UC Cooperative Extension | Agricultural Experiment Station

New 4-H director to youth: ‘You are worthy and you are valuable’

Seen here sharing a moment with the 2023-24 4-H State Ambassador team at the State Leadership Conference, Holmes aims to ensure every young person across California has access to 4-H programs. Photo courtesy of California 4-H

Holmes brings a lifetime of service, mentorship to California 4-H program Growing up in rural Alabama, Kimberly Sinclair Holmes – the new statewide director of California 4-H – experienced firsthand the enduring value of youth development...

UC Delivers

Children who are overweight can experience negative physical, emotional, social, intellectual and financial outcomes. They are at greater risk for diseases like diabetes and asthma, which can impact their quality of life. Emotionally, they are more apt to experience low self esteem and depression. Socially, they may have a harder time fitting in with peers and are more likely to be teased or bullied. And because research shows overweight children are less likely to go to college, their weight impacts intellectual and financial futures. With 30.5 percent of California children classified as overweight or obese, the University of California Cooperative Extension has made this public health issue a priority. UCCE has identified 12 major risk factors for weight gain; one is consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. The average American consumes about half a pound of sugar a day, and more than 30 percent of calories from added sugars are from sweetened beverages.

Read about: 4-H youth persuade peers to replace sugary drinks with water | View Other Stories

ESPAÑOL

UC ANR 2020-2025 Strategic Plan

Download the plan

Make a Gift

UCANR