Cargill is promoting positive youth development with a renewed partnership with Canadian 4-H, investing over $450,000 into the program by 2024.
The funding will focus on supporting programs across the board — from grassroots to provincial and national 4-H events and programs. Another $90,000 will directly support provincial 4-H organizations in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario.
“We believe 4-H Canada is creating the foundation for a promising future by preparing young leaders to make positive change in their communities,” said Jeff Vassart, president of Cargill Canada. “We are proud to partner with organizations like 4-H because together we can work to inspire and prepare today’s youth to be breakthrough leaders who will help solve some of the world’s greatest challenges.”
For over 100 years, 4-H Canada has been one of the top youth organizations in the country with nearly 23,500 members and over 8,500 volunteers. 4-H empowers youth through its “learn by doing” model geared toward impacting members’ communities, countries, and the world.
Research-based activities teach youth about family and consumer sciences, agriculture, leadership, and skill mastery. 4-H Members are more likely to make healthier choices, be civically active, and participate in STEM programs.
“We are grateful to Cargill for their engaged and enthusiastic support of 4-H Canada’s positive youth development programming,” said 4-H Canada CEO Shannon Benner. “A cornerstone of the 4-H program is preparing youth for their future careers, and we are proud to expand our Careers on the Grow programming to help even more youth leaders reach their career goals. By supporting provincial 4-H organizations, Cargill also provides vital resources to grassroots programming, bolstering a strong foundation for 4-H in Canada.”
Kicking off the partnership, Cargill is sponsoring the Powered Up! and Making a Splash Outreach Initiatives in 2022. These initiatives will create kits for clubs that include engaging, fun, hands-on activities. Activities will teach youth about the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals – helping them to learn about addressing critical issues like poverty, health, education, and the environment.
In addition, Cargill is bolstering 4-H Canada’s Careers on the Grow programs. Being a part of 4-H helps youth prepare for their future careers. 4-H Canada’s career programs allow youth to explore career paths, apply their learning skills, and gain hands-on work experience.
Funds will also provide critical resources for programming by provincial 4-H organizations across the country. The partnership with Cargill will allow 4-H Canada to continue creating safe, fun, inclusive environments where 4-H youth can build confidence, self-esteem, and leadership skills.
Supporting future generations through positive youth development is integral to filling labor gaps in vital industries such as agriculture in Canada. 4-H has always served future generations by promoting education and technology used better to feed the community, country, and world. 4-H Canada looks forward to using Cargill funds to continue supporting leadership and learning in today’s youth.
