Development Direction

Networks and Connections

4-H’ers gather with elected officials at Mississippi Capitol

Story by Leah Barbour • Photos by Kevin Hudson and Michaela Parker

As Mississippi 4-H prepares to launch its HomeGrown Scholarship campaign to generate endowed scholarships for 4-H’ers from every county in the state, 33 4-H’ers on the Mississippi 4-H Leadership Team, representing 19 counties, visited the Capitol in Jackson for 4-H Legislative Day 2022. Overseen and implemented by the Mississippi State University Extension Service, the Extension Center for 4-H Youth Development offers a range of hands-on educational opportunities like Legislative Day.

At Legislative Day, 4-H’ers visited the governor’s office, met and interviewed 13 elected officials, and spent the day learning about Mississippi government. An awards ceremony, sponsored by Mississippi AT&T, recognized the best and brightest 4-H clubs and members around the state for their achievements, service, and leadership. The experience allowed 4-H’ers to see state government in action and to thank legislators for their continued support of 4-H and Extension.

Many 4-H’ers will continue their education at post-secondary institutions like MSU, and many of them will need financial support to realize their dreams of graduation. Extension and the MSU Foundation are partnering to generate awareness for the new HomeGrown Scholarships campaign, which will help pay tuition for 4-H’ers who choose to study at MSU. While the HomeGrown Scholarships campaign will allow supporters to contribute funds to specific counties, anyone can contribute to 4-H programming at msufoundation.com/givenow. Write in “4-H advancement fund.”

Mississippi 4-H on YouTube features online interviews with several Mississippi leaders, including legislators, community leaders, and former 4-H’ers.