By Jennifer Dorsett
Field Editor

Only one in three kids say they have the skills to handle what life throws their way. But youth programs like 4-H can help change that statistic by providing children opportunities to grow and thrive.

The Raise Your Hand campaign will help Texas 4-H do just that, if enough people “raise” their hand.

“We feel that, with Texas being such a big state, we have the potential to win,” Courtney Dodd, assistant agency director and program leader for the Texas 4-H Youth Development Program, said. “No one has to give out anything or donate any money, just enter their name and email.”

Click here to participate in the campaign.

In the voting contest, states are competing against each other to win prizes of $5,000, $10,000 or $20,000.

The states with the most votes, or “hands raised,” will receive funding to reach more kids.

“If Texas 4-H wins, we will be passing that funding back on to the counties with the most participation,” Dodd said. “We try our best to support local programs, not just keep dollars at the state level. We want those local programs to have everything they need to be successful.”

Texas 4-H is a youth development program for kids in third grade to high school seniors.

The national 4-H organization has been helping generations of children prepare for the future for more than 100 years.

And the program has grown and adapted during that time.

Programs today still include agriculture, but there are also youth opportunities in areas such as leadership, photography, robotics, engineering, natural resources and family and community health.

Dodd said no matter which area a child gets involved in, they’re put on a path to success.

“The most positive outcome we see from 4-H are the leadership and life skills kids develop that last a lifetime,” Dodd said. “They’re thriving throughout life, not just while they’re in our program. They’re also preparing for careers through their projects. They have the ability to follow their interests and explore what they might want to do as an adult.”

While Dodd encourages 4-H alumni, 4-H supporters and youth to participate in the Raise Your Hand campaign, she said a voter doesn’t have to be affiliated in any way with 4-H to vote. The contest is open to anyone 13 years of age and older.

“It’s such an easy process. It’s just casting a vote,” Dodd said. “There are no donations. You don’t have to be affiliated with 4-H to cast a vote. Anyone who wants to support Texas 4-H in giving kids access to our programs is encouraged to raise their hand.”