The Ohio State University at Lima and the local Ohio State University Extension offices work together throughout the year to further the goal of all Ohio State programs – building better lives and communities for the residents of Ohio.
At Ohio State Lima’s Engineering Education and Manufacturing Center this spring, a new program focuses squarely on the state’s youth. Students from Allen, Hancock, Hardin and Putnam counties are participating in the first round of Engineered 4(H) Success, a workshop centered around engineering, robotics and leadership. The pilot has focused on 4-H members in leadership roles like junior fairboard members, camp counselors and junior leaders.
Extension’s Jason Hedrick hopes that Engineered 4(H) Success will give his 4-H members an opportunity to see how their STEM 4-H projects would play out in college and as a career.
“All of our 4-Hers at this age are beginning to explore careers and figure out what’s out there,” Hedrick said. “Having them in this facility shows them that there a program close that will lead to careers around our area.”
With Extension offices in all 88 counties and regional campuses serving all areas of the state, Ohio State has many gateways into the university, serving both adults and young people. Student who excel in 4-H are well prepared to take the next step at Ohio State toward a successful future.
“Engineered 4(H) Success is a good partnership to help our kids learn the connection between 4-H and Ohio State, and then take that one step further and learn about Ohio State Lima and see that there is the university within our region offering a lot of great programs,” Hedrick said. ““You never know what kids will walk away with. They maybe never thought about engineering, or they’ve never thought about anything in manufacturing. This may open their eyes to a lot of different opportunities.”
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If you are interested in joining a 4-H program, contact your county Extension Office. Each county has a different enrollment deadline. To learn more about Ohio State Lima, come for a visit in person or online.
