AMES, Iowa-- Iowa State University Extension is seeking former 4-H'ers who have a story to tell.

"Young people often follow their 4-H interests into a major and onto a career," said Chris Gleason, 4-H program coordinator. "We're looking for examples like that."

Through a grant from the Professional and Scientific Council, ISU Extension will create an interactive display highlighting the connection between 4-H programs and ISU careers and fields of study. The display is called "Why Opportunity Works: Youth and 4-H, ISU Academic Programs and Careers Make It Happen" and premieres at the 2006 State 4-H Conference June 27-29.

Not only will interviewed volunteers be showcased in the Why Opportunity Works (WOW) Center at the Extension 4-H Youth Building, but they also will have a chance to mentor young 4-H'ers and give them a sense of how the 4-H program prepares them for the future.

Jennifer Hoyer, an Agriculture Education graduate student at ISU, said she believes that her nine years as a  4-H'er helped her to determine her field of study.

She said, "As a 4-H'er I maintained vegetable and flower gardens, cared for houseplants, exhibited flowers and vegetables at county and state fairs, and participated in horticulture-related service projects. I also was involved in communication activities. As an undergraduate, I combined those two interests by double majoring in horticulture and journalism."

Hoyer said she learned "real-world lessons about teamwork, cooperation, communicating with diverse audiences, responsibility, time management and organization."

ISU Extension invites ISU alumni and students who believe 4-H has made a significant impact on their choice of major or career to contact Gleason at (515)-294-1557 or cgleason@iastate.edu.

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