Tag: education

Programming

Extension Recap from 2025

Brandy VanDeWalle

The holiday season is often a time to reflect on the year. I have many blessings in my life. First and foremost, I would like to thank my family for being understanding with me as I often attend evening meetings and conferences that pull me away from home. Secondly, I am fortunate to have great colleagues that help me out and work as a team. I’d also like to thank you- my readers, extension supporters, 4-H volunteers and others who have helped in some capacity with an extension or 4-H program. Without amazing Nebraska Extension supporters, programs wouldn’t be as successful as they are.

While I’m not one to boast, I’d like to mention that Nebraska Extension is one of the leading Extension organizations in the country! Utilizing cutting-edge delivery methods and programming ideas, we focus on critical issues identified by Nebraskans through periodic needs assessments. Nebraska Extension is nationally leading 4-H youth engagement by reaching 1 in 3 youth between the ages of 8-18 and we have extension faculty with national and international reputations.

Finally, Nebraska Extension engages many Nebraskans in Extension programming every year – from the agricultural community to sectors as diverse as nutrition, early childhood education and youth development. From border-to-border Nebraska Extension is making an incredible impact on the success of our state – its youth, its families, its farms and ranches, its communities, and its economy. These are broad program accomplishments to look at from a balcony view, but what are some key impacts locally for Clay and Fillmore Counties?

            Nebraska Extension in Clay County and Fillmore County reaches 1 out of 2 age-eligible youth. Clay County youth programming highlights include reaching youth ages 5-18, through school enrichment, traditional 4-H programs, shooting sports and after school programming. Junior Leaders mentor younger kids and engage in community service. Specifically:

  • 126 Clay and surrounding county homeschool youth were reached by 7 educational programs.
  • 200 youth from 4 counties participated in Connect the Dots, a career preparedness event.
  • Over 100 youth participated in the Clay County shooting sports program.

 A few Fillmore County accomplishments include:

  • 92% of eligible youth participated in 4-H clubs, school enrichment, workshops, or special-interest projects—building confidence, leadership, and lifelong skills.
  • The inaugural STEM Field Day engaged 374 K–6 students from three schools, fostering curiosity and enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering, and math through interactive, hands-on activities.
  • Through targeted risk management education, the 2025 Farmers & Ranchers College served 200 participants, with more than one-third implementing operational changes because of past programming.
  • 84% of Fillmore County fifth graders who participated in Smart Cents lessons can now create a simple budget.

Of course, there are numerous more impacts and programming results to report, but these are some that I decided to include in this week’s column. For more information and ways to participate in Extension programming go to extension.unl.edu.

Wishing you a very Happy Holiday Season!

Programming, Youth

4-H Delivery Modes

Brandy VanDeWalle

With county and state fairs complete, I’m often asked, “What are you doing now that fair is over?” The answer is simple: a lot! This week, I want to highlight the many ways 4-H reaches youth beyond the fair. In fact, in Clay and Fillmore Counties, our small staff connects with 1 in 2 age-eligible youth and families. Statewide, Nebraska 4-H reaches 1 in 3 youth across all 93 counties, with the support of more than 12,000 volunteers.

Nebraska 4-H strives to empower young people to develop strong mindsets and social skills for successful futures. Youth are reached through clubs, camps, afterschool programs, school enrichment, and special interest opportunities. While traditional 4-H clubs and camps are often the most visible, school enrichment and other programs extend our impact year-round.

School enrichment programs are learning experiences provided during school hours by local 4-H staff. These hands-on programs enhance classroom lessons, introduce new topics, and spark curiosity. They also strengthen collaboration between teachers and Extension staff to meet classroom goals. Locally, our programs focus on Career Development, STEM, Healthy Lifestyles/Personal Development and Agricultural Literacy, and we continually adapt to meet the needs of schools and students.

One program in its 28th year is AgVenture Day – a partnership with the South-Central Cattle Women and Extension that reaches 150+ fourth graders annually with hands-on lessons about agriculture and food production. Progressive Agriculture Safety Day – held each spring, reaches nearly 100 youth with presentations on safety and injury prevention.

