A Word from the President

Greetings!

On behalf of the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation Board of Directors, we want to take this opportunity to convey our genuine appreciation to our generous 4-H alumni, friends and supporters who championed advancement of our noble cause of 4-H youth development. Please take a moment and reflect on just how much of an impact your philanthropic gifts made in the lives of Oklahoma 4-H’ers.

Lifelong skills such as leadership, public speaking, responsibility, time management, confidence, work ethic, decisiveness, teamwork and character building are learned from participation in 4-H record book project work and activities. These invaluable skills equip 4-H’ers to be successful in their professional and personal lives.

Propelling forward this positive youth development movement is the National 4-H Council’s announcement of “Beyond Ready” during National 4-H Week last October.This progressive nationwide initiative to increase the public awareness of the breadth and scope of 4-H includes an ambitious fundraising campaign goal of $500 million.

Of that amount, state 4-H foundations will raise 40% (or $200 million).These dollars raised by the foundations will remain in the states.The Oklahoma 4-H Foundation has committed to raise $3.25 million before Dec.31, 2030, toward “Beyond Ready” to ensure our 4-H youth are “Beyond Ready” to enter the work force. See the Beyond Ready Campaign page to learn how you can prepare Oklahoma 4-H youth to be “Beyond Ready.”

2024 marked the third highest record-year for total contributions in the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation’s history at $788,306.The bar has been raised.The stage is set.The foundation is laid.Even with the success we have shown to date, a lot of work remains to be done.Our mission is to prepare our Oklahoma 4-H youth to be “Beyond Ready” … their success depends on you.

Will you prepare Oklahoma 4-H youth to be “Beyond Ready?”

Jerry Kiefer

President