The California 4-H State Ambassador Program is a working honor that provides 4-H members expanded opportunities to serve the University of California 4-H Youth Development Program. The 4-H State Ambassador position is one of the highest service opportunities and levels of recognition attainable in the University of California 4-H Youth Development Program. 4-H State Ambassadors are youth who have excelled in the areas of leadership and community service. They are selected to serve the 4-H Youth Development Program in roles that promote leadership through education and service.
Andrew, when asked about how he felt about being selected as a State Ambassador, expressed that he was tremendously excited for the opportunity and has aspired to be a State Ambassador for numerous years. Additionally, when asked what he hopes to get out of being a State Ambassador, Andrew shared that he feels being a State Ambassador will be invaluable to continuing his leadership development and growth throughout his year of serving and looks forward to representing 4-H throughout California. Andrew in particular wants to promote 4-H to younger youth to entice them to become more involved in 4-H programs.
Andrew feels that 4-H has had a huge impact on his life. He expresses that his ability to conduct himself professionally and his strong public speaking skills are directly correlated to his involvement in 4-H.
The focus of 4-H from the local to state level is to have positive youth development through hands-on service learning. 4-H is built through a framework of youth and adult partnerships to develop our youth for the being future leaders of tomorrow. Placer County has not had a State Ambassador for at least ten years, and Placer County 4-H is excited to support Andrew. Andrew's term as State Ambassador will begin July 1, 2014 and continue through June 30, 2015. He will have the opportunity to travel all around the State of California promoting and educating about 4-H, and demonstrating the importance of having youth being involved in 4-H.
If you want to learn more about Andrew Wood's story or have questions about the youth development opportunities within the 4-H program please visit the Placer County 4-H website at: http://ucanr.edu/sites/placercounty4h/ or call the Placer County 4-H Office (530) 889-7386.