Research Shows 4-H Impact

National research underscores the positive impact of 4-H. A series of studies led by Dr. Richard Lerner and his team at Tufts University (2002–2012; 2020–2023) show that 4-H youth report higher levels of positive youth development—including well-being, strong relationships, self-regulation, and active school engagement—compared to their non-4-H peers (Tufts Now, 2024).

Most notably, in the recent Replication Study (2020–2023):

  • 4-H youth were 2x more likely to report feeling competent.
  • 4-H youth were 2x more likely to feel positive about their well-being.

In addition, follow-up studies of 4-H alumni show long-term benefits as young adults. Compared to their non-4-H peers, alumni were:

  • 3x more likely to engage in community service.
  • 2x more likely to report living with purpose and intentionality.
  • 2x more likely to aspire to leadership roles.

These findings highlight the lasting influence of 4-H as youth navigate today’s challenges, including mental health and social pressures.

So, next time you’re tempted to ask, “What are you doing now that fair is over?” consider instead, “What programs or projects are you working on?” Chances are, you’ll hear about school enrichment, youth safety programs, agriculture education, or any of the countless Extension efforts supporting youth, farmers & ranchers, families, and communities.

For more information about Nebraska Extension’s educational programs, research, and initiatives, visit extension.unl.edu.

Youth

State Fair and Its Impact on Youth

Brandy VanDeWalle

As you read this, the Nebraska State Fair is in full swing! While many think of special foods, entertainment, carnival rides, and competition as the hallmarks of a state fair, the event means much more to 4-H and FFA members. For them, the fair is the culmination of months—sometimes years—of hard work, dedication, and learning. It is an opportunity for their efforts to be recognized on a statewide stage.

In 2024, Kaitlin Rogers, a 4-H Youth Development Educator with the University of Delaware Extension, shared three key reasons why state fair participation benefits youth. While some benefits are most visible in live competitions such as livestock shows or public speaking contests, youth exhibiting static projects also gain valuable experiences.

  1. Responsibility and Personal Growth
    Advancing to the state fair requires commitment, time management, and accountability. Whether preparing a show animal, perfecting a recipe, or readying an art project, youth learn to take ownership of their work. Competitive events foster humility in success and grace in defeat—building resilience, empathy, and emotional maturity. In livestock competitions, exhibitors also take on the responsibility of animal care and answering questions from spectators, further developing personal growth.
  • Networking and Connection
    State fairs provide opportunities to connect with diverse audiences. Youth meet peers from across the state who share similar interests, often forming lasting friendships and exchanging ideas. They also gain valuable insights from judges, fellow competitors, and other exhibitors, whether in person or through viewing others’ work. These connections can broaden perspectives and inspire future goals.
  • Life Skill Development
    The preparation process sharpens essential life skills such as time management, goal setting, and perseverance. For example, a baked good might require multiple attempts to perfect, while showing an animal can demand patience—especially if the animal behaves differently in the show ring than at home. These experiences build confidence, pride, and practical abilities that serve youth in academics, careers, and personal life.

When you visit the Nebraska State Fair, take time to tour the livestock barns and 4-H/FFA exhibit buildings. Congratulate youth on their accomplishments, whether in person or when you see them back home. In a world where young people face many challenges, your encouragement may be the boost they need to take their next step forward with confidence.

The Nebraska State Fair runs August 22 – September 1, 2025, in Grand Island, Nebraska.

Youth

Developing Citizenship & Leadership Skills

Brandy VanDeWalle

I recently had the privilege of chaperoning 16 youth from Clay, Fillmore, Adams, and Saline Counties on the Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) trip. This impactful leadership experience is designed to help youth develop citizenship skills through hands-on learning in our nation’s capital. Throughout the week, participants:

  • Strengthen leadership, communication, and civic engagement skills to advocate on a national level.
  • Deepen their understanding of civic responsibility and its role in shaping effective citizens and leaders.
  • Exchange ideas, practice respect, and build connections with 4-H youth from across the country.
  • Explore U.S. history through meaningful experiences in Washington, D.C.
  • Create a “Lead to Change” action plan to make a positive difference in their local communities.

