Lincoln, Neb. —Former 4-H'er, and current 4-H Youth Development Specialist Caitlyn Jacobson has launched Focus on 4-H, a brand-new podcast featuring the vast array of 4-H projects youth in Lincoln, Logan and McPherson counties have participated in.
4-H is America’s largest youth development organization, in which clubs, camps, school enrichment, after school, special interest and Clover Kid programs empower nearly six million young people across the U.S. and 140,000 across Nebraska with the skills to lead for a lifetime.
From the arts, to shooting sports, animal and plant science, engineering, technology, leadership and many other projects areas, there are dozens of projects for youth no matter their interests.
Each month, Jacobson features a 4-H'er project from Lincoln, Logan or McPherson counties with a goal of elevating the positive and impactful contributions they’re making in their communities, all while learning something new and enjoying the dedication it takes to complete their projects.
“There are tons of learning opportunities within 4-H, and my goal with the podcast is to feature the various program areas,” said Jacobson.
“If there is a 4-H'er that isn't sure where to start on a particular project, this podcast gives them a contact to hear about the project first-hand and learn from each other.”
Recently on the podcast, Jacobson featured Cauy Robinson, an eighth-grade student from Wallace who hopes to continue the legacy of his family’s ranching operation one day. He says his involvement in the 4-H livestock judging team he is a part of has been a great learning experience that taught him how to better read and judge cattle. Recently, Robinson and the rest of his judging team from Scottsbluff County placed 2nd overall at the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic in Kearney.
Jacobson launched the podcast in late 2022, just a few short months after she began her role with Nebraska 4-H in June. As a former 4-H'er, Jacobsen says it's important to her to feature current 4-H'ers to keep 4-H activities at the forefront for busy families and youth looking for opportunities to gain lifelong skills.
A Lincoln County native growing up in production agriculture, Jacobson fondly recalls her 4-H days at the Lincoln County Fair, starting as a Cloverbud showing her bucket calf, Alice. No stranger to the wide array of projects, Jacobson just about completed them all throughout the years from showing market and breeding heifers, lambs, baking, photography, public speaking, LifeSmarts, horse, and later working at a camp counselor at the former Halsey 4-H camp.
For more information about Lincoln, Logan and McPherson County 4-H visit the website or find them on Facebook or Instagram.