in his/her Junior Year in High School. 3) Must not have received this award before. Award Amount: $100.
  

•  Althea Goewey Community Service Achievement Memorial Award
  Application deadline is October 15.
  This award is in memory of Althea Goewey, a former 4-H club leader, literacy volunteer, rescue squad volunteer and church volunteer. 4-H leaders, members and clubs are asked to nominate 4-H members deserving of this award. 4-H'ers may nominate themselves.
  To be eligible: 1) Must have been enrolled in 4-H in Wyoming County during current project year, or the last year eligible for 4-H and must have graduated from High School. 2) Must have been involved in community service projects. 3) Must have high standards and be earnestly trying to better themselves for themselves, their family and their community. 4) Must be planning to furthur their education by attending a college, trade school or apprenticeship program. 5) Must not have received this award before. Award Amount: $200.
  

Scholarship, Grant and Award Opportunities

(Sorted by deadline date)

• County Medals Award
  Deadline is in September/October.
  Ages: 14-19
  Each year at Achievement Night, county medals are awarded to deserving 4-H members. This year, the 4-H staff is asking the leader of each 4-H club to nominate a member(s) of their club to be considered to receive a medal. Independent members may be nominated by parents. It is recommended that older 4-H members, 14-19 years of age be nominated. The final decision is made by the 4-H staff and announced during Achievement Night.
  
  County medals are awarded in Achievement, Agriculture, Art, Beef, Citizenship, Clothing, Conservation, Dairy, Demonstrations, Dog Care, Food & Nutrition, Fashion Revue, Gardening, Goat, Health, Home Environment, Knitting & Crocheting, Leadership, Needlework, Poultry, Public Speaking, Rabbit, Sheep, Horse, Swine, Tractor, Vegetables, Wildlife, and Wood Science.
  
  Nomination forms are due at the Wyoming County 4-H Office are due at the end of September/early October. See the September Leader Letter for more details and exact deadline.
  
  


• NDHIA Scholarship Program
  Deadline: September
  National DHIA is offering scholarships to DHIA members. Scholarships are available to eligible incoming freshmen and currently enrolled students at both four-year and two-year colleges and institutions.
  
  Eligibility is generally defined as a family member of an employee or employee of a herd on DHIA test, or a family member or an employee of a DHIA affiliate. The recipients of this year’s scholarships will be announced at the 2007 National DHIA Annual Meeting.
  Completed applications should be returned to: Scholarship Program, National DHIA, PO Box 930399-4215, Nine Mound Road, Verona, WI 53593.
  
  Applications for the National Scholarship Program are also available on the Internet at http://www.dhia.org or by contacting Deb Wendorf Boyke at (608) 848-6455 ext. 112.
  
  
• Red, White and Green Climate Change Grant
  Deadline is September 1.
  Ages: 15-25
  Youth Service America and the Civil Society Institute are excited to announce the Red, White, and Green Climate Change Grant. This opportunity offers $500 to youth between the ages of 15-25 or to organizations that serve youth ages 15-25. Successful applicants will design a service-learning project that promotes awareness about climate change and possible solutions. Projects should be youth-led, and the service must take place between October 1 and November 30, 2006. Email questions to redwhiteandgreen@ysa.org. To download an application, flyer, and guidelines, please visit: www.YSA.org/Awards.
  
  
• Beef Industry Scholarship
  Deadline is in September/October (check web site for exact date)
  For graduating high school seniors or college undergraduates
  The Beef Industry Scholarship is a collaborative effort of the National Cattlemens Foundation (NCF) and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME). Twenty $1500 scholarships will be awarded to youths pursuing careers in the beef industry.  All graduating high school seniors or college undergraduates involved in the beef industry are eligible to apply.  Applicants DO NOT need to be NCBA members. Full details of this year’s program can be found on the NCF web site: www.nationalcattlemensfoundation.org/scholarship.aspx or stop by the 4-H Office for a copy of this year’s scholarship application.
  
