Submitted photo Among the more than $3,000 in Helping Hand funding awarded to local 4-H clubs is the Horse Ride Opportunity for Challenged Riders project by the Golden Rose Riders 4-H Club of New Ulm.

Three local 4-H Clubs earned more than $3,000 in statewide Helping Hands awards.

Nearly $25,000 was awarded throughout the state of Minnesota to projects that Minnesota 4-H Club youth seek to pursue in partnership with supportive adults, local businesses and nonprofit organizations.

Programs and projects led by 4-H youth which meet certain criteria are eligible to apply for awards between $200 and $2,000. Club youth and volunteers submitted proposals for their highlighting criteria such as expanding access to 4-H to new and diverse participants, demonstrating that adults are playing supportive (rather than leadership) roles, partnering with one or more local organizations or businesses, having a long-term impact, and planning creative and innovative approaches.

Brown County 4-H had three separate clubs apply, and all three were awarded funding for their projects.

The Burnstown Brookville 4-H Club of Springfield has been granted $1,000 to complete signage promoting the 4-H program, welcoming fairgoers and beautifying the fairgrounds in New Ulm year-round. The club is partnering with multiple local businesses and construction companies. These partnerships will not only fund the signage project, but provide educational programming for their club including engineering and design, masonry, communications and public relations.

The Golden Rose Riders 4-H Club of New Ulm was awarded $2,000 to support its Horse Ride Opportunity for Challenged Riders. It will be the second time the club has hosted this event, with youth and adult advisors volunteering their horses, as well as horse care and riding expertise to introduce the species to youth with challenges and/or disabilities.

The club plans to provide a safe and fun learning environment for each participant which includes goodie bags and a horse-drawn wagon ride.

The Stark Happy Hustlers of Stark Township was granted $300 to use in creating ‘Birthday Bags’ which it will donate to the local food shelf for families unable to provide birthday party supplies for their children. The club’s goals are to make available at least four comprehensive party packages including cake mix and toppings, decorations, party favors, a gift, and more. The 4-H club youth hope to practice their skills of planning parties, shopping efficiently for supplies and budgeting their award funds along the way.

These Brown County 4-H Clubs represent three of 19 awards given across the state, nearly a fifth of the selected applicants. For more information on the Helping Hands Award for 4-H Clubs and the full results, please visit extension.umn.edu.

Individuals or businesses interested in supporting these 4-H endeavors can contact the Brown County Extension Educator, Janessa Palmer at 507-794-7993 or via email at palme590@umn.edu.