Energy focused STEM Innovative Programming Awards:  Eight $1,000 Awards will be presented during the 2013 State 4-H Congress

Project Partners:

• The Dominion Foundation
• Virginia 4-H & Virginia 4-H Foundation

Overview:     

To create an ongoing, high quality, statewide, electric energy program, which builds upon the existing 4-H electric project, Virginia 4-H needs to create additional opportunities for increased knowledge, life skill development, and career awareness. Dominion power is investing $10,000 in the development of a more comprehensive Virginia 4-H energy program.

Implementation:        

Faculty members are encouraged to develop programs covering energy, electrical safety, energy careers, and energy conservation.

A request for proposals, for eight $1,000 programming awards, will be distributed to the 107 county/city 4-H programs statewide in addition to the six 4-H educational centers located across the state. The top eight submissions will each receive $1,000 to develop and implement the program outlined in their application. It is also acceptable for two agents in a district to partner in developing a program and thus receive $2,000. Upon completion of the project, the award winning programs will be showcased during State 4-H Congress and Virginia Cooperative Extension’s annual in-service conference. This will provide an avenue to encourage adoption of new programming ideas by other agents.

In addition, funds will be provided to a team of agents and specialists resulting in the development of the Virginia 4-H Electric Challenge competition. In addition, funds will be provided to a team of agents and specialists to develop the Virginia

4-H Electric Challenge, designed to be an annual event.  $2,000 will be used to aid in the development of project materials, competition guidelines, an incentive plan, and conducting of the first Virginia  4-H Electric Challenge. This contest will be designed to give 4-H members enrolled in the 4-H Electric program an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of energy, careers related to energy, the efficient use of electricity, care, maintenance, and safety of electrical equipment and apparatus found in the home. It is anticipated that the contest would include: a written examination; the identification of electrical equipment and/or parts of the equipment that are found in the home, including electrical and electronic symbols; a practical wiring exercise; and a demonstration/illustrated talk.  Those interested in serving on the state development team, please submit your name and why you are interested to Cathy Sutphin by June 5, 2013.

4-H Foundation/Dominion Energy Focused STEM Grants

To apply, submit one-page application to Cathy Sutphin at cmsutph@vt.edu by June 5, 2013.  Faculty members are encouraged to develop programs covering energy, electrical safety, energy careers, and energy conservation. Award winners will be required to submit a summary of work completed along with pictures.

Faculty name(s):

Unit(s):

4-H Foundation Account Name (where the award will be transferred):

Name of the proposed project:

Narrative outlining the proposed project:  include need, implementation plans, proposed partners, target audience, any funds that will be leveraged, anticipated outcomes, and a proposed evaluation plan.