Applications are now open for the 2021/2022 cohort of Texas 4-H Water Ambassadors. Now in its fourth year, the 4-H Water Ambassadors Program continues to grow in number and is gaining recognition and support from the Texas water industry. To date, 110 youth have participated in the Program representing more than 65 counties. We are looking forward to another successful year as we recruit up to 30 new youth. A goal of the Program is to equip youth to assist county extension with water education events. To learn more about the 4-H Water Ambassadors Program visit www.texas4hwaterambassadors.com.
Eligibility:
- Be in high school or entering high school in the 2021/2022 academic year (entering 9th-12th grade)
- Be at least 14 years of age by August 31, 2021
- Be a current 4-H member, or be willing to join a local 4-H club if selected ($30 fee for state/local membership)
Expectations:
4-H Water Ambassadors accept the responsibility of education youth and adults in their communities. They commit to advancing their water knowledge throughout their 12-months of service. Those selected must:
- Participate in the summer 2021 Tier I 4-H2O Leadership Academy (June 27 – July 1)
- Commit to a minimum of 40 hours of education/service from July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2021
- Pay the $250 program participation fee by June 15 (if selected your local UWCD may cover this cost)
How to Apply:
- Visit www.texas4hwaterambassadors.com for application requirements and instructions
- Complete the application online at https://fs4.formsite.com/state4h/water/index.html
Important Dates:
- April 1 – May 15, 2021 – Applications open
- June 1 – Application notified of acceptance status
- June 15 – $250 participation fee due in 4HOnline
- June 27 – July 1 – Tier I 4-H2O Leadership Academy (pick-up/drop off in Waco, details TBD)
- July 1 – June 30 – Official 12-month term of service
Locally, South Plains Underground Water Conservation District (SPUWCD), Sandy Land Underground Water Conservation District (SLUWCD) and Llano Estacado Underground Water Conservation District (LEUWCD) have helped sponsor four area students in this program. If selected, SPUWCD/SLUWCD/LEUWCD have agreed to help support students from their individual groundwater districts by providing resources to make this opportunity available to any youth interested in this exceptional program. Extension agents will be notified if a youth in their county has been selected prior to notifying the youth’s family/guardians. Additionally, Southern Ogallala Conservation & Outreach Program (SOCOP) which is a cooperative educational program serving the groundwater districts in Terry, Yoakum and Gaines counties will help to facilitate service/educational opportunities, coordinate with local 4H agents/clubs, and provide other support to help students achieve success as Texas 4H Water Ambassadors.
For more information, contact your local groundwater district or SOCOP, Michelle Cooper, at savegroundwater@gmail.com or go to the Texas 4H Water Ambassador Facebook page or the links provided in this article. You can also contact David Smith, program supervisor, with any questions at (979) 862-1989. davidsmith@tamu.edu
Groundwater District Contact Info:
South Plains UWCD (Terry County) – (806)637-7467
Sandy Land UWCD (Yoakum County) – (806)456-2155
Llano Estacado UWCD (Gaines County) – (432)758-1127