When it comes to ISU Extension and Outreach, the first thing many people think of is 4-H. Dallas County Extension Director Jeff Jackson says that’s no accident, as 4-H has become a booming organization across the state, serving students with a wide assortment of interests.

Jackson says any school-aged kid can take part in 4-H activities, starting with Clover Kids for kindergarten through 3rd graders. Fourth graders through high school seniors are then eligible for 4-H, which Jackson says is completely student-driven. The participants are the ones that lead the clubs and decide what activities they will undertake during the year. He adds, those activities are likely much more varied than most people might realize.

“Most people, when they think 4-H, they think livestock and agriculture. And so (they say), ‘Well, I don’t raise livestock, so can I be a part of 4-H?’ Absolutely! We actually do more with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math programs) than we do with anything else. So we have robotics clubs, we’re actually working on a club for racing model cars. So we’ve got a lot to offer!”

Most clubs and individual groups meet at least once a month, but Jackson emphasizes that participants can do as little or as much as they want or have time for. He adds, you can sign up for 4-H or Clover Kids at any time of the year, but anyone wanting to show at the Dallas County Fair in July will need to sign up before May 15th. There is a yearly cost of $10 to join Clover Kids, and for 4-H it’s $35, though there are scholarships available for students who can’t afford memberships. To learn more, listen to yesterday’s Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program at RaccoonValleyRadio.com.