In the News - May 2009
Arkansas 4-H Foundation receives $5,000 grant from Entergy
LITTLE ROCK - Entergy has awarded the Arkansas 4-H Foundation, Inc., a $5,000
grant to be used in its Responsible Environmental Stewardship - Quest, or RES-Q,
program, operated by the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture's
Cooperative Extension Service.
The grant comes from Entergy's Open Grants Program, which focuses on
community development.
"We are so pleased with this grant from Entergy," said Dr. Brad Davis,
executive director of the Arkansas 4-H Foundation. "It's gratifying to know that
the community values the educational work being done by 4-H and specifically the
RES-Q program."
RES-Q brings the classroom outdoors.
Begun in 1987 as Leadership Investment for Tomorrow, the program was renamed
RES-Q in 1994 after Congress passed the National Environmental Education Act in
1990. The program is funded in part by the Arkansas 4-H Foundation.
RES-Q uses objective-driven, experience-based activities to aid students in
becoming responsible stewards of Arkansas' natural resources. In addition to
knowledge of the environment, the program introduces students to 4-H Leadership
Life Skills, strengthens educator-student relationships and develops
team-building skills.
"There are few things as satisfying as seeing students reconnect with nature
and gain a greater understanding of the world around them," said Joel Gill,
RES-Q coordinator. "Entergy's generosity will allow more students to gain that
experience in the coming year."
The program, offered at the C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center, can be customized
to emphasize environmental aspects such as wildlife, astronomy, forestry, nature
awareness, canoeing and fishing. It's offered as a one- or two-day, one-night
experiential environmental education field trip for learners of all ages.
Budget cuts are forcing many schools to limit educational trips, and the
grant will let more students take advantage of RES-Q's broad environmental
education program for fall 2009 and spring 2010.
"This grant will help make this educational experience more attainable for
students by subsidizing part of the cost of their participation," said J.J.
Pitman, 4-H Center program director.
As of 2009, more than 100,000 individuals have taken part in RES-Q.
For more information on RES-Q, contact Joel Gill, RES-Q coordinator at
501-821-6884 or by e-mail
jgill@uaex.edu. Information about the program and upcoming events can be
found online at:
www.kidsarus.org/go4it/Opportunities/resq/.
For information about the Arkansas 4-H youth development program, contact
your county Extension office or visit
www.kidsarus.org/4h_program.htm or
www.uaex.edu.
The Cooperative Extension Service is a part of the University of Arkansas
Division of Agriculture.
May 1, 2009
Media Contact: Brad Davis
Executive Director
Arkansas 4-H Foundation
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2079
bdavis@uaex.edu
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