2024 National Pilot Invitation: My Hometown is Cool!
We invite you to be part of the “My Hometown is Cool!” National Pilot Program, hosted by West Virginia University, in collaboration with the Extension Foundation New Technology in Ag Extension program.
What is “My Hometown is Cool!”?
“My Hometown is Cool!” is a dynamic program that spans Extension disciplines, including 4-H and Youth Development, Community Resource Economic Development, and Families and Health, designed to engage 6th-12th grade students in community development and entrepreneurial thinking. Through four interactive lessons, students explore ways to improve their communities and pitch their ideas for community projects in a competition. Winning teams receive funding to bring their projects to life in their hometowns. So far, the program has impacted over 850 students in West Virginia, with 11 community mini-grants awarded.
National Pilot Program
The “My Hometown is Cool” team is recruiting Extension partners from each of the five ECOP Regions to collaborate on a National Program Pilot during the 2024-2025 school year. The five teams will receive $2,500 mini-grants to support program delivery.
Partnering institutions will play a vital role in delivering the “My Hometown is Cool” program to groups of at least 20 students. Additionally, partners will have the opportunity to allocate mini-grants to support youth-led projects and aid in their implementation. Partners will be given support and tools to evaluate program impacts. Feedback results will contribute to refining the national program model.
Apply Now!
Extension organizations from the following ECOP regions can apply: 1890 Region, North Central Region, Northeast Region, Southern Region, and Western Region. Applications are due by March 15th, 2024, Partners will be announced on April 1st. Learn more about the program and find the application on the program webpage.
For More Information
Contact Lauren Prinzo, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Community and Economic Development at WVU Extension, at Lmprinzo@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-8690.
Read more about the My Hometown Is Cool New Technologyoy in Ag Extension Project here.
