The Grayson County 4-H Agent has increased school program reach throughout the counties four elementary schools. Positive youth programming spans primarily from grades second through fifth grades, with an occasional Kindergarten group. The opportunities to reach so many youths throughout these grades have increased program and club participation as well as the significant increase in youth attending 4-H camp each year. The agent has created a rapport with the youth at the schools, as well as the staff throughout, that they all ask as soon as walking in the door “what are we doing today!?!” and by the end of the year, “will we see you next year?”

The students know that by their fourth-grade year, they will be at the pinnacle of what they have been waiting for! They know their activities for the year will include DNA extractions, cow eyeball dissections, SNAP circuit kits, owl pellets, and more, all culminating with the rocket lesson, building and launching. The agent uses 4-H curriculum and activities to supplement what the students are learning about in science as that subject, along with math and reading, are on the KSA test for fourth grades.

At the end of the 2024 school year, 280 fourth-grade students were asked to complete a survey.

80% Expressed thoughts and opinions during 4-H.

76% Used information to communicate with others.

76% Demonstrated a skill they learned.

90% worked in a team/group to accomplish a common task or goal.

69% Realized how their actions impacted others.

61% Have decided to participate in 4-H activities outside of school, like 4-H Camp or a 4-H Club.