Premier Companies Gifts

Since 2020, thousands of Indiana 4‑Hers have benefitted from funds provided through the generosity of Premier Companies. For the Fall 2023-2024 cycle, they committed $100,000 to 4‑H projects across much of southern Indiana! The following is an overview of some of the most recent projects made possible by the Premier Companies grants:

Monroe County
Educator: Clint Deck
Funding Received: $10,000
Youth Served: 4,575
This initiative provided educational experiences for youth by organizing field trips to three local farms. The program served students from all 7 Title I elementary schools in Monroe County, giving them the opportunity to learn about agriculture, food production, nutrition, and natural resources. The Monroe County 4‑H Camp engaged youth in life skills, independence, and leadership through camping activities. The Children’s Farm Festival brought Pre-K through 1st grade students together for interactive agricultural experiences.

Orange County
Educator: Julie Carrell
Funding Received: $4,400
Youth Served: 350
Funding allowed this club to collaborate with a group of young people at a local career center to construct new A-frames for project presentations at community events. This initiative not only provides practical solutions for displaying projects but also empowers the youth involved by giving them hands-on experience in design and construction.

Owen County
Educator: Jennifer Abrell
Funding Received: $2,400
Youth Served: 18
Premiere Companies funding supported this club’s community production of The Jungle Book. They were able to create sets and costumes, supply quality stage makeup, purchase a production rights package that allowed live streaming, and provide cast and crew with snacks and water during rehearsals and performances. The 2024 cast and crew was made up of 44 percent new-to-4‑H youth (8 out of 18) making this project a key recruiting tool for Owen County 4‑H.

Rush County
Educator: Sarah Gettinger
Funding Received: $5,000
Youth Served: 250
Funding supported the Class To Clover program, providing materials for Chick Embryology, where over 200 Rush County students had hands-on experience with hatching chicks right in their classrooms. The funds also covered 4‑H enrollment fees for students who completed a Class To Clover project poster to be displayed at the county fair.
Funds were also used for hands-on project workshops and to cover traditional 4‑H project needs and scholarships for enollment fees to youth who otherwise would not be able to participate in 4‑H.

Scott County
Educator: Megan McNeely
Funding Received: $3,200
Youth Served: 60
This club held a plant science workshop where youth were taught how to plant tomatoes and herbs, and then completed a project for the county fair. Two of the herb projects advanced to the Indiana State Fair.
Funding also supported several equine events: a program for youth who do not have horses but want to learn about them; a program with beginner/intermediate horse owners; and two clinics where youth rode their horses and were taught to be better horsemen.

Shelby County
Educator: Bailey York
Funding Received: $1,375
Youth Served: 23
Through RT2 Celebration at the Fair, a Purdue Extension 4‑H Youth Agent met with participants in grades K-3 bimonthly leading up to the Shelby County Fair in June. The primary purpose of RT2 is to promote reading, good nutrition, and agriculture awareness among preschool and early elementary aged children.
Funding also provided supplies for the Animal Science Fetal Pig SPARK Club where youth engaged in the dissection of a pig, and learned about feed rations and ear notching.

Washington County
Educator: Taylor Chastain
Funding Received: $5,000
Youth Served: 200
The Clovers in the Classroom program engaged youth who displayed their projects in the 4‑H Building at the fair. Along with recruiting new members, several members who previously only worked on livestock projects were able to complete their first static projects. Three had their work selected for the State Fair, with one earning an orange merit. Funding also supported the Carnival of Fun to promote new 4‑H projects and generate excitement for the upcoming year. Remaining funds were used to purchase new turkey pens for the fair.

Southeastern Indiana 4‑H Camp
Educator: Kyle Weaver
Funding Received: $2,600
Youth Served: 120
Premier Grant funding provided a leadership program by Ted Wiese from Hear Ted Talk for 4‑H Camp Counselors, including meals, training supplies, and insurance.

Area 2 Youth Education Fund
Educator: Lesley Lodmell
Funding Received: $8,000
Youth Served: 352
The Southern Indiana 4‑H Camp and Camp Counselor Retreat offered environmental education, outdoor recreation, and leadership workshops. The Camp Counselor Retreat, held prior to camp, equipped teen leaders with essential skills in communication, conflict resolution, and mentoring to ensure a successful camp experience for all attendees. The program fostered personal growth, strengthened peer connections, and enhanced community engagement among participants, creating lasting impacts within their local 4‑H clubs and communities.