From Dolly Parton to everyday leaders in our own communities, 4-H, FFA, and other youth leadership programs help young people build skills that last a lifetime. In this episode of the Extension Connection Podcast, we explore how hands-on experiences, teamwork, public speaking, and responsibility help shape confidence and prepare youth for adulthood. Whether a young person grows up to be a celebrity, a farmer, a teacher, or a community leader, the lessons learned through these programs can make a lasting difference.

Are you ready when disaster strikes? In this episode, we break down four practical, high-impact actions you can take today to boost your household’s emergency preparedness. Whether you're building your first kit or updating your family plan, tune in for actionable tips from your local Extension office to help you stay safe, resilient, and ready for anything.

Resources:

https://morefood.org/be-prepared-make-sure-you-have-an-emergency-supply-of-food-and-water/

Building an emergency kit: https://www.ready.gov/kit

American Red Cross; https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies.html?srsltid=AfmBOorz7_1ZegaiQ3DeGrjN9CAIqeizLBIGfFgatvF1084jwFkbC8pE

What would you do if the unexpected happened? In this episode of the Extension Connection Podcast, we talk about simple ways 4-H members and families can be better prepared from building an emergency Go-Kit and making a family plan to practicing farm and livestock safety. We'll also talk about why being prepared isn't just about emergencies it's about being ready to lead, help others, and handle whatever comes next. As we head into National 4-H Week and celebrate being Beyond Ready, let's get prepared together!

In this episode of our Wear More, Waste Less series, we dive into garment care, stain removal, and easy mending. Learn how to get the maximum lifespan out of your clothes so you can save money and reduce textile waste in landfills.

Resources:

Apparel Production: https://fcs.mgcafe.uky.edu/publications/clothing-and-textiles

Basic Repair: https://4h.tennessee.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2022/08/Activity-10.pdf

Darning: https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1372&context=extension_fact

Stains: https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Quick-Stain-Removal-Guide.pdf

Stains: https://www.johnson.k-state.edu/programs/home-family/clothing-and-textiles/stain-removal/

https://www.uaex.uada.edu/media-resources/news/2025/july/07-29-2025-ark-overconsumption.aspx

https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/cooperative-extension/fact-sheets/fast-fashion-and-sustainability/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7616726/

https://4h.okstate.edu/site-files/projects/design-and-construction/files/curriculum-and-patterns/textiles/textiles-preserving-vintage-clothing-and-textile-products-part-2.pdf

https://pubs.nmsu.edu/_c/C313/index.html

In this episode of The Extension Connection Podcast, Jessica Jackson, Polk County Extension 4-H Agent, explores how students can begin building their future long before they start filling out college applications. We'll talk about preparing for college, scholarships, careers, and the workforce, and how real-life experiences can help students discover their strengths, build confidence, and find their path.

We'll also discuss the role of AI in today's student experience, including how young people can use it as a tool while keeping their own voice, creativity, and experiences at the center of their story.

Plus, we'll highlight the Helen Clark Blackwell Scholarship, provided by the Polk County 4-H Board, and how our community can help support students as they take their next step.

https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/ai-guidance-for-4-h-youth

In this podcast, join Lindsey Edwards our Family and Consumer Science agent as we take a closer look at our consumption of textiles and explore practical ways to reduce overconsumption. We discuss how extending the lifespan of clothing through proper care, repair, and continued use can help reduce textile waste while also saving money over time.

Resources: https://fcs.mgcafe.uky.edu/publications/clothing-and-textiles

https://4h.tennessee.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2022/08/Activity-10.pdf

https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1372&context=extension_fact

https://www.uaex.uada.edu/media-resources/news/2025/july/07-29-2025-ark-overconsumption.aspx

https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/cooperative-extension/fact-sheets/fast-fashion-and-sustainability/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7616726/

https://extension.msstate.edu/news/feature-story/2025/recycle-reuse-reduce-textile-waste-discarded-clothing

https://recycling.ncsu.edu/2023/03/20/researchers-separate-cotton-from-polyester-in-blended-fabric/