By Matthew Syrotiak, UConn Extension UConn 4-H is cultivating the next generation of informed and engaged residents by introducing youth to civic engagement through hands-on experiences at the Connecticut State Capitol. One of the most impactful opportunities is Ag Day at the Capitol, where 4-H members meet with legislators, share their stories, and learn how public […]
UConn 4-H
4-H Celebrates National Farmers Market Week at Monroe Farmers Market
By Emily Picard With strong agricultural roots, UConn Extension and UConn 4-H Fairfield County made sure National Farmers Market Week (August 3–9) didn’t go unnoticed. This annual celebration highlights the essential role farmers’ markets play in strengthening communities, supporting local economies, and connecting residents with fresh, local food. The Monroe Farmers Market is more than […]
Guardians Farm: A Story of Growth, Community, and Education
David Buck and Tamra French began their farming journey in 2014 with chickens and a vegetable garden at their home in Naugatuck. The following year, they added goats and began making homemade soaps and lotions. “We really started making everything for ourselves, and it snowballed from there,” David shared. In 2020, they moved to their […]
Meet Matt Syrotiak
Matt Syrotiak ’24 (CAHNR) recently joined our team as the State 4-H Program Coordinator. Matt is from Bethlehem, Connecticut, and brings a wealth of leadership experience in 4-H and FFA to the role. Additionally, Matt is a proud UConn and CAHNR graduate; he earned a bachelor of science in animal science and is completing a […]
What 4-H Means to Me
Current UConn 4-H members shared their thoughts on their experiences with UConn 4-H and what it means to them. “Through my leadership and citizenship experiences in 4-H, I have met an incredible group of people that I have built connections with. It’s been amazing to see how 4-H creates a sense of excitement and perseverance, […]
Sandy Eggers: 4-H Volunteer Spotlight
Sandy Eggers has been a 4-H volunteer leader in Windham County for more than 45 years. She has and continues to serve as a club leader for the CT Whiplash Teamsters 4-H club. The Whiplash Teamsters are the only working steer 4-H club in the state of Connecticut. For more than 45 years, this club […]
UConn 4-H Giving Week
Join UConn 4-H in Building a Ready Generation in a World of Change UConn 4-H equips youth with skills for the future while meeting them where they are today. We craft programs to enable youth to thrive and build confidence and resiliency based on lessons learned through years of research on positive youth development. […]
Meet Emily Picard
Emily Picard (’09 CAHNR, ’10 NEAG) joined UConn Extension as the UConn 4-H educator for Fairfield County in June. She is from Killingworth and has a bachelor of science in agriculture and natural resources from the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources. Emily has a master of arts in curriculum and instruction with a concentration in […]
New Game from UConn Extension Helps Youth Discover Biotechnology
Youth may not aspire to careers that they can’t visualize or fully comprehend. A new biotechnology game created by UConn Extension, in cooperation with the Learning Games Laboratory at New Mexico State University, allows youth to imagine and explore career opportunities in a biotechnology lab. The game, Dr. Eugene’s Biotechnology Lab, is now available at […]
4-H Robotics Shines at The Big E
Our UConn 4-H members participate in the Big E, the world’s only multi-state fair, with their projects every September. It provides an opportunity to showcase their project and develop lifelong skills to serve them in their future careers and activities. The robotics program offers demonstrations in the New England Center, and shares information on STEM […]
New Podcast Episode: UConn 4-H Fairfield County
Our UConn 4-H program has a positive impact on youth every day, and one of our youth, volunteers, and educators from Fairfield County explain more in our latest podcast episode. Learn more and listen in at s.uconn.edu/fairfield-fair – and join us this weekend for their 4-H Fair at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo.
Youth Photography Scavenger Hunt at Meechooôk Farm
UConn Extension collaborated with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation (MPTN) Departments of Agriculture and Parks and Recreation to facilitate a youth photography scavenger hunt at Meechooôk Farm in July 2023. This activity is part of a larger shared commitment to youth development and improvements in agricultural literacy in the MPTN community. MPTN youth were provided […]
National 4-H Annual Index Survey
National 4-H Annual Index Survey (Teen Responses Needed) We are conducting a survey of youth 13-18 who were enrolled in UConn 4-H in 2021, to measure the impact of UConn 4-H on youth and we invite your 4-H’er to respond. This survey is also being replicated nationwide by 4-H programs in other states and is described in […]
4-H Annual Survey
Its that time of year again! Please make sure to check your email over the next few weeks as we send out links to the annual 4-H survey. We use this information to improve our programming!
