UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State will celebrate its 11th GivingTuesday on Tuesday, Dec. 2 — and Pennsylvania 4-H invites alumni and friends to participate by showing support for the organization’s 4-H Animal Science Knowledge Teams Endowment.
The 4-H program is Pennsylvania’s largest youth development organization with programs delivered through Penn State Extension in all 67 counties. 4-H members tackle projects that build life skills, explore careers and help young people find their passion in life.
“I joined the Berks County 4-H Sheep Club when I was 8 years old,” said Stephanie McGargle, a coach of the Huntingdon County 4-H Livestock Judging Team. “Adventuring out of my comfort zone of the sheep world helped me gain appreciation for the beef and swine industries, which led me to pursue a degree in animal science at Penn State.”
The endowment provides funds to 4-H’ers who represent Pennsylvania at national animal science events, covering expenses such as travel and registration fees.
With rising costs, the endowment cannot cover as much as in previous years. 4-H aims to expand the endowment so that all qualified youth can attend national events, regardless of their families’ financial ability. The organization aims to raise $25,000 in funding during this year’s GivingTuesday.
“The opportunities that are available for youth excelling in judging, quiz bowl and skillathons around the county are vast,” McGargle said. “Support from alumni, friends, family and organizations helps bolster the ability to embrace these opportunities — opportunities that build leaders.”
GivingTuesday takes place Tuesday, Dec. 2, with an early kick off Monday, Dec. 1, at 18:55 (6:55 p.m.) EST. Those interested in contributing to the 4-H livestock judging endowment fund or establishing a personal fundraising page as a campaign champion can learn more here. The 4-H program will match donations up to $12,500.
“Let’s help continue to build strong leaders and agricultural enthusiasts, as this is an industry that helps the world live one more day,” McGargle said.
To learn more about the Pennsylvania 4-H program and its progress, visit the 4-H website.
Gifts made on GivingTuesday advance the University’s historic land-grant mission to serve and lead. Through philanthropy, alumni and friends are helping students to join the Penn State family and prepare for lifelong success; driving research, outreach and economic development that grow our shared strength and readiness for the future; and increasing the University’s impact for families, patients, and communities across the commonwealth and around the world. Learn more by visiting raise.psu.edu.