Ohio 4-H Spark Expo Returns in June

Students will have the opportunity to explore future careers at the 4-H Spark EXPO this summer on The Ohio State University campus.

From June 12-15, teens at the Spark EXPO will learn about agriculture and related STEAM fields from industry experts, and faculty and staff of the Ohio State College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES).

“Not all students find their way to a four-year college, so we want to ensure all young people know 4-H is a space to prepare them for wherever their path may lead them after high school,” said Margo Overholt-Seckel, 4-H workforce development and pathways program manager. “Spark introduces them to a variety of educational and career opportunities they may not know about.”  

As part of Spark EXPO, students visit Ohio State’s Columbus and Wooster campuses and learn from Ohio State students, teachers, scientists, and researchers. Students explore careers, hear from Ohio 4-H alumni who share their career stories, and learn about the college and career-readiness program: Ohio 4-H Pathways to the Future.

“We are excited to welcome teens to the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center and Ohio State,” Kirk Bloir, state 4-H leader. “Spark EXPO is just one of the many opportunities available through Ohio 4-H to help young people build lifelong skills.”

The 4-H Spark EXPO is open to all Ohio students who have completed the eighth grade or ninth grade at the conclusion of the 2023-2024 school year. Participants do not need to be enrolled in the 4-H program. The event includes on-campus accommodations, meals, program materials, and transportation. Supervision is provided by adult program staff.

Parents will have the opportunity on the final day of Spark to meet the CFAES admissions team and learn how to better prepare their students for their post-high school education and careers. Parents and students can find more information here or by contacting Margo Overholt-Seckel, program manager, Ohio 4-H Workforce Development & Pathways at overholt-seckel.1@osu.edu.

The deadline to register is April 17, and details are at go.osu.edu/4hsparkexpo.