4-H is a unique, nonformal educational youth development program administered by Penn State Extension as part of the land-grant university agreement. 4-H reaches nearly 10 percent of Pennsylvania's youth. 4-H is often the first experience many young people have with higher education.

As Pennsylvania's land-grant university, Penn State provides many important programs and services for the citizens of Pennsylvania through the College of Ag Sciences and Penn State Extension. The 52 percent cut to Penn State in the governor's budget proposal would eliminate more than 30 percent of the funding available to support Penn State Extension programs, including 4-H.

This matter is ongoing and ever changing. We encourage you to stay connected and informed through Ag Sciences' Twitter and Facebook pages and Dean McPheron’s blog.

What can you do?

Feedback from constituents is important to elected officials. Contacting your legislator is an easy and effective way to advocate for Penn State Extension and 4-H. Use this tool to find your elected officials’ contact information: psu.ag/4H-legislator

Here are a few tips for effectively communicating your position:

Note that you are writing to request the legislator intervene to support the future of Pennsylvania 4-H

Note that 4-H is a program provided through Penn State Extension
Include a personal story of the values of 4-H and your experience(s)

Note this program (in addition to many others of great value to agriculture and your region) is funded through the Ag Research and Ag Extension lines in the Penn State budget