4-H alumni challenge seeks to boost nationwide enrollment to 10 million

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Indiana 4-H alumni are invited to participate in the Raise Your Hand Challenge to help boost national youth enrollment to 10 million by 2025.

Alumni from each state can participate by registering at http://4-h.org/raise-your-hand/ and reposting, tweeting or tagging other alumni on social media, using the hashtag #4HGrown. The state with the most registered votes by June 30, 2017 will receive $20,000 to expand 4-H recruitment and programming.

The states with second and third-most votes will receive $10,000 and $5,000, respectively.

“4-H has been positively impacting young people for more than 100 years,” said Tony Carrell, a Purdue University 4-H youth development Extension specialist. “By voting in this challenge, our alumni can help to provide new experiences and leadership opportunities for Indiana youth, similar to their own experiences.”

Currently, there are nearly 6 million children and teens enrolled in 4-H clubs nationwide and around 25 million alumni. More than 59,000 youth are currently enrolled in Indiana 4-H. These clubs are supported by cooperative Extension services and public universities. Additionally, more than 50 countries around the world have independent 4-H clubs.

“Whether they’re running Fortune 100 companies, performing to sold-out crowds, leading community programs or volunteering to empower local youth, 4-H alumni are the epitome of true leadership,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO of the National 4-H Council. “Our remarkable alumni now have the perfect opportunity to pay it forward, ensuring that the next generation has the opportunity to benefit from the 4-H experience.”           

Writer: Jessica Merzdorf, 765-494-7719, jmerzdor@purdue.edu 

Source: Tony Carrell, 765-494-8435, carrella@purdue.edu

Agricultural Communications: (765) 494-8415;
Shari Finnell, Manager/Media Relations and Public Information, sfinnell@purdue.edu  
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