Nicki Carpenter, 4-H Youth Development Agent with N.C. Cooperative Extension, Burke County Center was recognized with the Jones Denise Miller National 4-H Innovator State Award & Excellence in Communication and Expressive Arts Award during the 2022 North Carolina Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals Annual Conference held in Manteo on September 8, 2022.

Recognizing youth pandemic challenges and the need for social and community engagement, Nicki created “Discover 4-H” boxes which were designed to provide an independent, self-paced exploration that provided a true 4-H experience through Communication and Expressive Arts. Seasonal box activities reflected our National 4-H Mission Mandates of Civic Engagement, Healthy Living, STEM. She also added an Agricultural and Literacy component. Boxes were designed for youth ages 8-12. This outreach opportunity provided and encouraged youth the chance to “Learn by doing”, the 4-H way, and break away from the extended screen time.

The purpose of the North Carolina Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals is to promote the profession of Extension 4-H and youth work in North Carolina.  The 4-H program is the youth education program of North Carolina Cooperative Extension, based at North Carolina State and North Carolina A&T State Universities. More than 260,000 young people ages 5 through 18 participate in North Carolina 4-H activities each year with the help of 16,700 adult and youth volunteers.

Visit the North Carolina 4-H website for more information.