Archived News

With the help of a $150,000 grant from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, the West Virginia Statewide Afterschool Network afterschool and future summer learning programs are getting a boost.

The West Virginia University Extension 4-H Youth Development program will offer young people the chance to forgo technology and put paper and pen to use. The 4-H pen pal program aims to teach youths about communication while fostering friendships and connections.

Although they have had the chance to virtually participate this year, 4-H’ers missed out on in-person camps and many other cherished components of conventional programming. A committee of 4-H agents and faculty rallied together with a desire to safely bring 4-H’ers together to create connections in a time of isolation.

West Virginia University Extension Service Safety and Health Extension is one of 90 recipients, nationwide, of the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Susan Harwood federal safety and health training grants, which provide training and education for workers and employers on workplace safety and health hazards, as well as their responsibilities and rights.

WVU Extension Service announced today the appointments of two key interim leadership roles at WVU Jackson’s Mill. David Snively has been appointed interim director, and Jason Burnside will serve as interim assistant director. Truman Wolfe, director, WVU Jackson’s Mill, announced his plans to retire in January 2021. The interim appointments will allow for a smooth transition and continuity for the organization moving forward.

Snively, who serves as the WVU Extension Service agent for Ritchie and Tyler counties, will oversee the day-to-day operations of the facility, including budgeting, scheduling of events, and working collaboratively with WVU and WVU Extension to support local and state economic development opportunities. He also will work collaboratively to develop a long-term strategic vision for WVU Jackson’s Mill, including expansion of programming opportunities for West Virginia youth, as well as activities that meet the ever-changing needs of visitors and guests. Snively will continue to serve as the WVU Extension Service agent in Ritchie County.

Robertson-Honecker will receive the National Award of Excellence for the Northeast Region, which is presented to individuals who have strived throughout their careers through their local, state, regional or national responsibilities. The award recognizes excellence in Extension educational programming, including demonstration of high impact of programs; visionary leadership and anticipation of emerging issues for clientele and the system; commitment to diversity; and integration of programs in partnership with university colleagues and outside clientele.

In her role as STEM specialist for WVU Extension Service, Robertson-Honecker brings science programming to kids in rural communities through camp programs, community events and STEM curricula. She relies on experiential learning and real-world relevancy to keep youth engaged. She has created professional development for educators, curricula, and outreach activities that foster an appreciation for STEM in West Virginia youths and equip them with the skills they need to compete in the 21st Century. 

A strategic collaboration with state leaders can change the lives of foster care youths in West Virginia through 4-H youth development programs. Aetna Better Health of West Virginia partnered with West Virginia University Extension to provide funding for foster care youths interested in 4-H.

The legacy of two 4-H All Stars and West Virginia 4-H Hall of Famers from Calhoun County will live on through the Sue and Randall Jones Memorial Endowment Fund established through West Virginia University Extension Service . With the new endowment, county 4-H’ers will have the opportunity to participate in out-of-county experiences—something that the youths otherwise may not have the chance to do. 

For a group that is known for their hands-on type of service and work, West Virginia 4-H’ers demonstrated an impressive example in its seamless shift to online programming this past year. National 4-H Week will follow suit with its virtual celebration.  

Women farmers from across the state have come together each fall for the last seven years to participate in West Virginia University Extension Women in Agriculture program’s annual conference, sharing knowledge and networking. Even though this year’s in-person conference has been canceled, learning opportunities and community building will continue with a unique online educational program developed to keep the state’s women farmers, innovators and entrepreneurs informed and connected.

With 13 years of experience working in various West Virginia University programs, Raegan DeVor brings her extensive background and passion for 4-H with her as she joins the WVU Extension team in Wyoming and McDowell counties as agent-in-training, effective June 8.