National 4-H News

Maryland 4-H Member joins the First Lady in Cherry Blossom ceremony

Josh Tice, a Maryland 4-H member, and his mom and dad, Deana and Josiah, were on hand in Washington, DC to plant a cherry blossom tree in honor of the 100 th anniversary of Japan's gift to the United States. Josh was one of six young people selected to participate alongside the First Lady. An article and photo can be viewed on the USDA blog site.

Regional 4-H Science Academies conducted

This spring Regional 4-H Science Academies are being conducted in the Northeast, North Centeral, Southern and Western regions. Funded by the Noyce Foundation and supported by 4-H National Headquarters and National 4-H Council, the Academies bring together 4-H professional faculty and staff to build the capacity of state and local 4-H staff to deliver high quality, sustainable, nonformal 4-H science education programs.

The 4-H Science Initiative was started in 2008 to strengthen 4-H programs and to improve youth science literacy. The Academies are an opportunity to share, network, and improve 4-H's programs in science, engineering, technology and applied math through increased capacity to develop curricula, evaluate program outcomes and impacts, train volunteer educators, and raise funds.