4-H has a plethora of opportunities to build competence, confidence, connection, character, and caring (Lerner et al., 2009; Heck and Subramaniam, 2009; Bowers et al., 2014; Bowers et al., 2015), also referred to as the 5 C’s of 4-H Positive Youth Development. According to Lerner et al. (2023), youth who have strong experiences in the 5 C’s will over time be on a path to the 6th C of contribution.
The National Civics Bee is a nationwide competition to encourage youth to contribute. NYS 4-H officially has a partnership with the National Civics Bee, and our sixth through eighth graders have a wonderful opportunity to write an essay about how they make a difference in their communities!
Please note that this essay is just the beginning of this experience. 4-H members whose essays are selected will then compete in four designated counties (Delaware, Monroe, Orange, and Staten Island, take note that this experience is open to all 6th-8th grade 4-H members). County associations will be responsible for working with families to transport youth to the county-level competitions in the above-named four NYS counties if the 4-H member’s essay places in that round. Awards, trophies, and cash prizes will be awarded. If a 4-H member’s essay places, they will advance to a state-level competition in Albany, NY and when they advance on from there, an all-expense trip to Washington D.C. for the youth and an adult will be honored to compete in the national competition.
To submit an essay, you will have to create an account, in addition, essays are due on February 4, 2025, and winners will be announced shortly after on February 14, 2025.
Encourage your middle school 4-H members to apply!
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