URBANA, Ill. – Illinois 4-H strives to unlock the potential in every young person, helping them to dream, plan, design, build, and achieve. Around the state, University of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development staff guide the next generation of leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs.
In January, Illinois Extension welcomed a familiar face, Samantha Gaither, to serve as 4-H youth development educator in Edwards, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, and Wayne counties.
“We are very excited to have Samantha as the educator for our 4-H team,” says Tara Buerster, Illinois Extension county director. “She brings several years of experience in 4-H and youth development to help us deliver positive youth programs in our five-county area.”
Gaither will provide leadership to the youth and development program that supports 4-H clubs and special interest groups, as well as educational events in southeastern Illinois. She is looking forward to connecting with local youth and volunteers and expanding opportunities across the five-county unit.
“I hope to provide opportunities for local young people to build life skills with research-based educational programs focused on social-emotional learning, STEM, environmental stewardship, workforce preparation, and positive youth development,” Gaither says.
Gaither first joined Illinois Extension in 2012 as the 4-H program coordinator in Crawford County and later Lawrence County. A 4-H alum, Gaither showed livestock during her time in the program and has continued the 4-H tradition with her two daughters.
Gaither is based in the Lawrence County office and can be reached at sgaither@illinois.edu or (618) 943-5018.
University of Illinois Extension educators and specialists connect every county in Illinois with university research through in-person and distance-learning programming and other educational outreach. They work to provide businesses, families, and agricultural producers with the practical tools and resources needed to solve problems.
WRITER: Emily Steele, Media Communications Coordinator, Illinois Extension
ABOUT EXTENSION: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions.
ILLINOIS 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension. 4-H grows true leaders, youth who are empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. The hands-on approach in 4-H gives young people guidance, tools, and encouragement, and then puts them in the driver’s seat to make great things happen.