While at CWF, youth engaged in dynamic workshops that built their knowledge of government and equipped them to be informed, active citizens. They explored what it means to be a leader and developed personalized plans to bring about positive change in their communities using the skills they gained.

The Nebraska delegation also enjoyed enriching tours of national landmarks and historical sites. Highlights included a visit to New York City to see the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the 9/11 Museum. The group toured Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where they learned about a Medal of Honor recipient buried in Dorchester Cemetery in Saline County. On the way to Washington, D.C., youth visited Mount Vernon, the historic home of George Washington.

In Washington, D.C., participants visited numerous monuments and memorials, including the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Memorial, FDR Memorial, and Thomas Jefferson Memorial. They observed the Changing of the Guard at Arlington National Cemetery and toured the Holocaust Museum and Smithsonian museums.

Leadership development continued through a series of engaging workshops focused on citizenship pillars, active listening, civil discourse, media literacy, understanding government operations, and advocacy. Youth also participated in a powerful First Amendment activity and met with congressional representatives and senators, including Representative Adrian Smith. He commended the students for their involvement and emphasized how fortunate they are to have this opportunity to explore our nation’s capital.

The 4-H Citizenship Washington Focus program empowers youth to grow as leaders and communicators through the lens of history, democracy, and the U.S. Constitution. A 2021 Tufts University longitudinal study on Positive Youth Development found that 4-H youth are:

  • Twice as likely as their peers to aspire to leadership roles.
  • Twice as likely to live with intentionality and purpose.
  • Three times more likely to be actively involved in community service.

Programs like CWF make a lasting impact on young people, equipping them to become thoughtful, engaged citizens who lead with purpose.

Uncategorized

Youth Crop Scouting Competition – Connecting Youth with Crops

Brandy VanDeWalle

Looking for a fun club project? Want to unite your club members? Running out of ideas for club meetings?  If you answered, “yes” to any of these questions, help is on the way!  Nebraska Extension is pleased to present the 12th annual Crop Scouting Competition for Nebraska youth. Youth interested in crops can learn about crop growth & development and basic crop scouting principles. 

Don’t know a lot about crops?  Ask a local agronomist to assist by providing a short lesson on crop production. You can have the agronomist meet with youth a little during each meeting or outside of the meeting. This is one way to engage those youth interested in crops. 

This contest will be held at the Eastern Nebraska Research & Extension Center near Mead, Nebraska on August 5, 2025. The event will include both indoor and outdoor events. Teams of junior high and high school students (those completing 5-12th grades) from across Nebraska are invited to participate. This event is limited to the first ten teams who sign-up! 

Clubs or other organizations may enter a team composed of three to five participants. An adult team leader must accompany each team of students. Team leaders could be FFA advisors, crop consultants, extension staff, coop employees, etc. 

Top-scoring teams win prizes: $500 for first, $250 for second, $100 for third place. Top two teams will be eligible for regional competition held in Iowa this year.

Teams will be expected to know the basics of scouting corn and soybean fields. This includes crop staging; looking for patterns of crop injury; disease, insect and weed seedling identification; etc. Other topics many include but are not limited to, pesticide safety, nutrient disorders, and herbicide injury. 

More information about the crop scouting competition and instructions on how to register a team are available online at cropwatch.unl.edu/youth. Register at: https://go.unl.edu/cropscoutingreg

Teams must be registered by July 15. This program is sponsored by Nebraska Independent Crop Consultant Association, Ward Laboratories, the Nebraska Soybean Board and Nebraska Extension.

Uncategorized

Nebraska LEAD Program

Brandy VanDeWalle

It is hard to believe it has been 17 years since I participated in the Nebraska LEAD program! Through this program, I met twenty-nine talented individuals with a passion of agriculture through the Nebraska LEAD program. To date, I remain friends with many of them and the networking opportunities have been tremendous. The in-state seminars challenged me to think outside of the box and remain an advocate for agriculture. I could go on and on about the excellent opportunities the LEAD program has provided, but I challenge you to experience it yourself!

