Allen County - OSUE Letter to the Editor

In response to the Allen County funding crisis and a number of letters and reports published in the local newspaper, OSU Extension submitted the enclosed letter to the editor. This letter was published in the February 7 Delphos-Herald, and was also submitted for publication in other surrounding area newspapers.

February 6, 2009
Dear Editor, (Allen County and some surrounding newspapers)

Allen County’s outpouring of support for 4-H Youth Development, an important part of the local OSU Extension program, has been heartwarming. Despite difficult economic times, the county’s 4-H supporters were willing to dig deep into their pockets to provide enough county funding to match state/federal funds that are needed to keep 4-H running for another year.

OSU Extension shares a passion for this youth program. We and our supporters know that participation in 4-H builds character and leadership skills; and inspires our young people to greater things.

Our supporters also know that 4-H and OSU Extension are valuable because we are part of higher education, delivering trusted information from The Ohio State University right to their neighborhood. OSU Extension is a key part of Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, and is crucial to Ohio State’s land-grant mission. OSU Extension continually works to educate ALL of its supporters - state and local legislators and campus, community and federal partners – about the tremendous impact of 4-H and other programs in agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer sciences, and community development. In fact, 4-H members are 1.6 times more likely to attend college, leading them to higher incomes and expanded job opportunities.

While the future outcomes of today’s 4-H support may seem intangible now, our communities and state already reap the benefits of past investments in 4-H, from participants who enter the job market with leadership skills and strong work ethics. Those who understand 4-H and OSU Extension know we really are an essential service to the growth and well-being of Ohio’s youth.

OSU Extension professionals throughout the state work with and on behalf of 4-H youth and all Ohioans.Besides 4-H Youth Development, OSU Extension offers education in increasing crop yields, environmental education, nutrition and health, and business retention and expansion for communities. Our current work on youth financial literacy has been an exciting series of projects – and it will be even more vital to Ohio consumers in the next few years.

Thank you to all of our supporters. OSU Extension will continue to do what it can to address funding shortfalls and working with the commissioners, hopefully we’ll return all Extension services to Allen County. OSU Extension understands the economic difficulties facing community leaders; Extension wants to help build Allen County’s future.

Sincerely,
Keith Smith
Associate Vice President and Director, OSU Extension