More than 200 4-H’ers from across the state will gather at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown Saturday, Sept. 10, to watch the Mountaineers tackle Norfolk State and to see how pursuing higher education can help them reach their goals.

For the first time since 2005, the West Virginia University Extension Service will host 4-H Football Day—a program that brings high school 4-H’ers to the Morgantown campus to enjoy a fall sporting event and to learn about the opportunities that a college education yields.

When the 4-H’ers registered for Saturday’s game, they received a $10 scholarship to reduce the price of their football tickets.

When they arrive in Morgantown, the 4-H’ers will enjoy a tailgate before kickoff and then have a major presence in the stadium as they sport new drawstring backpacks accented with their nationally recognized emblem: the 4-H four-leaf clover.

See What Counts

However, for the 4-H members’ goals, what will really count will not be the points on the scoreboard. Instead, it will be the contents of those backpacks—information about programs offered at WVU.

Starting at 10 a.m., the visiting 4-H’ers will start filling their backpacks and begin exploring the opportunities that come with becoming a Mountaineer.

• WVU Collegiate Club 4-H members will describe their experiences at WVU.
• Student representatives from different colleges within WVU will explain and answer questions about their fields of study.
• Using trivia and bingo games, WVU representatives will give the young visitors information about the admissions process and related programs.
• WVU recruitment representatives will give 4-H’ers their personal invitation to participate in a future webinar about coming to WVU.

Get Main Message

“The main message is how important it is for 4-H’ers to continue education beyond high school and that it’s possible, no matter what—even if they think they can’t,” said Jeffrey Orndorff, WVU Extension 4-H specialist, who organizes the event.

Orndorff, a lifelong 4-H’er, volunteered in similar outreach programs during his time spent in Collegiate 4-H at WVU more than 30 years ago.

From 4-H weekends that featured youth bowling and staying in residence halls, to 4-H Football Days and 4-H Basketball Days, Orndorff has both seen and organized many ways to engage 4-H’ers and promote higher education.

“In the mid ‘90s, we switched our 4-H focus from football to men’s basketball. The last few years we have partnered with the women’s basketball team, which has been very successful,” Orndorff explained.

In fact, last year 4-H collaborated with the women’s basketball program to create a comic book: “Green Action with Coach Mike Carey.”

The comic book blended West Virginia 4-H and WVU Women’s Basketball to create action stories that promote reading and eco-friendly habits among children.

Find Local Club

The 4-H Youth Development Program is organized and coordinated by West Virginia University Extension Service. With more than 88,000 young people participating, 4-H offers a variety of educational opportunities through its clubs, after-school programs, individual projects, camps and special-interest groups.

4-H is active in each of West Virginia’s 55 counties.

For information about local 4-H clubs and opportunities, call a WVU Extension Service county office.

—WVU-ES—