  
• Angels in Action Awards
  Deadline is October 1st
  Ages: 8-18
  Georgia-Pacific’s Angels in Action Awards Program will recognize children who are involved in exemplary community service projects in age categories 8-15 years old and 16-18 years old. One outstanding awardee will receive $15,000 for “Program of the Year.” Two grand-prize winners (one from each age category) will receive $10,000, and ten finalists (five from each age category) will receive $1,000.
  To nominate someone you know to be an Angel in Action, visit http://angelsoft.com
  
  
• The Harris Wofford Awards
  Deadline: October
  Ages: 12-25
  Making Service and Service-Learning the Common Expectation and Common Experience of Every Young Person
  Youth Service America is pleased to announce the Harris Wofford Awards, sponsored by State Farm Companies Foundation®. Established in 2002, the prestigious Harris Wofford Awards were created to honor former Senator Harris Wofford - one of our nation’s greatest public servants. The Awards recognize extraordinary achievements in three categories: Youth, Organization, and Media for actively contributing towards, “making service and service-learning the common expectation and common experience of every young person in America.”
  
  For more information, visit www.ysa.org/awards or email woffordawards@ysa.org.
  
  
• Do Something Brick Awards
  Deadline: October
  Ages: 8-25
  The Do Something BRICK Awards honors six outstanding leaders age 18 and under and three outstanding leaders age 19-25 who develop projects to improve their community. Winners in “18 yrs. & under” category receive a $5,000 scholarship and a $5,000 grant; winners in the “19-25” category each receive a $10,000 grant. Online application only: http://www.dosomething.org/awards/brick/apply/
  
  View 2007 Brick Awards Video
  
  
• President's Environmental Youth Awards
  Deadline is October 31 of each year.
  Ages: K-12 grade
  Since 1971, EPA has sponsored the President’s Environmental Youth Awards. The program recognizes young people across America for projects which demonstrate their commitment to the environment. Young people in all 50 states and the U.S. territories are invited to participate in the program. Projects submitted in the past have covered a wide range of subject areas including recycling programs in schools and communities; construction of nature preserves; major tree planting programs; videos, skits, and newsletters created by students that focused on environmental issues; and environmental science projects.
  
  To be eligible to compete, a student or students, sponsored by an adult, must submit to their local EPA regional office evidence of a completed project as defined in the President’s Environmental Youth Award application, as well as a completed application.
  
  How to apply: Guidelines are available at EPA’s PEYA website at http://www.epa.gov/enviroed/peya/index.html. You can also learn more about past award-winning projects by visiting the EPA website.
  
  
• International Young Eco-Hero Awards
  Deadline:  February (see website for exact date)
  Ages: 8-16
  Do you know any YOUNG ECO-HEROES aged 8 to 16 years?  Please let them know about Action For Nature’s International Young Eco-Hero awards program. Winners receive a cash prize and recognition for their environmental accomplishments. The award promotes individual action concerning environmental protection and advocacy, environmental health projects and the education of others. More details can be found on their web site at http://www.actionfornature.org.
  
  
• Community Hero Awards
  Deadline:  February (see website for exact date)
  Do you know someone who inspires you by giving of themselves to help others? Honor your volunteers by nominating them for the 2007 Community Hero Awards. $8,000 will be awarded to volunteer organizations, plus $2,000 in scholarships to deserving youth! The Community Hero Awards, sponsored by Univera Healthcare and the United Ways of Western New York, will be presented at a breakfast ceremony on April 17, 2007 at the Buffalo Convention Center. Nomination forms and responses to the ‘Criteria Questions’ are due by Wednesday, February 14, 2007.
  
  To receive a copy of the application, stop by the 4-H Office or download an application at www.uwbec.org
  
  
  
• NYS 4-H Opportunity Scholarship Program
  Deadline:  February 15
  The NYS 4-H Foundation and generous sponsors are pleased to provide scholarships to members for their accomplishments as a result of 4-H experiences, and to support future educational goals. The 4-H Opportunity Scholarship program, in its fifth year, will offer a total of $12,000 in awards, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. Young people, ages 17 to 21, who have been involved with 4-H, are encouraged to apply. The New York State 4-H Opportunity Scholarship application is available on the Foundation’s web site at http://www.nys4hfoundation.org/scholarships/.
  
  Applications must be typed, complete, and postmarked NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 15th. Notification of scholarship awards will be made in June. Applicants will be eligible to receive only one 4-H Opportunity Scholarship per year.
  
  For further information, contact Roxanne at the 4-H Office or visit the Foundation’s web site.
  
