When the COVID-19 global pandemic forced Kentuckians into quarantine youth and families began spending more time at home, minimizing opportunities for youth to engage in typical extracurricular activities. Due to this situation the Jefferson County 4-H Program began holding 4-H virtual programs on social media platforms. The goal of the 4-H virtual programs were to maintain ways for youth and families to engage with 4-H projects, events and activities while learning new life skills through a trusted source with the Jefferson County 4-H office and curriculum from the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment Cooperative Extension Service.

Jefferson County 4-H has planned virtual programs for the spring, including Photography, STEM, Art, Nutrition, Homeschool outreach and Cloverbud.  The virtual programming has offered new ways to get involved with 4-H, increase participation of new audiences as well as awareness of the benefits of participation in 4-H activities. Youth and families have had the opportunity through the virtual programming to connect with people from across the County. The new virtual programs that I am offering and responsible for are STEM Lab, Communications Club and the Environmental Club.  Over the past year I have been able to reach over 45 youth 20 of these youth are new to 4-H.   

Many families and youth have said that because of the virtual programming, they have been able to stay connected with 4-H.  Others have said that this has continued to bring a sense of normalcy in their home and have enjoyed programming and looking forward to programs in the future. From these activities I also gained 2 new summer camp volunteers.  90 % of the families involved felt that their child gained a sense of confidence from participation in 4-H.  85% of the youth felt s sense of accomplishment and 95% of families felt that these programs sparked an further interest and involvement with 4-H.