HBCU voices in Extension guiding the future of 4-H
In a historic moment for Extension-based youth development across the nation, two leaders from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have stepped onto the national stage to guide the future of 4-H. Nicole Swinson of Virginia State University and Teki Hunt of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff are the first 1890 HBCU representatives to jointly advise the National 4-H Youth Leadership Team (YLT) for NIFA's National 4-H Conference. This was Hunt's final year serving the YLT, and next year, Swinson will assume her leadership role.
Both Swinson and Hunt are widely respected for leading dynamic, community-centered 4-H programs in their respective states. In Virginia, Swinson created the innovative "AgCulture" program, a combination of Jr. MANRRS and 4-H that supports and inspires students and young professionals pursuing careers in agriculture and other STEAM disciplines. In another creative move to connect youth to agriculture, Swinson launched "Harvest Heroes," a life-sized interactive game where youth work with peer leaders to participate in stations that explore different sides of the agricultural industry. Participants can explore agriculture and STEM careers while learning how food systems work and how they integrate into their own communities.
In Arkansas, Hunt has partnered with various nonprofit organizations to expand UAPB 4-H's reach. The Kid On The Block (KOTB) 4-H initiative is a career-readiness program that introduces youth to trades such as landscaping, carpentry, and plumbing. In this program, which partners with the Carpenter's Daughter Apprenticeship Program founded by 4-H Alum Ms. Verna Perry, 4-H also engages in community service and has been recognized by the city for its Adopt-A-Spot clean-ups. 4-H youth have used their carpentry skills to make pollinator habitats for local community gardens and picnic tables for a park in a newly developed affordable housing area in Pine Bluff. "I will miss working with the YLT but am confident that Nicole can get a new co-chair acclimated and lead the group well for the 100th year celebration in 2027," said Hunt.
Now, their impact will reach even further. At this year's USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture conference, Swinson and Hunt brought their expertise and commitment to providing opportunities for young people together to shape national conversations and strategies to educate 4-H participants across the greater Extension system. This moment is not just about firsts, but about legacy. Swinson and Hunt's collaborative contributions to the National 4-H YLT show the importance of elevating 1890 voices onto the national stage. Extension at Virginia State University congratulates Swinson on her new leadership position and trusts that she will continue to demonstrate what's possible when youth are empowered with education, mentorship and opportunities to thrive.
While preparing this blog post, the authors used ChatGPT to draft content. The authors reviewed and edited the content as needed and take full responsibility for the publication's content.
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