Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) Liberty County 4-H Extension agent Jason Bowen and Texas A&M University (TAMU) AgriLife Extension Agent Amanda Brooks showcased their dedication to community outreach by taking part in the Go Texan Event on March 5th at the Santa Fe Administration and Activities Building in Cleveland, Texas. The event, which celebrates Western heritage and raises awareness for rodeo season, provided an excellent platform for engaging with diverse communities. Bowen and Brooks recognized the importance of reaching out to economically disadvantaged Hispanic communities like Colony Ridge and utilized the opportunity to set up an informational booth. Their booth aimed to spotlight the various 4-H programs available to youth, emphasizing the value of education and empowerment through these initiatives. 

The Go Texan Event, strategically coinciding with the prestigious Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, embraced the quintessential Texan spirit with its theme. Encouraging attendees to don their finest western attire, organizers put together an immersive experience filled with live music and vibrant festivities. Central to the event’s ethos was a dedicated focus on youth engagement, underscored by a diverse array of attractions including a petting zoo, pony rides, and captivating face painting stations. In addition, the event showcased a multitude of community vendors, providing attendees with a broad spectrum of offerings and experiences.  

As PVAMU and AgriLife Extension agents engaged with parents and the youth at the event, they observed a profound eagerness among the attendees to explore the educational opportunities  beyond traditional livestock programs that 4-H has to offer. Many of the young attendees served as valuable translators, bridging the communication gap between their parents and Extension agents as they perused the English/Spanish literature and flyers provided. 

Bowen expressed his delight in the community’s enthusiastic engagement in STEM-related initiatives like gardening and robotics, particularly from the youth. He emphasized the significance of hands-on learning experiences in shaping the future of education, noting the increasing recognition of this importance. “This keen enthusiasm underscores the growing recognition of the importance of hands-on learning experiences in shaping the future of education,” Bowen said. Parents also voiced their support for diverse educational opportunities, acknowledging the advantages of gardening in promoting healthy food habits and maximizing small urban spaces efficiently. 

The impact of this outreach effort was evident as families eagerly sought information for their children, having been enlightened about the breadth of programming available through 4-H. Many expressed aspirations for their children’s educational attainment and welcomed the prospect of their involvement in programs that fostered skills in areas like robotics and engineering. 

Moreover, the palpable excitement generated among the younger attendees as they eagerly spun the prize wheel served as a testament to the success of the event in igniting enthusiasm and engagement within the community. This positive response reaffirms the importance of continued efforts to expand access to educational opportunities and empower communities to pursue their educational aspirations. Through initiatives like these, PVAMU and AgriLife Liberty County 4-H Extension agents are making tangible strides towards building a brighter future for all members of the community. 

Jason Bowen
Extension Agent, Liberty County
4-H Youth Development
jabowen@pvamu.edu