Local Programs
Who? All boys and girls ages 5-18
What? Positive youth development through an informal education program conducted by our state land-grant universities (Virginia Tech and Virginia State), the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments
Where? In the classroom, in a church, in someone’s home, at a library or other meeting place….
When? Anytime
Why? To teach citizenship, leadership and life skills that will help our young people to become self-directing,contributing, and productive members of society
How? Through a partnership with caring adults like you
- The central theme of 4-H education is “learn by doing.” It is accomplished using an experiential learning model and hands-on activities.
- Virginia 4-H Programs are organized around content areas. Many 4-H lessons address the objectives of Virginia SOL's and are designed for classroom use.
- Please consider taking advantage of the resources available through 4-H. 4-H is here to help you and can provide materials, training and classroom support or visits. There is support for you in these content areas:
- Animal Sciences
- Citizenship
- Communications and Expressive Arts
- Natural Resources and Environmental Education
- Family Sciences
- Foods, Nutrition, and Health
- Careers and Economic Education
- Leadership and Personal Development
- Plants, Soils, and Entomology
- Science, Engineering, and Technology
Engaging with Communities
Virginia Cooperative Extension specialists in community viability work with Extension agents, campus-based faculty, organizational partners, communities, and individuals to further opportunity and build capacity in five program areas:
- Leadership & Planning
- Community Enterprise and Resiliency
- Community Food System and Enterprises
- Community Planning
- Emerging Community Issues
Examples of our work include training county elected officials, educating entrepreneurs, facilitating collaborative projects, supporting the growth of community food systems and local economies, enhancing agent skills and community capacity in facilitation and leadership, conducting problem-driven research, and creating publications and tools that address critical community needs.
Do you have a question about Community Viability?
Perhaps one of the Community Viability specialists below can help you. Contact a Community Viability specialist or direct a question to them using our Ask an Expert system.