FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 24, 2002
PRESIDENT BUSH/SECRETARY VENEMAN KICK-OFF 4-H CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY
WASHINGTON-During a recent White House meeting, President George W. Bush and Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman recently joined 4-H members to officially inaugurate 4-H’s 100-year anniversary. During the meeting, 4-H presented President Bush with its highest honor, the “Partner in 4-H” award for his support of 4-H and the Texas Cooperative Extension Service while serving as Governor of Texas.
USDA has approved $1.4 million for the National 4-H Council, the national, private sector non-profit partner of 4-H and the Cooperative Extension System, to develop a cooperative development educational program. The program will provide individuals with an in-depth understanding of how agribusiness related cooperatives play an important role in increasing profitability and global competitiveness for ranchers, farmers, and entrepreneurs.
Since its inception in 1902, 4-H has been known throughout the nation for its strong programs in helping rural youth develop leadership and technical skills. Clemson University’s Cooperative Extension Service Department of Family and Youth Development oversees 4-H in the state. The goal of SC’s 4-H program is to equip young people with the ability to reach their fullest potential through the development and dissemination of research-based experiences that include the family, respect the community, and are built upon new and existing partnerships. Today, over 100,000 young people are members of SC’s 4-H program.
Further information on South Carolina’s 4-H program can be obtained by logging on to http://fyd.clemson.edu/4H/home.htm or more information on the 4-H Centennial, log on to http://www.4hcentennial.org.