September 18, 2023
2024 4-H Summer Engagement Grant Information
While we are still winding down the 4-H Summer Engagement Grant for 2023 and compiling data, we are getting a jump start on 2024! This article contains the new link to the 4-H Summer Engagement Grant Host Site Application. In an email sent out on September 1, I also attached the Roles & Responsibilities document which needs reviewed before filling out the application.
For those of you who are new to our system or who may not have heard about the 4-H Summer Engagement Grant, this is a multi-year grant from the Kansas Department of Education. We have completed years one and two, 2024 will be our final year of the Summer Engagement Grant. This grant allows KSRE & 4-H to hire summer interns for each host site/Extension Unit, purchase curriculum & supplies and provide curriculum training and development. There is also an allowance each Host Site receives to support 4-H Educational Programming efforts within their local unit.
The primary goal of this grant is to directly address the impact of learning loss as a result of lost instructional time in the classroom during the pandemic. To ensure program success, interns work directly with local extension agents with established community connections. There is also a state-wide engagement leader team that will help support and guide interns.
During the summer, 4-H interns will lead youth in exploring project-based learning through one of the 30 projects offered through the Kansas 4-H Program. Projects in each of the major program areas of STEM, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Creative Arts, Family & Consumer Science and Personal Development will be offered. This general offering of project-based learning opportunities will complement efforts already in place within the Kansas formal education system. The Summer Engagement Grant allows for local units to connect with youth who may otherwise not have an opportunity to experience 4-H in a traditional manner.
Please read Host Site Roles & Responsibilities in the September 1 email to understand the full scope of work for this grant opportunity.
Host Site Application Link:
https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bejWROYOHwFIyEu
Proposed Timeline 2023-2024 (Exact dates may be adjusted, other dates will be added later.)
• September 1– Host Site Applications period opens; applications reviewed as they are submitted.
• October 15 – Host Site Applications DUE
• October 23 – Intern Applications open
• October – Host site districts/counties informed of acceptance; Host Site Supervising Agent begins talks with local partners and school administrators; securing program space/facilities and local volunteers to work with interns.
• December 15 – Intern application period closes; may extend into January if needed.
• January - Intern Application Review begins.
• January 1 – April 15 – Curriculum ordered.
• February 1 - February 29 – Intern interview process; Online (includes state office and local Extension Agents and/or directors)
• March 1 – Intern candidates are notified of internship opportunity, sign contracts.
• Week of May 20 – 24 – Intern training & curriculum overview in Manhattan
• May 20 - August 2 – Official start and end dates for the Summer Engagement Grant
• May 28 – First day of in-person instruction with summer program participants
• August 2 – last day of in-person instruction with summer program participants
• August 5- September 1– return intern equipment to State 4-H Office (backpack, computer, etc)
***IMPORTANT: Each Extension Unit will need board approval to apply for the 4-H Summer Engagement Grant. Please try to get this item on your next board agenda if you are interested in applying. Once host sites are selected, we will send out a Host Site Agreement that will need signed by the Supervising Agent and the Board Chair. The supervising agent is usually the 4-H Extension Agent or an agent with 4-H responsibilities. This agreement outlines Host Site expectations and what is supplied by the State 4-H Office.
I will be hosting a statewide Q & A zoom meeting at 10:00 on Wednesday, September 20 for anyone who may have questions pertaining to the 4-H Summer Engagement Grant. Please use this link: https://ksu.zoom.us/j/96327846543 to join the meeting. As always, if you have questions ahead of that date, do not hesitate to contact me via phone, email or teams etc.