Country roads bring WVU, 4-H’ers to the Capitol for legislative day

The path to West Virginia University is varied, windy and includes many stops along the way. Whether you are a prospective student, a proud parent of a current student, a WVU graduate, or a participant in one of WVU Extension’s youth development programs, country roads often lead to WVU.

To celebrate the reach of WVU’s academic programs, research and outreach efforts, WVU and WVU Extension will host WVU Day at the Legislature on Jan. 25, 2022, from 9 a.m. to noon in the Capitol rotunda. The event also will feature a special drone demonstration presented by teens participating in the 4-H Tech Changemakers program from noon to 1 p.m. 

The WVU Day at the Legislature features a host of interactive activities and exhibits for visitors, including STEM activities, academic career exploration, health care displays, safety, and more. Additionally, the Mountaineer will be on hand to unveil a new display outlining the history of the Mountaineer mascot, and guests can test their legislative knowledge by participating in a themed trivia game.

“West Virginia University touches the lives of people throughout the state. Whether it is access to innovative health care, children participating in meaningful youth development programs like 4-H and Energy Express, or students gaining skills to prepare them for 21st century jobs, WVU and WVU Extension are working to enhance opportunity, create purpose and provide resources to improve the health and well-being of our fellow West Virginians,” said Jorge Atiles, dean, WVU Extension and Engagement “This event not only allows us to showcase our programs and resources, it also is an amazing opportunity for youths and other visitors to gain insights into our legislative process and make those personal connections with our state leaders.”

In addition to the event’s exhibits, lawmakers and other visitors are invited to learn how a National 4-H Council grant is enlisting the expertise of West Virginia teens to work with adults to bridge digital gaps from noon to 1 p.m. The 4-H Tech Changemakers program looks at access to reliable internet and a lack of digital skills that are contributing to a growing opportunity gap in areas like education, employment, healthcare, social fulfillment and entrepreneurship, with rural communities and communities of color being most affected. Through 4-H’s Cooperative Extension network, 23 Land-Grant Universities —11 of which are Historically Black Land Grant Colleges and Universities — prepare 4-H teen leaders to teach critical digital skills to adults in their community. The 4-H Tech Changemakers program is supported by Verizon, Microsoft, Land O’Lakes, Inc., and Tractor Supply Company. West Virginia 4-H Tech Changemakers will be on hand to teach leaders to “drive” drones, discuss different ways drones are being used in West Virginia and share their experiences working with the program. 

The Day at the Legislature provides 4-H’ers and other WVU representatives opportunities to meet their state representatives, get a peek into the legislative process and participate in a special recognition by the House and Senate of WVU and WVU Extension programs, including 4-H.

For questions regarding WVU Day at the Legislature, contact the WVU Extension Office of Communications at 304-293-4221. Visit extension.wvu.edu for more information about programs, activities and resources available from WVU Extension.