Kansas State University

Reflections from 2025 and moving into 2026

Submitted by Sarah E. Maass

Earlier this year, the State 4-H Team selected "Ready" as its word of the year.  We discussed the need to be ready to establish new partnerships, ready to move the 4-H needle forward with the reach of Kansas youth, ready to continue to impact our communities, and ready to make the best better.  As I reflect on all the accomplishments of 2025, I am proud of what we have achieved and the initiatives that have been launched.  Here is a summarized list:

• Implementation of CVENT as our state 4-H registration system
• Partnerships established with:

-  HirePaths

-  K-State: Department of Interior Design & Architecture

-  K-State: Office of Recruitment and Admissions

-  K-State:  School of Health Sciences, Kinesiology

• New Hires:

-  4-H Online, Data, Evaluation Program Administrator

-  Southwest Regional 4-H Specialist

-  State 4-H Engineering & Technology Specialist

• Pilots:

-  Cool Career Video Contest

-  Youth Career Discovery Program (21 Central District, River Valley District, and Wyandotte County)

• Strategic planning work with the Kansas 4-H Foundation to align programmatic needs with philanthropic efforts
• Updated the Kansas 4-H website to the new K-State template with revisions keeping the external audience in mind
• Increased number of local host sites for the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, which led to an increase in numbers at the state contest
• A variety of project-related webinars offered to 4-H members
• A refreshed look to Emerald Circle, recognizing our State 4-H Project Award Recipients
• Continued improvements at the Kansas State Fair
• 4-H Beyond Ready Recognition for our 8^th Graders
• We had a 4-H presence at:

-  Manhattan Campus Open House

-  Grandparents University

-  Celebrate Ag Day at a K-State football game

• The continuation of revamping the 4-H Youth Development training for new agents
• The start of college preparation webinars for our juniors and seniors with the K-State Office of Recruitment and Admissions
• Several behind-the-scenes items, including discussions with potential new partners (internal and external)

Additionally, I would like to extend special thanks to the Kansas 4-H Foundation for their efforts in establishing a partnership with Flora Foods, which provided youth attending Discovery Days with the opportunity to participate in several leadership development activities, including the Clifton Strengths assessment.

As we move into 2026, many things are on the horizon.  Here is a snapshot of what we have to look forward to:

• Timeline for State 4-H Scholarships & State 4-H Project Award Applications:  We heard your concerns regarding the time constraints and stress levels of families, as both the awards and scholarships were due around the same time.  Therefore, the timeline has changed for both award processes. We hope this will allow individuals to review both for the awards and scholarships, if desired, and make the timing less stressful for the 4-H families.
  
  In November, you all received the letter with the details for the 4-H project awards, regional screening, and the state process.  With the change in timelines, a few dates were not updated in this letter.  We are in the process of making modifications to this letter and will send the revised version to the listserv soon.

• 4-H Volunteer Development Specialist Position:  Approval has been given for this position to be released after the first of the year.  Although the timeline has been roughly outlined, official dates have yet to be confirmed.  Please consider applying if you are interested and/or think about who you might encourage to apply for this position.  Watch for more information to come out in the first part of January.

• Beyond Ready, Kansas 4-H Bold Goals:  If you have not registered for the Kansas 4-H Program Rally, be sure to do so before January 15!  You can register by going to https://web.cvent.com/event/58faa867-62fe-49e6-8c8e-de3c84d51d77/register. 
  
  Kansas 4-H is proud to align with the National 4-H Beyond Ready movement, a national effort to increase 4-H participation from 6 to 10 million youth by 2030. In support of this vision, our three bold goals are:
  • Engage with every Kansas youth.
  • Increase traditional enrollment by 10% by 2030.
  • Increase non-traditional enrollment by 10% by 2030.

At 4-H Program Rally, you will not only learn more about the direction Kansas 4-H is heading with the Beyond Ready Movement, but you will also be given data (i.e., enrollment numbers, number of approved volunteer, retention rates, etc.) for the 4-H program in your local unit and begin to (or continue to) develop a plan of action to begin to implement locally, share with your PDCs and Extension Boards, etc.  Plan to participate in one or two working sessions, as we will have time in small groups to brainstorm and exchange ideas.  During our time together, I hope everyone will leave with some ideas on some things that can be implemented back in the local programs.

• Summer Enrichment Program:  It is anticipated that the program coordinator position for the Summer Enrichment Program will open after the first of the year.  Everything is in process, but it was delayed due to some changes on campus.  Rest assured, we are moving along as quickly as possible.  I realize we are already behind schedule, but we will make the best of the timeline we have for year one and be on a much better track for year two.   
  
  I would like to extend my gratitude to the Kansas 4-H Foundation for the countless hours, conversations, and meetings that were held to bring this gift from the Patterson Family Foundation to fruition.  This gift of $2,250,000 over three years will undoubtedly help us broaden our reach to the youth of Kansas, while also making strides toward achieving our Bold Goals. 
  
  In case you missed this announcement at Annual Conference or in the November 4-H Tip Sheet, you can find the written announcement at https://www.kansas4-h.org/tipsheet/announcement/?id=103160.

As we turn the page to 2026, the momentum we’ve built in 2025 positions Kansas 4-H for an exciting year ahead. The progress we’ve made reflects the dedication of our volunteers, extension professionals, partners, and members who continue to embrace innovation while honoring the traditions that make 4-H strong. With new opportunities on the horizon—expanded programs, strategic partnerships, and our bold goals—we are ready to deepen our impact and ensure that every Kansas youth has the chance to thrive. Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, let’s make 2026 a year of growth, collaboration, and continued excellence in Kansas 4-H.