State Project Ambassadors
State Project Ambassadors are a true example of youth-adult partnerships and youth voice at work in Pennsylvania 4-H.
Mission
The mission of State Project Ambassadors is to provide a meaningful source of youth voice on Pennsylvania 4-H program working groups.
Vision
A world in which youth and adults learn, grow, and work together as catalysts for positive change.
Purpose of the SPA Program
Youth Voice - Take the opportunity to share your experiences and ideas with adults who plan your favorite 4-H programs.
Leadership Growth - Participate in advanced leadership experiences beyond the club level.
Enhance Your Sparks - Find an even greater passion for your project area and grow your network for future career and life connections
Time Commitment
- Installation ceremony at SLC Junior
- Overnight orientation
- Monthly leadership check-ins with fellow SPA members
- Quarterly reports
- Ongoing interactions with state program specialists to plan events, offer input, and market programs
- Retirement ceremony at SLC Junior
Eligibility
- 4-H age at the time of applying is 13-17
- Must be a member in good standing and active in ZSuite
- Applications are planned to be released annually in the summer and due in early fall. Watch for application announcements via ZSuite.
- To be able to provide the best experience possible to both leadership positions, SPA members will not serve on the Pennsylvania 4-H State Council during the same program year. Currently outgoing or former Council members interested in this role may apply.
Project Areas
No more than four (4) SPAs will serve on each project area, for a maximum of 20 SPA members on the team per year.
Animal Science
Our focus: Helping youth learn about the science of selecting or breeding, managing, and working with animals
Some projects we oversee: beef, companion animal, dairy, dog, goat, horse, llama and alpaca, poultry, rabbit and cavy, sheep, swine, vet science
Youth Voice Opportunity: access for underserved audiences, expanding curriculum, training, and event preparation
Environmental Science, Shooting Sports, & Camping
Our focus: Young people learn the science and management of protecting our natural resources, marksmanship and the safe and responsible use of firearms and archery equipment, and cultivating the friendship and adventure of 4-H camps.
Some projects we oversee: renewable and alternative energy, aquatic environments and water, environment and ecology, entomology, outdoor adventures, forestry, wildlife, air pistol, air rifle, archery, riflery, shotgun, day camps, camp counselors, residential camps
Youth Voice Opportunity: access for underserved audiences, expanding curriculum, training, and event preparation
Healthy Living & Expressive Arts
Our focus: Improve the quality of life of our members through fitness, nutrition and overall health for complete well-being and to connect with others through performance and other art mediums.
Some projects we oversee: Cooking, grilling, kitchen chemistry, cake decorating, first aid / health, Health Rocks!, babysitting, Kids and Kash, collectibles, photography, textile science, scrapbooking, sewing, theatre arts, public speaking
Youth Voice Opportunity: access for underserved audiences, expanding curriculum, training, and event preparation
Leadership & Civic Engagement
Our focus: Empowering the next generation of leaders to step up and give back to their communities.
Some projects we oversee: club officers, Clover Awards, statewide service-learning project
Youth Voice Opportunity: access for underserved audiences, expanding curriculum, training, and event preparation
STEM
Our focus: Addressing challenges to improve STEM literacy, engaging youth seeking STEM education, and introducing agricultural careers in STEM fields.
Some projects we oversee: computer science, engineering, aerospace, chemistry, agricultural sciences, electricity, robotics, small engines,
Youth Voice Opportunity: access for underserved audiences, expanding curriculum, training, and event preparation
