4-H Youth Development

 

Jack Painter, Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma board member, presents Milford Jenkins, Oklahoma 4-H Foundation executive director, Kelly Wardlaw, Oklahoma 4-H STEM specialist, Tori Nelms, 4-H ambassador, and Steve Beck, state 4-H program leader, with a check from the Masonic Charity Foundation. (Photo provided by the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation)

 

On Feb. 25, Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development was honored to receive a $25,000 grant during the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma’s 2025 Grants Presentation Luncheon.

 

This generous contribution will support the expansion of 4-H science, technology engineering and mathematics (STEM) education programs, like the recent 4-H Youth Leadership Innovate Summit, for youth across the state.

 

“The 2025 4-H Leadership Innovate Summit was nothing short of impactful, in less than a month from the event, Innovators have reported reaching over 300 youth,” said Kelly Wardlaw, Oklahoma 4-H STEM specialist.

 

A group of Innovators also represented Oklahoma 4-H at the National Ignite by 4-H Conference in Washington, D.C., held March 14–16.

 

The Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma has contributed more than $1 million in the past five years to the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation, including the establishment of a permanent endowment in support of STEM and 4-H Roundup. These philanthropic investments shape the lives of our Oklahoma 4-H'ers.

 

The Oklahoma 4-H Foundation is grateful for the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma’s continued commitment to empowering future leaders through hands-on learning and innovation.