BY CALLIE LEHMAN, INTERIM DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
For Kansas 4-H youth, summer is more than a season; it is a time of discovery, creativity, and growth. Thanks to a visionary gift from the Patterson Family Foundation, that experience will reach even more young people across the state.
The Patterson Family Foundation has committed $2,250,000 over three years to sustain and expand the Kansas 4-H Summer Enrichment Program, ensuring that hands-on, project-based learning continues to ignite curiosity and leadership in the next generation. Originally launched through the Department of Education’s CARES Act funding, the program has quickly become a cornerstone for youth development in Kansas.
Through summer enrichment, young people explore STEM, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Creative Arts, Family and Consumer Sciences, and Personal Development. The program offers more than knowledge; it cultivates confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging. Participants discover their “sparks,” unique interests and passions that inspire them, and apply them in collaborative, hands-on settings. Four guiding elements: belonging, independence, generosity, and mastery, ensure that every youth walks away feeling empowered and capable of making a meaningful impact.
This Summer Enrichment funding reflects thoughtful collaboration to advance Kansas 4-H through philanthropy and demonstrates a shared commitment to youth success.
“Investments like this change lives,” said Dr. Sarah Maass, program director for Kansas 4-H. “This leadership-level support allows us to reach more youth, spark curiosity, and help young people discover their talents and potential in meaningful ways.”
Mindy Weixelman, President/CEO of the Kansas 4-H Foundation, added, “The Patterson Family Foundation’s generosity ensures that thousands of Kansas youth will have access to life-changing experiences. Gifts like this do not justfund programs; they fuel dreams, leadership, and opportunity.”
The timing of this gift is especially meaningful as Kansas 4-H works toward achieving the bold goals through Beyond Ready, which include engaging every Kansas youth in a 4-H experience, increasing traditional enrollment by 10%, and increasing non-traditional enrollment by 10% by 2030. With the Patterson Family Foundation’s visionary support, these goals move closer to reality and ensure that innovative, accessible programming reaches communities across the state.
As the summer enrichment program grows, youth will continue to learn, create, lead, and discover. Kansas 4-H and the Kansas 4-H Foundation extend their deepest gratitude to the Patterson Family Foundation for this visionary support, an investment in not just summer experiences but in the leaders of tomorrow.