Individuals passionate about agriculture, leadership and making a difference across Nebraska are encouraged to apply for the Nebraska LEAD (Leadership Education/Action Development) Program’s 44th cohort. Applications for this premier agricultural leadership development program are now being accepted through June 15, 2025.

For more than four decades, the Nebraska LEAD Program has identified and cultivated leaders for Nebraska’s agricultural industry and rural communities. Over the course of two years, Nebraska LEAD Fellows participate in a series of dynamic seminars, in-state and national study travel, and a life-changing international study experience — all designed to build critical leadership skills, broaden perspectives and strengthen participants’ ability to shape the future of agriculture and their communities.

“Nebraska agriculture needs visionary leaders who can not only navigate change but drive it — leaders who advocate fiercely for our industry and unite people toward a common purpose,” said Kurtis Harms, Nebraska LEAD Program Director. “The Nebraska LEAD Program offers an unparalleled opportunity for both personal growth and professional impact. Whether you farm, ranch, work in agribusiness or champion rural communities, if you’re passionate about leadership and ready to make a difference, Nebraska LEAD is your next step.”

Individuals involved in production agriculture, agribusiness or professions closely tied to the agricultural industry are encouraged to apply. Ideal candidates are emerging leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to leadership and service.

Application packets can be requested online at lead.unl.edu. Those interested can also nominate individuals who exhibit high leadership potential to receive application information.

The deadline to submit applications for Nebraska LEAD Group 44 is June 15, 2025.

For more information about the Nebraska LEAD Program, including eligibility requirements and program details, visit lead.unl.edu.

Uncategorized

Progressive Agriculture Safety Day

Brandy VanDeWalle

Recognized as the largest rural safety and health education program for children in North America, Progressive Agriculture Safety Day® (PAF Safety Day) provides age-appropriate, hands-on educational lessons primarily designed for children ages 4 to 13 years old. Since the program’s start in 1995, more than 1.9 million individuals have been reached in 45 states, two U.S. territories, and nine Canadian provinces.  Trained PAF Safety Day Coordinators partner within their community, using one of the three delivery modes, to customize their PAF Safety Day selecting from more than 30 safety and health topics with hundreds of activities and demonstrations to meet the needs of the youth in their area.

Statistics from those impacted by a farm-related injury or death are sobering. Many know someone who was impacted by a farm accident that in many cases could have been prevented. Therefore, I feel so passionately about conducting the Annual Progressive Safety Day each year. The Progressive Agriculture Foundation provides safety and health information to rural communities that need it, which is why I’ve teamed up with them. The mission of Progressive Agriculture Days is simple – to provide education, training, and resources to make farm and ranch life safer and healthier for children and their communities. The vision is that “no child become ill, injured or die from farm, ranch and rural activities.”

Locally, since I have been involved with a Progressive Agriculture Safety Day in Geneva for nearly 20 years. We have grown from approximately 60 participants to nearly 100 youth from surrounding counties. This half-day event involves many volunteers and local sponsors to make the program what it is today. Every year, business staff or volunteers help teach the hands-on activities. In addition, area FFA chapters assist in delivery of sessions and guiding youth participants to each session.

Current 1st through 6th graders are invited to attend Progressive Agriculture Safety Day on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at the Fillmore County Fairgrounds in Geneva, NE.  Youth will participate in a variety of events designed to help them be aware of safety in potentially hazardous situations in and around rural and agricultural settings, including electricity, online safety, severe weather safety, lawn mower safety, sun safety, chemical look-alikes, impacts on mental health and a drug dog demonstration.  NE Extension hosts this event in Fillmore County, along with Shickley, Fillmore Central, Exeter-Milligan-Friend FFA chapters, 4-H, W.I.F.E. and Fillmore County Emergency Management. Early registration forms and $5 are due April 25th; forms can be downloaded at fillmore.unl.edu. After April 25th, registration is $10/youth. For more info or to register, call 402-759-3712 or email brandy.vandewalle@unl.edu.

