Support PA 4-H Youth on GivingTuesday - December 2

By Blake Jackson

Penn State is preparing to mark its 11th GivingTuesday on Tuesday, Dec. 2, and Pennsylvania 4-H is encouraging alumni and supporters to join the effort by contributing to the 4-H Animal Science Knowledge Teams Endowment.

Pennsylvania 4-H, the state’s largest youth development program, delivers hands-on learning opportunities through Penn State Extension in each of the 67 counties. Participants engage in projects that strengthen life skills, introduce career pathways, and help young people discover their interests.

“I joined the Berks County 4-H Sheep Club when I was 8 years old,” said Stephanie McGargle, a coach of the Huntingdon County 4-H Livestock Judging Team. “Adventuring out of my comfort zone of the sheep world helped me gain appreciation for the beef and swine industries, which led me to pursue a degree in animal science at Penn State.”

The endowment plays a vital role by providing financial assistance to 4-H youth representing Pennsylvania at national animal science competitions, helping cover travel, registration, and related expenses.

However, rising costs have limited the fund’s ability to fully support participants in recent years. To ensure every qualified member can take part, 4-H aims to raise $25,000 during this year’s GivingTuesday campaign.

“The opportunities that are available for youth excelling in judging, quiz bowl and skillathons around the county are vast,” McGargle said. “Support from alumni, friends, family and organizations helps bolster the ability to embrace these opportunities - opportunities that build leaders.”

GivingTuesday officially begins Tuesday, Dec. 2, with an early kickoff on Monday, Dec. 1, at 6:55 p.m. EST. Donations to the livestock judging endowment fund will be matched up to $12,500.

“Let’s help continue to build strong leaders and agricultural enthusiasts, as this is an industry that helps the world live one more day,” McGargle said.

To learn more, visit https://give.psu.edu/givingtuesday-2025/?a=11376096#pre-launch-noontime-knowledge-section.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-katie-ellement