Adventures in Agriculture with Mashantucket Youth and 4-H
As a part of the symbiotic partnership between the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation (MPTN) and UConn Extension and supported by USDA NIFA’s Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program (FRTEP), tribal youth engage in outreach opportunities designed to educate students about the origin of food and fiber. Programming during summer 2022 included a series of STEM activity […]
10 Ways to Volunteer with UConn 4-H
No matter how much time you have, volunteering with UConn 4-H makes a difference by helping youth explore and discover the skills they need to lead for a lifetime. There are lots of ways to get involved! Please note, your volunteer experience and/or opportunities may be happening virtually or in-person. Contact UConn 4-H for more […]
Help Wanted: Become a UConn 4-H Volunteer
UConn 4-H is Accepting Volunteer Applications UConn 4-H provides youth with life-changing experiences from flying rockets into space with NASA to organizing national conferences for other youth, and everything in between. These experiences are possible because of thousands of adult mentors and volunteers who work throughout the state and guide youth to reach their potential. […]
UConn 4-H – A Thriving Family
Article by Cade Buckheit This summer I have been given the opportunity to work as a part of the UConn 4-H family, right near where I live in Middlesex County! One of my goals for the summer to spread the word about 4-H. As the largest youth organization in the country, 4-H has focused on […]
Learning by Doing with Heather Wirth, Extension Intern
My name is Heather Wirth, and I am excited to be an intern this summer through UConn Extension. I am working with UConn 4-H – Tolland County to plan this year’s edition of 4-H Food Revolution. My job is to create a curriculum for a four day youth summer program as well as recruiting participants. […]
Extension Recognizes Program Volunteers
Volunteers are the heart of UConn Extension Master Gardener Program, UConn CLIR program, and our UConn 4-H program. We were honored to recognize a few of them for their contributions at an event on June 16, 2022. In total, our volunteers donated 156,597 hours (the equivalent of 6,524 days) to our programs in 2021. Thank […]
UConn Gives – Please Support Our Programs
Friends, please join us in supporting our UConn Extension Master Gardener Program and UConn 4-H program during #UConnGives. $5 helps support these programs and unlocks matching gifts. Give to the Master Gardeners: s.uconn.edu/givetogardeners Give to 4-H: s.uconn.edu/giveto4-H
Waterbury 4-H Youth Mentoring Program is Thriving
Waterbury’s 4-H program is going strong! As we all know the past two years have been far from ordinary. While Waterbury Youth Services, Inc. (WYS) has been facilitating 4-H programing for 30 years, we have had to face new challenges and with them, new joys. While in person programming was not an option, our team […]
Enrolling in 4-H Using Z Suite
The new 4-H year began on October 1st, and here at UConn 4-H we use the Z Suite enrollment system. It helps our educators and staff serve over 17,000 youth and 4,000 volunteers annually. We offer a how-to video on how to use Z Suite to add a new youth or volunteer to UConn 4-H […]
4-H Bugs Summer Activity
Article by Sara Tomis ’22 (CAHNR) This summer, UConn 4-H New London County completed their first in-person program since early spring, 2020. The program focused on entomology and STEM and was facilitated through Preston Parks and Recreation summer camp. Students ranging from 4 to 12 years in age participated in a variety of activities designed […]
Dr. Larry Pennington: 23 Years of Volunteering to the UConn 4-H Program
Volunteers are the backbone of the UConn 4-H program and are who keep the program vibrant. “Volunteer helps grow true leaders” Dr. Larry Penington of the First Town Veterinary Science 4-H Club of Hartford County 4-H has volunteered 23 years of service to this program. An interview was conducted with him and below are his […]
Volunteer Spotlight: Nate McMullin of Hartford County 4-H Camp
Hartford County 4-H Camp, located on 100 acres in Marlborough, Connecticut has been offering camp experience for over 56 years to youth ranging from age 7 to 15. 4-H camp offers various options and sessions throughout the summer months and hosts small team building events in the off season for teenagers. Bring-your-own horse camp is […]
We All Scream for Ice Cream
Alums Integral to Success of Operation Community Impact Ice cream is one of life’s simple joys and something every age group enjoys. It’s also a rare treat for those relying on food pantries for their meals—and one they enjoyed in May through the efforts of our 4-H alumni and UConn Extension’s Operation Community Impact. Meg […]
2021 UConn 4-H Virtual Public Speaking Contest Results
