20236901839175

The United States, like most countries, needs a vibrant food system in order to thrive. However, it has become increasingly difficult for our food and fiber economy to attract young people as employees, scientists, advocates, or caretakers. 4-H can and should help solve this problem through applied research and positive youth development.

The Oh Yeah! 4-H Grows True Leaders project will discover new ways to involve a growing segment of the American youth population, migrant and immigrant youth. One in four youth in the U.S. are immigrants or have an immigrant parent. This project will involve youth, their parents, and community organizations to explore careers in the world of food.

In this project, hundreds of young people in Maine and Vermont will form 4-H clubs within their neighborhoods to explore food science, cooking, nutrition, production, food traditions, and more. Teens from within the community will be trained to be teachers about food, and teens will explore careers in the process. Parents, most of whom are new to the U.S., will learn more about opportunities for their children while better understanding the rhythm of their new communities.

Research by 4-H faculty will ask, how do new Americans want to help and serve their community in a way that makes sense to them? And how do parents who move to the U.S. want their children to thrive and how can 4-H encourage thriving for them? Ultimately, this project will increase the number of youth who study food and agriculture, increase the capacity of communities to promote food and agriculture, and increase the knowledge of extension to best connect with new American and migrant families.

University Of Maine System

NOT APPLICABLE

10.310 - Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI)

Institute of Youth, Family, and Community (IYFC) [USDA - NIFA]

Orono, Maine 04469-5717 United States

Single Zip Code

NOT APPLICABLE

Amendment Since initial award the End Date has been shortened from 04/30/28 to 04/30/24 and the total obligations have increased 344% from $1,154,323 to $5,125,701.