• Oct. 30 - Nov. 3: NAE4-HA, Seattle, WA
• Nov. 15: Catch-A-Calf applications due
• Nov. 24-25: University holidays, offices closed
• Nov. 25-29: National 4-H Congress, Atlanta, GA

4-H Scholar Selected

Matt Herrington, Livermore, CO, is the new freshman 4-H Scholar. Matt was recently selected from an outstanding pool of applicants.

Matt commented that his desire to become a 4-H Scholar comes from his love of 4-H and wanting to promote the 4-H program. He also stated that 4-H was responsible for helping develop the leadership, presentation, and communication skills that he has today. Matt looks forward to representing 4-H, promoting its benefits and encouraging youth involvement in 4-H. His participation in 4-H has lead to his interest in agriculture and his choice of education at CSU in agricultural business.

4-H Scholars promote the positive experiences they had in 4-H and spend up to 20 hours a month representing 4-H at key activities, speaking at public events and meeting with stakeholders and donors. For their efforts each Scholar receives training, public relations support materials, reimbursement for expenses, and a $1,500 annual stipend toward college expenses. The person selected is eligible to continue to serve as a Scholar throughout their college career - advancing to each grade level - as long as their grades and activity commitments are met.

Our appreciation to the Colorado Farm Bureau for funding the 4-H Scholar program for the state of Colorado. — Becky Fry

International Update

Japanese Intern Applications due Jan. 15, 2006
The Intern program is an excellent opportunity for young adults to explore the Japanese culture in depth while gaining valuable experience in the workplace. This program is being offered by two Japanese exchange partner organizations: Labo and Lex.

Those accepted will spend one year living with host families and working in the Japanese exchange organization office. Interns work closely with the staff of the sponsoring organization, leading youth and family group activities, assisting with debriefings for delegates departing from Japan, planning orientations for delegates arriving in Japan, performing office duties, and giving presentations on American life and culture.

The compensation package for participants includes round trip airfare to Japan, a monthly stipend, medical insurance coverage, holidays and vacation time, and travel document assistance.

Applicants must be between the ages of 18-25, and have completed high school. One year of college, experience as a host sibling or delegate with the 4-H International Exchange Programs, and Japanese language skills are helpful, although not required for all organizations.

Please contact me for an application and further information: at 970.491.2711 or e-mail: cloflin@coop.ext.colostate.edu. — Courtney Loflin

GIS Software Grants for 2006

ESRI has announced it will offer a software grant program for U.S. 4-H clubs in 2006. Proposals will be accepted from 4-H groups to conduct community mapping projects using GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and GPS (Global Positioning Systems) technologies.

4-H members are preparing for 21st Century careers. Many of these will be in geospatial technology - identified by the U.S. Department of Labor as one of the fastest growing job categories in the United States. Geospatial knowledge will be essential for success in science, engineering and technology careers. Many traditional 4-H programs are beginning to integrate geospatial knowledge, building a strong foundation for future learning.

ESRI will award grants of GIS club software and learning resources to U.S. 4-H groups whose community mapping project proposals are approved. Since 2004, 44 states have been awarded ESRI GIS software grants for 4-H clubs to carry out community mapping projects. These projects apply spatial technologies to natural resource, agricultural and community awareness 4-H projects in both rural and urban neighborhoods. 4-H GIS/GPS Community Mapping projects have contributed to their community's understanding of biodiversity, climate change, deforestation, environmental pollution, food production, freshwater supply, health and disease, mountain development, poverty reduction, rural development, tourism, urbanization and other key issues. More about 4-H GIS/GPS projects can be found on the Web at www.4-h.org/tech/gisgps and www.tnstate.edu/iager/gisgps/main.htm.

Proposals for the ESRI GIS software grants will be accepted from Jan. 1 through March 30, 2006. Applicants will describe their existing GIS/GPS programs and efforts, if any, and their plan for using GIS in their local program for 2006. To register for notification of the 4-H grant application and selection guidelines, please register to receive an e-mail notification from ESRI on 4-H grant opportunities at www.esri.com/grants.

We've had a number of these grants (valued at more than $25K, each) funded in Colorado. If you're interested, please contact me! — Dale Leidheiser