2023 Premier 4-H Grant Recipients Part 2

Through partnership with the Indiana 4-H Foundation, we worked across southern Indiana to fund new ideas ranging from a Drone Club in Monroe County to livestock workshops and learning lab kits in Washington County. “We placed a special focus on technology grants this year to help Extension Educators establish new programs and spark ideas that help kids see how technology and agriculture intersect, preparing them for the workforce and careers,” said Katie Martin, Director of Marketing. “In fact, our support impacted 4,450 local youth this year. We also support FFA, making leadership experiences possible.”

If you missed part one of this series, be sure to check that out for additional 2023 grant recipient spotlights. For a full list of the 2023 recipients, please visit the Indiana 4-H Foundation’s website.

Monroe County

Many of the 4-H families in Monroe County have a relationship with Premier, and were excited when the 4-H Foundation sent out an email announcing that Monroe County had been added to the grant program. The decision to apply for this program came from the blossoming partnership between the 4-H organization and Monroe Schools and the growing need for STEM programming. They hope to lay the foundation to increase the knowledge of young people through new programs that teach animal science beyond the various 4-H projects. Their goal is to bring more hands-on programs to schools, so there is a need for more equipment to meet the growing program demand.

According to the Monroe County representative, there is a deep appreciation for Premier beyond the immediate grant-funded initiatives as they are “a company genuinely invested in children and education.” The belief is that experiences are fundamental in building independence and resilience in kids. Looking ahead, their focus extends to providing more Farm-to-School experiences for groups. Acknowledging the challenges schools face in organizing field trips, the goal is to make educational excursions accessible.

Harrison County

Educator: Rebecca Wilkins
Funding Received: $2,000
Junior Leader Exhibit Hall upgrades

The knowledge of the grant’s availability reached Harrison County 4-H through the Indiana 4-H Foundation. Motivated by a commitment to bring their innovative ideas to life for the benefit of the local children and community, they decided to apply. For Harrison County, this grant holds significant importance. It has played a pivotal role in supporting various initiatives, from supplying materials for their nature camp to the installation of doors at the exhibit hall, enhancing knowledge, fun, and safety for the county’s youth. As they reflect on the impact achieved thus far, they eagerly anticipate future opportunities that the grant might bring.

Looking ahead, Harrison County is enthusiastic about what is to come. The focus is on developing Harrison County Vet Camp 2.0 specifically tailored for the 6th-8th grade division. Recognizing the need for more complex hands-on activities and tools to delve into intricate veterinary topics, they express excitement about collaborating with local veterinarians and Premier Ag to provide this enriching opportunity for the community.

Morgan County

For Morgan County, the awareness of the grant opportunity was sparked by an email sent to 4-H Extension Educators by the Foundation. The decision to apply was motivated by Morgan County’s previous experience with an OSU kit received through another grant. Despite the desire to acquire additional kits, the prohibitive cost acted as a barrier. With the goal of establishing a team for State Poultry judging, the focus was on initiating the education of young 4-H members to foster interest in poultry. The species kits emerged as valuable tools for instructing youth about animals and preparing them for judging competitions. Drawing from personal experience as a producer, the Morgan County representative expressed a wish for having acquired these skills in childhood, recognizing the potential for becoming a better producer with early exposure to such equipment. They emphasize the importance of teaching information about animals, a facet rarely addressed in traditional educational settings.

The Premier Grant emerges as a crucial resource, providing access to teaching materials that were previously unavailable. It enables kids to hone their skills and offers more opportunities for experiential learning through hands-on kits. Gratitude is expressed for the investment that Premier Companies makes in the development of 4-H youth. Premier plays an indispensable role in funding these educational tools, particularly the kits, which are deemed ideal for a skill-a-thon format.

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