  

• National FFA Collegiate Scholarship Program
  Deadline:  February 15
  
  Each year the National FFA Organization awards more than $2 million in scholarships to members. There are many types of scholarships to fit the many types of FFA members.
  Scholarships are given for a wide variety of experiences, career goals and higher education plans. Different awards may be used at colleges, universities and post secondary agricultural programs.
  The scholarships are sponsored by numerous agricultural businesses through the National FFA Foundation, and new scholarships are added every year.
  
  
  Attention Students!
  Over $2 million in scholarships is available for YOU through the National FFA Collegiate Scholarship Program! All you have to do is have is the right combination. Sure, grades are important, but the FFA combination takes into account the whole you! Your community service. Your FFA involvement. Your leadership skills. Your SAE. Talk with your FFA advisor and download the application.
  
  
  Look for the current year's applications in the Fall/Winter on the web site.
  
  
• Cargill Community Scholarship Program
  Deadline:  February 15
  This program is for U.S. high school seniors in Cargill communities planning to pursue a two- or four-year degree in any major. Applicants must visit their local Cargill facility or subsidiary and obtain a signature from a Cargill employee on their application. The Cargill Community Scholarship Program awards 350, $1,000 non-renewable scholarships each year.
  
  Visit National FFA’s web site at http://www.ffa.org/programs/scholarships and click on “Cargill Application 2007” for a copy of the application and for further information.
  
  
• Holstein Calf Scholarship
  Deadline:  February 20
  Ages: 12-15 as of Jan 1st
  The New York Holstein Association, Inc. is sponsoring a Calf Scholarship. The purpose of the Calf Scholarship Award is to select a youth who is worthy of the award - a fine pedigreed calf with the potential to develop into a future brood cow. The program offers such a calf to a youth who has demonstrated the interest and ability to develop the calf to her fullest potential and who will grow through the project.
  
  Contact the 4-H office for an application or visit the NY Holstein Association’s web site at http://www.nyholsteins.com.
  
  
• ESRI GIS Grant Program Available for 4-H Clubs
  Application Period: January - February
  ESRI announces two grant options for the ESRI GIS Grant Program, designed for U.S. 4-H in cooperation with National 4-H Headquarters, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES)/U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to support its geospatial outreach, education, and community involvement efforts. The goal of this program is to foster and support the integration of geographic information system (GIS) software in U.S. 4-H clubs.
  
  Eligible Applicants: A U.S. 4-H community or in-school club, 4-H after-school program, 4-H special interest group, 4-H school enrichment group, 4-H camp, or similar 4-H unit that meets regularly and is recognized as an authorized 4-H group within its state’s 4-H program.
  Grants are available in two categories:
  • The Introductory Grant for 4-H clubs new to GIS and global positioning systems (GPS).
  • The Intermediate grant for those 4-H clubs that received previous ESRI 4-H grants and completed the grant requirements.

• Careers In Agriculture Scholarship
  Applications Due March 1st
  The Careers in Agriculture scholarship program sponsored by Agriliance and the CROPLAN GENETICS ® brand annually awards $1,000 scholarships to 20 high school seniors interested in agriculture-related studies.
  Candidates should:
  • Be a high school senior planning to enroll in a two- or four-year agriculture-related curriculum in the fall following high school graduation;
  • Demonstrate leadership and academic performance;
  • Write an essay describing why he or she is interested in an agricultural career.
    
    Applications are available at the Agriliance website: http://www.agrisolutionsinfo.com/careers/scholarships.aspx or at the Wyoming County 4-H Office.
    
    
• Christopher Columbus Awards Challenges Teams Of Middle School Students To Solve Community Problems Using Science And Technology
  Deadline is in March (check web site for exact date)
  The Christopher Columbus Awards is a free program which challenges middle school students to explore opportunities for positive change in their communities. Teams of up to four students and a coach identify a community issue and use the scientific process to solve it. Finalist teams win an all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney World® where they compete for gold medals and U.S. Savings Bonds.
  The award program attracts over 15,000 ‘everyday’ students from all across the U.S., and appeals to educators who are increasingly looking to develop critical thinking skills in students while meeting State and Federal standards. The program:
  • is a cross-curricular activity that helps meet both NCLB and State standards
  • helps address the performance gap in U.S. science education by encouraging critical thinking skills in all students
  • encourages community service
    
    
  Deadline and How to Enter
  The Christopher Columbus Awards is free to enter. For more information and competition guidelines, call 1-800-291-6020 or visit www.christophercolumbusawards.com. Coaches may be teachers, parents, community leaders or mentors. Teams do not need to be affiliated with a school to enter.
  
