OREGON, Ill.—CHS Ethanol is committed to giving back to the communities it serves, and when identifying local organizations to support, Ogle County 4-H aligned perfectly with that mission. When Samantha Zaccaria of CHS connected with University of Illinois Extension Program Coordinator Jodi Baumgartner, the timing was ideal. As Ogle County 4-H entered its second year of the 4-H Tech Club, the program was growing and needed updated technology to continue serving youth effectively.
Last year, the 4-H Tech Club engaged 23 members in hands-on learning experiences focused on robotics, coding, 3D printing, and other emerging technologies. However, aging office laptops were no longer supported by IT, creating a significant challenge for the club’s continued growth.
With a generous donation from CHS Ethanol, Ogle County 4-H purchased seven new laptops. These devices will support Tech Club meetings, Project Workshop days, and Ogle County Fair volunteers and judges, expanding access to technology-based programming and needs.
“This donation opens the door for Ogle County 4-H to offer expanded programming focused on technology,” said Baumgartner. “We are grateful for CHS Ethanol’s investment in the youth of Ogle County.”
4-H empowers and prepares youth for success by providing opportunities to learn, practice, and demonstrate skills needed for personal growth, leadership, citizenship, and future careers. Through 4-H, youth experience belonging, independence, mastery, and generosity.
The Ogle County 4-H program sincerely appreciates CHS Ethanol’s commitment and partnership.
For more information about Ogle County 4-H, please contact University of Illinois Extension at 815-732-2191.
PHOTO: CHS Rochelle presented a donation to Ogle County 4-H. Back row, L to R: Mark Zaccaria, CHS; Samantha Zaccaria, CHS; Shelby Harbaugh, Ogle County 4-H Member; Jodi Baumgartner, Ogle County 4-H Program Coordinator; Anna Henson, Ogle County Office Support; and Tyler Angell, CHS. Front row, L to R: Abigail Nelson, 4-H Educator, and Allissa Martin, Ogle County 4-H Ambassador.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.