AMES, Iowa – The International Harvester Collector’s Club Iowa Chapter 5 has committed to continue to support Iowa 4-H projects for the next six years. At their November meeting in Avoca, the club reviewed the success of the pilot project that recently concluded.
In the 2016-2017 program year, Iowa 4-H youth who exhibited projects related to International Harvester/IH at the Iowa State Fair in any 4-H Exhibit class were eligible for a sponsored award.
“We are partnering with 4-H for this special awards opportunity to reward young people for their hard work in a variety of project areas, with IH as a backdrop,” said Ray Cook, treasurer of the International Harvester Collector's Club Iowa Chapter 5.
Sixteen Iowa 4-H members qualified for these new special awards sponsored by IH Collector’s Club Chapter 5, with more than $6,000 awarded. Projects included restored tractors, implements, barn quilts, quilts, photographs, woodworking and electronics. 4-H members provided information related to their project goals, process, problem solving, expenses and learning for an opportunity to win a monetary award and a one-year membership to the IH Collector’s Club Chapter 5.
The club has committed in principal to continuing the program with a funding target of $7,500 per year for six years, contingent upon funding availability.
This partnership aligns Iowa 4-H priorities with the club goals to value Iowa’s agricultural and engineering roots. “This is a great example of our industry partners supporting our 4-H members with creative projects that reach across all of our program priorities,” said Jay Staker, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach program manager. “They are providing a high-quality experience for our 4-H members, as well as offering new mentors the opportunity to engage with the Iowa 4-H network of young people and volunteers.”
Club members are encouraged to contact Iowa State University Extension and Outreach county offices to offer support at the county level as mentors and to explore awards at the county fair level.
For more information on partnering with the Iowa 4-H Youth Development program, contact Jay Staker, 4-H program manager, at 515-294-8417 or jstaker@iastate.edu.