UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- A Partnership Announced Last Fall Between Penn State's College Of Agricultural Sciences And The University Of Guanajuato, (mexico) Institute Of Agriculture, Is Beginning To Bear Fruit. The Two Institutions Have Laid The Groundwork To Launch The First Official 4-h Youth Development Program To Be Implemented In The State Of Guanajuato, About 225 Miles Northwest Of Mexico City.

Marilyn Corbin, Penn State Cooperative Extension associate director and state program leader for children, youth and families; Phyllis Laufer, Northampton County extension director; and Antoinette Gomez, Chester County extension board member; recently met with University of Guanajuato faculty and staff, state and local government officials, and elementary school teachers, parents and students to begin building the foundation for the program.

4-H clubs will be established at the first program sites in a Montessori School and in a public school in Irapuato, and in an orphanage in San Luis de la Paz. "The young people in San Luis de la Paz have said they would like to learn more about baking and preparing food, environmental practices, organic agriculture, reading and recreation," says Corbin. "Our goals are to create more educational opportunities for children, youth and adult volunteers, stimulate the formation of 4-H Clubs in Guanajuato, and create a support system of Penn State Cooperative Extension educators and College faculty who will provide technical assistance."

In the past month, several 4-H pen-pal exchanges have been developed with Pennsylvania youth in Lehigh and Chester counties. Trexler Middle School in Allentown will be sending letters to the Montessori School, and Octorara High School and Migrant Education Program will be communicating with the youth in the City of Children orphanage and the public school. "Through this experience, youth are learning about American and Mexican cultures, history and school systems," says Corbin. "Written and oral language skill development will be reinforced for all involved in the project." Goals for the next five years include securing financial support from the State of Guanajuato and donors; offering professional development for University of Guanajuato faculty and staff; and establishing and organizing additional 4-H youth development programs and project activities that will address needs and interests of the youth.

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