Lane County’s size and geography have long limited access to 4-H hands-on learning. For years, many camps, workshops and school programs clustered around Eugene and Springfield, leaving rural communities with fewer opportunities to build skills through positive youth development.
By reaching families through schools, libraries, satellite offices and community events, OSU Extension Service increases educational opportunity, improves community resilience and helps more young people thrive regardless of where they live.
In 2021, Lane County voters approved a local option property tax levy to help fund Oregon State University Extension Service programming in Lane County. The levy enabled Extension to expand youth access through school partnerships, satellite office capacity and community-based outreach, including increased 4-H and other positive youth development opportunities in rural communities.
On the west side of the county, Territorial Elementary School in Junction City partnered with OSU Extension 4-H to offer a six-week after-school STEAM program for younger students. Using 4-H curriculum, the program provided structured hands-on activities and team-building challenges that emphasized planning, communication and problem-solving. The partnership also introduced families to additional 4-H opportunities available during the 2025–2026 school year.
To support working families on early-release Wednesdays, Fernridge School District partnered with 4-H to provide after-school STEAM programming at Elmira and Veneta elementary schools. Students participated every Wednesday in rotating cohorts designed to maximize access. Youths explored science, art, math, engineering and technology through hands-on activities aimed at building confidence and helping students identify their interests.
Satellite offices strengthen rural access
Extension expanded rural access through two satellite offices. A satellite office in Florence, housed at the Lane Community College Florence Center, includes office space and a classroom that supports programming across Extension program areas. A second satellite office in Oakridge, near the public library, helps Extension reach families in Lowell and Oakridge.
Together, these hubs supported a wider mix of school programming, after-school activities, workshops, camps and community events, using both 4-H Youth Development and Family and Community Health curriculum.
Emergency preparedness education was another major expansion supported by the levy. Extension partnered with elementary schools, libraries and community events to provide youth-focused emergency preparedness workshops across the county, including Cottage Grove, Eugene, Florence, Junction City, Lowell, Mapleton, McKenzie, Oakridge, Springfield and Walterville.
Workshops were offered during school programming, after-school sessions, Saturdays and outreach events to reduce barriers to participation. Youth and families received a free “go bag” to support follow-through at home. Adults were welcomed to participate and help teach youths how to make paracord bracelets.
As a result of the voter-approved levy, new partnerships and expanded delivery capacity increased Extension’s geographic reach and overall participation, particularly in rural communities.
At Territorial Elementary, the first cohort served 12 youths in grades K–3. Students participated in activities that supported critical thinking, independence and teamwork. Projects included cardboard butterflies, weekly team challenges, a shape sorter, tessellations, a self-affirmation flower, strawberry DNA extraction and a marble maze.
The Fernridge partnership delivered early-release STEAM programming at Elmira and Veneta elementary schools. With three rotating cohorts of 20 students at each site over nine weeks, a total of 120 youth participated in hands-on learning every Wednesday.
In the Siuslaw area, the Florence satellite office increased opportunities for youths in Florence, Mapleton and Deadwood through school programming, after-school programming, workshops and camps. Reported participation included 219 youths and 11 adults served through 4-H Youth Development and Family and Community Health programming.
Emergency preparedness expands youth resilience
Emergency preparedness workshops also grew. In the 2024–2025 school year, Extension set a goal of reaching 90 youths and reached 157. In the 2025–2026 school year, the goal is 500 youths; to date, 175 youths have participated, and additional workshop dates have already been secured at schools, libraries and community events.
Across the county, Extension expanded community outreach through tabling events, family nights, workshops, camps and emergency preparedness sessions. Reported totals from these combined efforts include 744 youths and 1,036 adults reached through activities and engagement at locations such as:
- Adams Elementary School in Eugene
- Bridge Lane sites in Florence and McKenzie
- Cottage Grove Library
- Fernridge School District sites
- Elmira High School
- Lowell Library
- Malabon Elementary School family night
- McKenzie community events
- Oakridge Art Walk
- Territorial Elementary School family STEAM night
- Walterville emergency preparedness programming
In the Oakridge and Lowell areas, the Oakridge satellite office supported additional in-school programming, workshops, camps and community partnerships. Programming included clubs, community events, gardens, food and nutrition learning opportunities and participation in local events such as farmers markets and art walks.
Emergency preparedness workshops were delivered at Oakridge-area elementary schools. Reported participation for this combined 4-H and food and nutrition programming included 261 youths and 18 adults.
Public value
Expanding 4-H programming beyond population centers helps ensure more youths can develop skills in STEAM, teamwork, communication and problem-solving — competencies linked to academic success and workforce readiness.
Countywide emergency preparedness workshops add another public benefit: Youth who understand hazards and basic preparedness steps can help households make plans, build kits and respond more effectively during disasters.
By reaching families through schools, libraries, satellite offices and community events, OSU Extension Service increases educational opportunity, improves community resilience and helps more young people thrive regardless of where they live.
