Alaska Celebrates First-Ever 4-H Day: A New Tradition for Youth Leadership and Learning
October 2, 2024, marks a milestone in Alaska’s history – the first ever 4-H Day in the state! Alaska 4-H, a youth development program under the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) Cooperative Extension, is dedicated to cultivating leadership, curiosity, and practical skills in young Alaskans. From urban to rural communities, Alaska 4-H engages youth in hands-on learning experiences that foster a love for science, technology, agriculture, and community service.
This achievement of an annual 4-H Day also comes from the hard work of 4-H teens! Students met with legislatures to advocate for the creation of 4-H Day, and Representative Donna Mears (D-Anchorage), who started attending 4-H meetings in kindergarten, sponsored the bill. “4H clubs throughout Alaska provide incredible opportunities for our youth to build community, their leadership abilities, and skills that will last a lifetime. I’m grateful that 4H was such a big part of my life growing up and that it still is for so many Alaskan kids,” said Representative Mears. Governor Dunleavy signed House Bill 337 into law establishing the first Wednesday of each October as 4-H Day in Alaska as the 4-H years begins in October.
While the Tanana Valley State Fair in Fairbanks and the Alaska State Fair in Palmer attract attention for the display of 4-H livestock, produce, and products, 4-H members participate in activities that extend beyond agricultural skills. Students conduct science experiments, participate in environmental stewardship, and engage with civic education. When community member Jenny Sage was asked why Bristol Bay 4-H is important, she said, “Students build life skills by leading hands-on projects in areas like culture, science, health, gardening, legos and, civic engagement – helping them to grow confidence, independence, resilience, and compassion. Adult mentors provide a positive environment where they learn by doing.”
This first official 4-H Day serves as a reminder of the powerful role the program plays in building confident, capable future leaders. Throughout the state, 4-H participants, families, and volunteers will be celebrating the many ways this program has positively impacted lives. Alaska 4-H will also be wearing green on October 2nd!
Kodiak 4-H is sponsoring an art contest - the theme is "Show love for Alaska 4-H" – and the winning art will become stickers for all 4H-ers in Alaska!
For more information about Alaska 4-H visit and how to get involved: https://www.uaf.edu/ces/4-h/
