November 4, 2020
Province Announces Funding for New Manitoba 4-H Scholarship Program
– – –Continued Support for the 4-H Program and Value It Represents: Pedersen
The Manitoba government is investing $1 million to establish a new 4-H Manitoba Scholarship Program that will provide post-secondary scholarships to current and former 4-H members to further their post-secondary studies, Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen announced today.
“More than 100 years ago, Canada’s 4-H movement began right here in Manitoba. The 4-H Program has a long and successful history of providing opportunities for Manitoba’s youth to develop skills ranging from leadership, communication, agriculture and environmental sustainability,” said Pedersen. “Our government committed to creating this scholarship in the 2020 throne speech, and we are happy to provide continued support to the 4-H program and the values the program represents. Our endowment approach supports how we as a government have worked with local foundations to continue building capacity to provide long-term, positive impacts in their communities.”
The province is working together with the Brandon Area Community Foundation and the Manitoba 4-H Council to create an endowment fund that will establish the 4-H Manitoba Scholarship Program. It is anticipated the endowment will support $42,000 in scholarships annually, the minister noted. The scholarship program will be administered by the Manitoba 4-H Council and will start being offered in 2021.
“We thank the government of Manitoba for this wonderful opportunity. We are honored by the recognition of the 4-H Manitoba program and the value placed on 4-H youth’s ability to strengthen our communities through the leadership skills developed in the 4-H program,” said Candace Tolton, president of Manitoba 4-H council.
4-H is an international youth and volunteer organization that provides members with the resources and activities to build leadership and practical skills while learning about topics of their choice. Members choose a project and work with volunteer leaders to develop their skills related to their venture.
In Manitoba, there are over 80 hands-on projects to select from including gardening, food preservation, starting a business, sustainable living, small machines, fitness and more. Today, 2,000 4-H members and 600 volunteers with strong partnerships with Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development drive 4-H clubs in Manitoba.
November has also been proclaimed as 4-H month as part of a long-standing tradition to recognize the success of the program and the impact it has on youth and their communities, added the minister.
For more information on Manitoba 4-H, visit https://4h.mb.ca/.
- 30 -