OSU Extension offers urban youth rural opportunities
The Ohio State University Extension is working to bridge the gap between urban and rural community members by working closely with area 4-H clubs.
The Ohio State University Extension is a branch of the school that provides education and resources to help individuals, families and communities. It works with local organizations, businesses and government agencies to develop and deliver programs that address the needs of each community.
The office is part of OSU’s College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and has served the state since 1905. The mission of the OSU Extension is to create opportunities for people to explore how science-based knowledge can improve social, economic and environmental conditions.
Locally, the Wayne County office is comprised of a team of individuals constantly adapting to the community’s needs and expanding its focus. The office works closely with area 4-H clubs and has recently made an effort to create opportunities for urban community members.
According to 4-H program assistant Diane Johnson, the extension office offers something for everyone, not just those in the agricultural community.
“We are very fortunate to have family farms in Wayne County,” Johnson said. “There is a blending between the urban kids and farm kids. They are coming together, sharing their experiences and meshing their ideas. It is really cool to see.”
According to Johnson, the extension office offers programs that appeal to urban and rural teens.
“This opportunity is right in our backyard,” Johnson said. “We had one individual that had never been out of the city and had no idea there were open fields. These programs foster interest and exploration.”
The programs offered through the extension office are in-depth and offer beginner, intermediate and advanced levels of teaching in a variety of agricultural and nonagricultural interests such as art, graphic design, public speaking, fashion, nutrition, natural resources, chemistry, rocketry, robotics, welding, woodworking and STEM.
In addition to educational programs, the OSU Extension conducts research on various topics. This research helps to identify new and innovative techniques for improving crop yields, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. Farmers can access this information through publications, online resources and one-on-one consultations with extension agents.
Family and consumer sciences educator Melinda Hill’s focus on community outreach helps build stronger, more vibrant communities through collaboration and dispels the misconception that 4-H is only for farming families.
“We have so much information,” Hill said, “whether it is agriculture, youth development, scholarships or trips the kids can access. We offer more than 200 projects, whether you live on a farm or in a condo, that youth can take advantage of. This is life skills development, and we want to reach out and share what we have with what you need. All you need to have is the interest. There is honestly something for everyone.”
To learn more about programs the extension office offers, visit extension.osu.edu or call the office at 330-264-8722.
Dan Starcher is the public communications coordinator for the Wayne County government.