  Who Wins?
  One of the past winning teams was a group of students from West Branch, Iowa, who felt there was an environmental hazard caused by used oil filters being disposed of in household trash. They developed an awareness campaign to educate the public about the dangers of placing used oil filters in landfills. Past winners have also included a group of Native American girls who built a study hall out of straw on the Crow Indian Reservation in Montana; and a group of students from Pennsylvania who developed a handheld grocery scanner that quickly deciphers food labels to detect whether the item contains allergens such as dyes or nuts. Many teams have gone on to develop patents on their ideas. Some entrants have decided to major in science in college as a result of becoming involved in the program.
  
  
• NYS Association of Agricultural Fairs and NYS Showpeople's Association Annual Scholarship Program
  Deadline:  April
  The NYSAAF awards college scholarships to those students who apply and have good grades in high school or college, have good leadership and citizenship skills and come recommended by their local fair committees. Those students interested in receiving one of the $1000 scholarships can find the application on the web site.
  
  
• The DeNise Scholarship Fund
  Deadline:  April 15
  The late Mr. and Mrs. Howard DeNise, longtime agriculturist and Grange members in Western New York have established the DeNise Scholarship Fund, with the New York State Grange as the administrator. This scholarship is intended to serve those who are interested in the pursuit of a career in the agricultural industry and strong emphasis in awarding these scholarships is also placed on the need of the applicant. A scholarship may be used in any recognized accredited institution or higher learning.
  
  Applications must be returned to the New York State Grange, 100 Grange Place, Cortland, NY 13045 no later than April 15th. Call the 4-H office for an application at (585) 786-2251.
  
  Listed is the criteria for the scholarship:
  • Both 2-year associate degree and 4 year baccalaureate degree programs may be pursued.
  • Public and private institutions may be attended within or outside of New York State.
  • Applicant must be a resident of New York State.
    
  • Scholarship assistance is available to undergraduate students only.
    
  • Course of study must entail a major within the field of agriculture.
    
    
• “Be Aware of NY Agriculture” Contest
  Deadline is in April (See December/January 4-H News for exact date)
  For pre-school to 6th grade youth
  Essays, Artwork & Poetry with an Agricultural Theme. Winning entries will be exhibited at the Youth Building at the Great New York State Fair.
  
  The “Be Aware of New York Agriculture” Contest is a great way to expose youth to agriculture, the food system and to meet the NYS Learning Standards in classrooms. Youth can learn more about where their food comes from and why it is important that they understand and appreciate agriculture in New York State. The contest is divided by grade level categories and statewide winners (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 2 honorable mentions) are selected for each grade level. Pre-school through 3rd grade students produce art projects, while 4th and 5th graders write poems and essays. 6th graders make full-size posters with an agriculture theme.
  
  Contact the 4-H Office for an entry form.
  
  Sponsored by: New York Ag in the Classroom, New York Farm Bureau, and the New York Farm Bureau Foundation for Agricultural Education, Inc.
  
  
  • 1st place individual for each grade level is awarded a $50 U.S. Savings Bond.
  • 1st place classroom and school receive agriculture-related books and/or videos
  • 1st, 2nd, and 3rd winners receive T-shirts.
  • All awardees (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and Honorable Mentions) receive Certificates of Recognition
    
    
    
• New NEEF Environmental Education Award
  Nomination Deadline in June
  The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) announces the creation of the Richard C. Bartlett Environmental Education Award to honor an outstanding educator who has successfully integrated environmental education into his or her daily education programs. The winner will be awarded $5,000 for his or her continued work in environmental education.
  • Nomination Criteria -
    • The nominee must be a 5th-12th grade teacher in the United States at a public, private or home school.
    • The nomination can come from anyone involved with the teacher (parents of students, administrators, fellow teachers, students, etc)Self-nominations will be accepted.
    • Nominated teachers must have at least five years teaching experience.
    • The nomination will be considered complete with the requested information on the next page and two letters of support.

