MISSISSIPPI STATE – The Mississippi State University Extension Service 4-H program received a $13,500 grant to improve the state’s after-school programming by training 550 of its providers.

The MetLife Foundation and the National 4-H Council provided the grant to Mississippi and 10 other states. The grant is aimed at improving after-school programming offered across the state.

“Mississippi has more than 775,000 youth under age 18, and almost 100,000 of these live in poverty,” said Susan Holder, Extension state 4-H program leader. “4-H after-school programs are an important part of many of these young people’s lives. By offering crucial training and resources to our 4-H after-school providers, we can create a safe, nurturing environment for young people to become confident, capable leaders.”

The training will allow after-school providers to increase the number of youth involved in high-quality after-school programs and make civic engagement part of their daily lives. Other goals are to give young people more opportunities to develop leadership skills and to help them play positive roles in their own communities.

Mississippi will hold a statewide training at the Sparkman Auditorium in Jackson June 29.  Continuing education credits are available, as well as curriculum and other training tools to use in their local programs. Lunch will be provided. Registration is limited to 550 participants, and preregistration is required.

To preregister before June 15, contact Betty Rawlings at rawlings@ext.msstate.edu or (662) 325-3350.