Senate passes bipartisan measure recognizing benefits to nation’s youth, promise of new initiative
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate has unanimously approved a bipartisan resolution co-sponsored by Sen Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) in support of 4-H and its recently-launched “Grow True Leaders” campaign. The measure, which was authored by Sens Roger Wicker (R-Miss) and Heidi Heitkamp (D – N. Dakota) recognized the immeasurable benefits of the national 4-H program for young people and its potential growth under the new initiative.
“I’m always glad to see strong bipartisan support for youth involvement in programs like 4-H” said Ernst, a former 4-H member. “4-H provides valuable educational and vocational skills that foster a lifetime of engagement in agriculture and in communities across Iowa for future generations.”
As the Iowa Senator noted in a recent column for the Iowa Farm Bureau “Spokesman,” “When visiting with organizations such as 4-H and FFA, I am encouraged by the work they are doing to highlight career fields related to agriculture for students. My daughter is in high school, and just like her mother at that age, she is involved with the local 4-H club. Whether it is service through these organizations, or in the classroom where students are learning about agronomy, soils, wood and metal working, and a myriad of other technical real-world skills, it is wonderful to see the interest in helping other that our young high school students exemplify.”
The 4-H movement supports young people through programs designed to shape future leaders and innovators, particularly in rural communities. Last week, 4-H launched a campaign called “Grow True Leaders,” which seeks to replicate 4-H’s success in rural communities in urban areas. The program’s new initiative hopes to reach a broader, more diverse population, impacting more African American and Hispanic children.
Ernst was one of 31 co-sponsors of the resolution.