Uncategorized

Hopeful Purpose

Brandy VanDeWalle
There are many distractions that adults and youth alike face in today’s ever-changing world. Finding something that provides oneself with a sense of purpose and hope can help one stay grounded. Today’s 4-H professionals continue to work in the positive youth development area by helping youth find their spark, which motivates youth to accomplish something and find a purpose in their lives.  

National 4-H used a model, called the 4-H Thriving Model, which has several social, emotional, and cognitive learning pieces that intentionally aim to help youth succeed or thrive. One of the indicators of a successful youth program is providing youth with a sense of “hopeful purpose”.  When youth have a hopeful purpose, they see themselves as being on the way to a happy and successful future.  

Research shows that youth with a sense of purpose are more goal-directed and have increased life satisfaction, better emotional well-being, and great positive affect. To help youth achieve a sense of hopeful purpose, program staff and volunteers should aim first at helping youth identify what interests a youth or “makes them tick”. This is known as a spark. Some youth may know what their spark is right away, while others may need to explore several areas to find their spark. An adult should work to actively facilitate the development of a young person’s spark. This could be done by inviting that youth to a series of workshops, connecting that youth to a mentor, or if appropriate, involving that youth in co-teaching a program.  Adults should encourage, and assist, youth in developing meaningful SMART goals. Following this, a caring adult should coach youth to achieve them. Which, in turn, shows youth a pathway to the future. 

Today’s youth have so much to offer, such as skills, ideas, and resources, which aid in developing future leaders. Some ways you can help facilitate a hopeful purpose in youth include creating youth development programs that empower youth voices and show how they can make a difference; helping youth work on a service project they are passionate about and help them succeed; helping youth identify their unique gifts and talents and courage them to understand how those strengths can be used to make the world a better place.   

In summary, thriving youth have a sense of hope and purpose, and see themselves on the way to a happy and successful future. 
4-H Thrive Model
Programming

Nebraska Extension: Part Two

Brandy VanDeWalle

Last week I shared about Nebraska Extension and some of my yearly impacts from 2024 and this week, I’ll share a few more. I am blessed to work with other talented Extension colleagues who create positive change every day. Some Extension impacts can be found online at https://extension.unl.edu/impact-nebraska/.

In 2024, I conducted the Nebraska Youth Crop Scouting Competition with 31 youth on 7 teams competing from 5 counties at ENREEC by Mead. Seven stations ranged from precision ag scouting to diseases, insects weed identification, etc. with judges from the Cropping Systems programming area. The Nebraska Soybean Board, Independent Crop Consultant Association, and UNL’s Doctor of Plant Health program sponsored this in-depth learning experience. 2024 survey results show that:

  • 80% of youth learned about a new career option
  • 93% of youth are more aware of degree opportunities at UNL & improved knowledge of accurately identifying pests as well as learning effective non-chemical control practices.
  • 97% of youth have an improved knowledge of crop scouting procedures.
  • “I learned how to use aerial imagery to better diagnose a field.” – Participant

As state co-superintendent of 4-H Agronomy, I led the Special Agronomy Project (SAP) which delivered nearly 700 seed packets to NE youth. Eleven sugar beet projects were exhibited at the state fair.

  • 38% of participants who completed the evaluation said it was the first time they took an agronomy project to fair & 81% learned a skill that can be used in the future; 92% will enroll in the SAP next year.
  • “This is a neat program, and I’d love for our whole club to do this next year.” – 4-H mom
  • This project made headlines on IANR news and was featured in a statewide booth by Western Sugar.

STEM Education – The Department of Defense projects that 80% of jobs will require STEM skills in the next decade, underscoring the need to engage students and educators in impactful STEM experiences. In 2024, I taught 1,619 STEM lessons to youth across 11 counties and 42 adults from the U.S. and a U.S. territory, covering topics from electricity and robotics to soil science and pollinator education.

