Youth Program Volunteers

Where to Volunteer

Volunteers play an important role in WVU Extension youth programs. Adults are needed to help with camps, literacy programs, livestock judging, and 4-H clubs. Whether you can spare just an hour or are interested in taking on a leadership role, there are diverse opportunities available. Explore the images below for detailed information on how you can actively participate.

4-H Volunteers

Get Involved with Energy Express

We appreciate all those who would like to volunteer, however please note: applying to be a volunteer does not guarantee acceptance to serve in a volunteer capacity.

The Volunteer Process

Please contact your County Extension Office to get started. A county agent will give you an application to fill out. After you've returned your application, you will be contacted to set up an interview.

Protecting Our Children

Safeguarding children is our highest priority. This is reflected in the trainings that WVU has developed for all adults working with children and youth in WVU Extension events and programs. Positive Youth Development is the cornerstone of our youth programs, and this can only take place in a safe and supportive environment. We are excited to offer educational trainings in preventing, recognizing, and responding to abuse, free-of-charge, to all of our volunteers. We require this training of all of our volunteers working with children and youths, making Youth Extension Volunteers the best of the best. We hope you will join us in creating a culture that protects and educates youth and prepares them for future successes.

More Information on our Commitment to Children's Safety

Our training is based on the West Virginia University Board of Governors Rule 1.7 On Child Protection. This rule is to protect children (any person under the age of 18) on WVU’s premises or those involved in University sponsored programs at all geographic locations by providing guidance on reporting requirements for child abuse or neglect; providing guidelines for appropriate supervision of children; and ensuring that WVU and its divisional campuses comply with all federal and state laws and regulations regarding the employment of children.

Review our policies regarding Children on Campus.

Volunteers working with anyone under the age of 18* are fully vetted if all of the following are met:

• Completion of online or in person Child Abuse Prevention course.
• Completion of online or in person Title IX training course.
• Background check - to be conducted every three years.
• DMV check - to be conducted every year for those driving children.
• A check of the National Sexual Predator registry will be conducted yearly.

*One-time volunteers who are not responsible for the care, control, supervision, OR guidance of a child and who are always supervised by a fully-vetted volunteer may not be required to become fully vetted themselves. These people are considered guests and not fully-vetted volunteers and may include guest speakers, experts leading a workshop, guest readers, or someone coming in to judge an event.

WVU is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer -- Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran.
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs).
The WVU Board of Governors is the governing body of WVU. The Higher Education Policy Commission in West Virginia is responsible for developing, establishing, and overseeing the implementation of a public policy agenda for the state’s four-year colleges and universities.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to provide this content in alternate formats upon request. Contact the WVU Extension Service Office of Communications at 304-293-4222.