NEW BERLIN – Jumping at the chance to make 4-H programming available to more schools and communities, 4-H of Chenango County is broadening its outreach to the Unadilla Valley Central School Districts starting this month.
According to 4-H Coordinator Janet Pfromm, hopes are to make 4-H programs available to UV students within the next two weeks.
“We were looking to expand our 4-H after school programming and get the clover out into the community, especially in underserved areas,” said Pfromm. “One of the schools we haven’t done a whole lot with is UV.”
Seeing a disconnect between 4-H and UV, Pfromm said she and other 4-H educators seized the opportunity of having a new educator, Holly Bowen, who was brough on board in February. Having another educator on staff makes it easier for 4-H to expand programming, said Pfromm.
“We contacted the school principal and asked if he was interested in possibly having a 4-H program there that’s self-funded to do hands-on STEM, along with healthy living and community service type projects,” she added. “He talked to the school superintendent, and we were given the OK. It’s an opportunity that we’re very excited about.”
UV and 4-H educators are currently soliciting students who are interested in participating in 4-H programs. Bowen will spearhead activities at the school district. Pfromm said the organization’s looking to do programming every Thursday after school.
Bowen, a Maryland native, holds a degree in Environmental Science and Technology from the University of Maryland. Much of her research focused on the anaerobic digestion of dairy manure.
Bowen continued her education at the University of Maryland, earning a master’s degree in Soil Science studying nitrogen cycling microorganisms and greenhouse gas emissions in agricultural and wetland environments.
During graduate school, Bowen worked in public education and outreach, including the University of Maryland’s 4-H Adventures in Science Program.
“I’m excited to work for such a great organization as 4-H. I have always been passionate about teaching and I’m eager to start working with the youth of Chenango County,” Bowen said. “I hope to instill a love of science and a love of learning in the students I’m working with.”
Bowen will be working with 4-H members and volunteers in the following project areas: horticulture, STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math), outdoor adventure, and consumer science.