I forged a new partnership with Nebraska EPSCoR through my ROOTED in Ag project. This led to an opportunity to organize a session at the National EPSCoR Conference. Alongside project members from Alaska and Hawaii, we delivered a cutting-edge workshop showcasing our agricultural science virtual reality field trips—demonstrating the power of technology in education. I developed a VR Robotic Dairy field trip and captured 360-degree images of cropping systems throughout the year, as well as drone footage and still images, all of which will be integrated into our group’s website and project. These immersive, high-tech field trips are slated for full implementation in 2025, promising to create lasting impacts on STEM education. Impacts from 18 direct teaching hours, representing a total of 64,110 direct learner hours taught in STEM-based.

Leadership Education– Investing in youth leadership development is a vital skill that contributes to both the personal success of young people and the overall well-being of our society. I taught both the Leadership Summit and Purple Ribbon Kid programs to 105 youth from 9 classrooms in 3 counties.

  • 100% of teachers who participated in the Purple Ribbon Kid program agreed/strongly agreed they have already witnessed positive behavior change in their students because of the lessons.
  • Because of the program, one youth said, “I will be more open to other people and their perspectives.” The teacher reported that the class “looks forward to using this knowledge as they continue throughout their lives” and 100% of youth now feel they can create positive change in their community.

Youth

Ready then. Ready now. Ready for anything.  

Brandy VanDeWalle

Celebrate National 4-H Week!

Nebraska 4-H is building a ready generation in a world of change. Today’s youth are growing up in a unique moment where the world is rapidly changing – life following a pandemic, and artificial intelligence are just a few factors affecting mental health, confidence, and the ability to find contentment in life. 

Since its beginning more than 120 years ago, 4-H has become the nation’s largest youth development organization. Nationally, 4-H serves over 6 million youth, ages 5-19, in rural, urban, and suburban communities in every state across the nation. In Nebraska, 4-H reaches one out of three who are age-eligible.  Young people need positive youth development experiences more now than ever. 4-H equips youth with skills for the future while meeting them where they are today. 4-H provides opportunities and experiences that shape young people into their full, authentic selves, enabling them to shine both now and in the future.  

The citizens of our state have helped shape the educational priorities for the Nebraska 4-H program. These programs incorporate quality learning experiences and science literacy, which are delivered through clubs, camps, school enrichment, afterschool, and special interest opportunities. Everything offered by Nebraska 4-H Youth Development is built around positive youth development (https://4h.unl.edu/pyd) as a way of preparing young people who are engaged, healthy, productive, and beyond ready for their future. 

Engaged, Healthy, and Productive Youth 

4-H embraces diversity in people, careers, and perspectives. Every child is valuable and deserves the support and freedom to choose their own path. 4-H believes in the potential of all youth and strives to let their talents flourish. 

Nebraska 4-H fosters youths’ commitment to their communities and growing future leaders. Through community development programs, youth develop and exercise leadership skills, gain a greater awareness of their civic responsibilities, and participate in service projects. They also provide youth voice to community decision bodies and are engaged, well-informed citizens who are active in their local and global communities.   

4-H has proven to instill confidence and resiliency. Dedicated to empowering youth in both body and mind, we rely on scientifically-backed studies and programming that drive youth forward so they can be prepared for anything.  

Nebraska 4-H educates youth about making healthy and safe decisions in their daily lives. Through healthy living programs, youth gain knowledge and develop skills for making healthy and safe decisions in their daily lives, acquire an understanding of what positive relationships look like, practice healthy and safe decision-making, and exhibit increased resiliency.  

4-H equips youth with skills for the future while meeting them where they are today. Through 4-H, opportunities and experiences are offered that shape youth into their full, authentic selves, enabling them to shine both now and in the future. Through College and Career Success programs, 4-H youth develop the knowledge, skills, and mindsets through experiential learning opportunities to explore potential postsecondary education and career options. Nebraska 4-H prepares youth to make informed decisions about their careers and college paths. Programs assist young people with developing skills that will lead to greater persistence in college and employability.  

To learn more about how you can get involved, visit 4h.unl.edu.