Purpose
Located on The Ohio State University campus in a stand-alone facility, 4-H Youth Development will establish greater visibility as the primary youth outreach component. This will establish better partnerships with other University units and youth community organizations. Delivered through the OSU Extension program, Ohio 4-H directly reaches youth and volunteers in all 88 counties.
Youth
We value youth and envision that this state-of-the-art facility will provide young people with global experiences which will prepare them to be well-rounded citizens and leaders. It is anticipated that thousands of Ohio youth will be served through 4-H Youth Development education programs. This facility will serve as the home of Ohio 4-H and provide cutting-edge research, teaching resources and service opportunities. As 4-H celebrates its centennial, it is time to focus on youth and build a facility that will enable premier youth development programming on The Ohio State University campus.
Volunteers
Whether it is sports, arts, agriculture or technology, adult volunteer leadership is essential in a successful youth development program. The 4-H Center will provide volunteers with the resources and experiences to achieve the best practices for youth development. The facility will reach beyond 4-H or-ganizational boundaries and strive to engage all volunteers and professionals who are impacting youth.
Positioned for Positive Youth Development
As a result of constructing the 4-H Center, Ohio 4-H will be better positioned to "Make the Best Better." Specifically:
- More Ohio youth will be involved in positive program opportunities directly conducted at the center.
- Volunteers will be better trained and equipped to empower young people involved in all types of organizations.
- Professional teaching and research by OSU faculty and staff to further develop the field of positive youth development.
- 4-H Youth Development willl be visible as the primary youth outreach and engagement arm of The Ohio State University.
- Access to technology will improve campus staff and resources to youth and adults in all 88 counties, the nation, and the world.