4-H Youth Development

The Oklahoma 4-H Foundation is part of the National 4-H Council’s nationwide initiative called Beyond Ready, which is designed to equip 4-H’ers with necessary life skills and expand scholarship opportunities, while also enhancing learning opportunities for volunteer leaders.

 

This ambitious, multi-year fundraising effort commenced in July 2024 and is scheduled to conclude in December 2030. Oklahoma’s goal is to raise $3.25 million, said Milford Jenkins, Oklahoma 4-H Foundation executive director. All funds raised will support the Oklahoma 4-H Development program.

 

“Money raised in the Beyond Ready campaign is an investment in the future of Oklahoma,” Jenkins said. “Funds are used to provide educational and leadership opportunities for club members. Donations will also be used for continuing education and training for volunteer leaders, as well as for programming at the local, county, district and state levels. As of June 2025, we have raised $912,899. This is a major investment in the next generation of Oklahomans.”

 

In conjunction with the Beyond Ready fundraising goal, the 4-H Foundation is also committed to raising $100,000 in unrestricted gifts by the end of 2025. Successful completion of this goal will result in an additional $20,000 gift of unrestricted funds from a generous anonymous donor.

 

“All funds raised in this $100,000 campaign will count toward our $3.25 million goal in the Beyond Ready campaign,” Jenkins said. “Unrestricted gifts allow the 4-H Foundation to put money where it is needed most. These dollars are an investment in our 4-H youth and volunteers, as well as the 4-H program overall, including events, activities and operations.”

 

At the 2025 State 4-H Roundup, the 4-H Foundation presented well-deserving club members with $200,600 in scholarships. These scholarships have a profound impact on the recipients.

 

Former 4-H’er Abby Logan is a junior at OSU majoring in natural resource ecology and management with a focus in range ecology and management. She said she has been fortunate to receive scholarships through the Oklahoma 4-H program.

 

“The scholarships have had a profoundly positive impact on my college education by allowing me to focus more on my academics and professional development, rather than working long hours to cover tuition,” she said. “As someone who is independently funding my education, managing college expenses can be a major cause of stress, but these scholarships have eased that burden.”

 

Logan said she wouldn’t be where she is today without the generosity of the gracious donors to the 4-H Foundation.

 

“Because of their generosity, students like me have the opportunity to focus on our education and gain valuable experiences that will help prepare us for our future careers,” she said. “Their contributions have and will continue to make a lasting impact, and we’re forever grateful for all they do.”

 

Donors who have a specific purpose in mind are also encouraged to donate, with the funds earmarked for their chosen cause. Those funds can be directed to a specific project area, event or club, and can also be used to purchase supplies, kits and equipment.

 

Businesses, groups, and individuals seeking opportunities for tax-deductible donations are encouraged to consider the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation.

 

Giving charitable cash gifts to support 4-H youth is easy. Simply write a check payable to the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation and mail it to the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation, 293 Agricultural Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078; visit the Foundation’s website and click the Donate button; or contact Jenkins at (405) 744-5390 or milford.jenkins@okstate.edu.

 

“The success of these fundraisers begins with a gift – no matter the size,” Jenkins said. “The difference it makes in the lives of 4-H youth and the 4-H program is immeasurable. Considering being a part of something that will make our club members Beyond Ready for what the future holds.”

 

To learn about Beyond Ready, visit the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation website.