• New York State Junior Dairy Leader Program
  Application Deadline is in July
  Ages: 16-19
  The “Junior DAIRY LEADER” program is intended to reach youth between the ages of 16-19 who have interest in exploring careers in the dairy industry and would like to gain hands on experience. It is sponsored by Pro-Dairy, Cornell University - Animal Science, the Agway Foundation and the 4-H Foundation.
  
  The program will consist of a series of workshops that focus on specific facets of the dairy industry. Other opportunities include:
  • Representing New York State at National 4-H Dairy Conference - Madison, Wisconsin
  • On-Farm Production Analysis
  • Resume Development for Internship
  • Presentations Using Computer Technology
  • Northern New York - Vermont Agricultural Tour
  • Wisconsin Agriculture Tour
  • Regional Seminars
    
    
  The "Junior DAIRY LEADER" program exposes participants to progressive and profitable agricultural businesses and will prepare them for employment as managers, technicians, and other agri-service and professional careers.
  
  Contact Angie at the 4-H Office for application materials.
  
  
  
  
• Photography Contest
  Deadline is in July
  Cash Prizes Offered for Inspirational Photographs - In partnership with the Albert I. Pierce Foundation, NAAEE has established a photography contest in conjunction with the upcoming NAAEE annual conference at the Virginia Beach Convention Center on November 14-17, 2007. NAAEE seeks photos that will inspire people to achieve environmental excellence. Entries may reflect anything that connects to the environment. The winning photos will show how the visual arts can create a kinesthetic and emotional connection to the Earth. The photography contest is one element of a larger effort by NAAEE to re-invigorate the use of arts and culture in the EE field.
  
  
  
• National Outstanding Young Farmers Program
  Application Deadline is August 1st
  Today's farmer is an entrepreneur in a complex agribusiness. He or she must understand all aspects of farming, including technology, farm implements, and other equipment used in today's operations. He or she must also comprehend the complexities of producing the high volume and quality crops or livestock demanded by consumers worldwide, while not running afoul of expanding environmental regulations.
  
  The purpose of the Outstanding Young Farmers program is to bring about a greater interest in the farmer, to foster better urban-rural relations through the understanding of the farmers' problems, to develop an appreciation of their contributions and achievements, and to inform the agribusiness community of the growing urban awareness of farmers' importance and impact on the American economy.
  
  As the farmer's business has changed, so has his or her involvement in the community. Today's farmer has become an active citizen, participating in everything from local and state government to civic groups and charitable organizations. It is not only fitting that farmers be honored for their contributions and achievements—it is essential. This award has been established to recognize outstanding achievements in agriculture as well as community involvement.
  
  - View Brochure For More Details -
  - Download Nomination Form -
  
  You can also visit the "The United States Junior Chamber Jaycees" website for more informaton.
  
  
• President’s Volunteer Service Award
  For All Ages
  Keep a record of service on their website
  The President’s Volunteer Service Award is a Presidential recognition program for Americans of all ages who contribute a significant amount of time to volunteer service. The Award is given to individuals, families, and groups that have demonstrated outstanding volunteer service and civic participation over the course of a 12-month period. The awards are delivered through a variety of local, state, and national organizations that are registered as “certifying organizations.” By registering your organization, you will help the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation to recognize the outstanding volunteer service of individuals, families, and groups, and thereby encourage others to join the national volunteer service movement.
  
  To learn more about the President’s Volunteer Service Award and to register as a certifying organization, please visit: http://www.presidentialserviceawards.gov
  
  
  
• National 4-H Council Grants
  The Grants Management Team of National 4-H Council offers grants for youth in local communities, in counties, and on the state level. These grants provide opportunities for young people and adults to take action on issues critical to their lives, their families, and their communities. Youth and adults work in partnership in the design of the project, the proposal writing process, the implementation, and the evaluation of funded projects. Grants are awarded to 4-H/Extension groups only and are not available to individuals or other organization not implementing programs in collaboration with 4-H.
  To join the National 4-H Council Grants announcement listserve go to:
  http://www.fourhcouncil.edu/GrantsProgram.aspx
  
  
  
• Genesee Community College Scholarships