Teens Leading The Way

The Montgomery County 4-H program is proud of our teen leaders that are taking the initiative to live out the 4-H motto, “to make the best better”. There are two specific teams of teens that I would like to highlight that are offering programming opportunities throughout the county to businesses, organizations, youth agencies, and more.

The 4-H Tech Changemakers team aims to help train adults in digital literacy skills and increase digital inclusion in communities. These trainings can also help with professional development of adults and/or in seeking new employment opportunities. The team is also exploring the digital divide in communities. Trainings are done through partnering with businesses, elected officials, nonprofits, educators, etc. They can teach a variety of lessons including, but not limited to:

– Communication (e-mail basics; video conferencing – including tips and tricks)

– Career Journey (resources for developing soft skills and job seeking skills online)

– Acceptable ways of communicating on the internet and sharing information

– Searching for digital information (the importance of knowing how to access and evaluate digital information – examining quality, credibility, and validity of website and search strategies)

– Searching for jobs online

– Creating strong passwords

They can teach anything that helps adults enhance digital skills. Examples include using Canva to design eye-appealing graphics and flyers for social media and print, social media etiquette, and more. They are open to any ideas or needs you may have related to digital information.

Finally, I would like to highlight is our Teen Leadership team. This team can teach and lead curriculum that helps others grow in leadership skills, which enhances workforce development skills. They are able to teach both youth and adult audiences. While they have a variety of lessons to choose from, they can also work with your organization, business, etc. to accommodate your specific needs.

The Montgomery County 4-H program has youth that are leading the way to make their community a better place for everyone. Not only are they focused on mentoring younger youth and their peers, but they are also interested in helping adults develop their skills as well. The 4-H program believes in lifelong learning and these two groups are evidence of that. If you are interested in having either of these groups present or teach, please contact the Extension office at (765)364-6363 or e-mail me at [email protected].

**Correction to Last Week’s Extension Article:

The Master Gardeners Plant Sale is Saturday, May 7th, 2022 from 8:00 am-1:00 pm not April 8th as I incorrectly stated last week. – Tricia Herr

Tricia Herr is the Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator for the Montgomery County Purdue Extension Office. She can be reached at [email protected] .