LONGVIEW, Texas (KLTV) – Here in East Texas, the push for agricultural education is growing, and a big part of that proof comes from the increasing enrollment in 4-H programs.
In just eight years, enrollment has grown by nearly 70%, and officials only expect that trend to continue.
“To have 557 4-H members in our Gregg County 4-H program is amazing, because eight years ago we started with zero,” Arvitta Scott, County Extension Agent 4-H & Youth Development, said.
Just like a crop — the number of students becoming involved with their local 4-H programs is growing.
Scott said since the start of the 4-H year, which was September 1st, there has been a boom in interest.
“The numbers are increasing; kids are enrolling every day. We’re already a little bit over 100 kids enrolled, and so by the end of the year I’m sure we’re gonna surpass over 500 kids,” said Scott.
A prediction that could possibly match and exceed last year’s participation, which was nearly 560.
Scott said she believes a large reason for the flourishing involvement comes from what the AgriLife Extension team can offer students.
“It’s no longer just livestock,” Scott said. “We’re talking about leadership, we’re talking about public speaking, nutrition, robotics, it’s community service… so we have a wealth of projects the students can engage in and I think that’s why we’re thriving.”
Tuesday, Gregg County Commissioners recognized a proclamation designating October 5th – 11th as National 4-H Week.
“The whole 4-h program gives kids an experience they can deal with throughout life for all kinds of issues,” Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt said. “Whether it be bow hunting, planting crops or getting to know animals. It’s just overall a big part of the education system we’re trying to put together.”
“Vegetables and beef and produce does not grow in stores,” Gregg County Commissioner Precinct 1, Ronnie McKinney, said. “It grows out in the public and so many kids have no idea where it comes from. They’ll get knowledge gained that can’t be replaced later on in life.”
Also on Tuesday, the Gregg County Commissioner’s approved a new addition for an archery range at the incoming AgriLife Extension building.
The archery project will cost around $106,000.
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