The 2021 UConn 4-H Virtual Public Speaking Contest results are in! UConn 4-H would like to thank all the presenters and judges for their time and commitment. All presenters did an amazing job displaying their public speaking skills while delivering outstanding presentations. A champion and reserve champion were selected in each division. All other youth […]
Volunteer Spotlight: Dr. Larry Pennington
UConn Extension is celebrating National Volunteer Week! Volunteers dedicate time to their communities, and we appreciate their contributions to make Extension programs successful. Dr. Larry Pennington is one of these people who embodies what a volunteer should be. He has volunteered his time for 23 years to UConn 4-H and his club, the First Town […]
June Zoppa Wins the Northeast 4-H Lifetime Volunteer Award
UConn 4-H has selected June Zoppa, a 46-year volunteer of the UConn 4-H Program as the Connecticut nominee for the National 4-H Lifetime Volunteer Award. She won the Northeast 4-H Lifetime Volunteer Award and now moves on to compete nationally. June Zoppa is an integral part of the 4-H community in Hartford County Connecticut. She […]
Rachael Manzer Wins the Northeast Region 4-H Volunteer of the Year Award
Rachael Manzer, a five-year volunteer with UConn’s Granby 4-H Club of Granby, a UConn 4-H Alum, and former NASA astronaut teacher, won the Northeast Region 4-H Volunteer of the Year after being selected by UConn. Hartford County 4-H Extension Educator, Jen Cushman notes, “Rachael’s dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of 4-H […]
Mars Base Camp 4-H STEM Club Teaches Youth Skills for Future Careers
Life transformative education begins at a young age for UConn 4-H members. The 4-H project experiences provide a foundation of knowledge and instill enthusiasm for lifelong learning. A group of youth participating in the UConn 4-H Mars Base Camp STEM Club are learning about science, technology, engineering and math while launching rockets and building rovers. […]
All Paws In – Join Us for UConn Gives
In a time of extraordinary circumstances, UConn has adapted by seeking new opportunities and new ways to keep UConn Nation connected in a socially distant world. Through all the change and uncertainty, there has been one constant—our commitment to providing an exceptional education to our program participants. During this year’s UConn Gives, a 36-hour giving initiative, […]
2021 UConn 4-H Volunteer Award Winners
Volunteers are at the heart of UConn Extension and are an essential part of UConn 4-H! We are grateful for each and every one of you who show a dedication to service, leadership, and above all community! Our 2021 UConn 4-H Volunteer Award Winners are: 4-H Alumni Award – Elaine Brodeur, Litchfield County Meritorious Service […]
4-H Member Initiates Process to Select a State Dog
Connecticut has numerous mascots, our state flower the Mountain Laurel, our state bird the American Robin, and even our state shellfish the Eastern Oyster. However, in 2019 when Litchfield County 4-H member Olivia H. was studying for the Big-E 4-H Dog Program general knowledge test she realized that several dog breeds were also State Dogs. […]
County Connections: UConn 4-H Teen Council’s Quarterly Newsletter
In an effort to enhance the UConn 4-H program, members have gotten together to form the UConn 4-H Teen Council. The Council consists of active members in UConn 4-H between the ages of 14 and 18, with no more than 2 members from each county in the state. Check out UConn 4-H Teen Council’s Quarterly Newsletter, […]
UConn 4-H & EFNEP: Positioning All Youth for Success
“Talent is everywhere, Opportunity is not.” UConn 4-H UConn EFNEP
Local 4-H Families Deliver More Milk to Families in Need
Our UConn 4-H Litchfield County and UConn 4-H New London County programs continued their grassroots efforts to help local families in need this week. This effort builds upon several dairy donations that have gone to food pantries statewide over the past few months since the pandemic started back in March. Over 144,000 pounds of dairy […]
4-H Volunteer Spotlight – Elaine Brodeur, Litchfield County 4-H Program
The Bethlehem Busy Stitchers 4-H club is very fortunate to have Elaine Brodeur as their club leader. Elaine’s daughter will tell you that Elaine needs 4-H as an excuse to own eight sewing machines and a stash of fabric and sewing supplies to rival any JOANN store. But Elaine goes on to explain, “I love […]
UConn 4-H in 40: Surviving the Holidays
UConn 4-H presents 4-H in 40 A Series of Virtual Workshops for Adults the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm. These workshops are open to any interested adults- volunteers, 4-H leaders, parents, and community members. The opportunity to register will continue through the year. Each presentation is 20-30 minutes long, followed by 10-20 minutes […]