Focus on positive youth development through in-school and after-school programs

PUBLISHED ON December 23, 2024

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Travis West, Ohio State University Extension educator for Ohio 4-H Youth Development in Vinton County, was honored with the Charles W. Lifer Excellence in 4-H Award at the 2024 OSU Extension conference. The Charles W. Lifer Excellence in 4-H Award is named in honor of and sponsored by the state’s former 4-H leader. It is awarded annually to an Ohio 4-H educator who has demonstrated exceptional achievement in his or her career and has made significant contributions to 4-H programs.

West has done just that, impacting the lives of thousands of youth through community clubs, SPIN clubs, school programs and camps.

A Vinton County 4-H volunteer commented, “Throughout my years of involvement with the 4-H program, one thing has remained consistent: Travis’ determination to provide quality programs and endless opportunities for the youth and adults in our county.”

West works in a rural, low-income county where barriers such as transportation impact 4-H participation. West focuses on providing opportunities for positive youth development through school and after-school programs. Thanks to his efforts, more than 60% of eligible youth in Vinton County are connected to 4-H each year.

During his nearly 20 years as a 4-H educator, West has also made strides in improving opportunities for youth in Vinton County. Under his leadership, the Junior Fair Board has grown to 20 youth leaders per year, and he has established an active residential camping program that includes more than 25 youth counselors each year.

West also works with local schools to host a teen retreat each year, coordinates a student-led peer prevention program at the high school and middle school levels, and works with the county’s workforce development initiative to organize and implement a nine-week program for Middle school students teaching life and career skills.

“Travis is a great 4-H educator,” said Hannah Epley, state 4-H assistant superintendent. “He is constantly looking for opportunities to develop professionally and supports his colleagues in doing so. We are fortunate to have him in this role as he brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the 4-H program.”

In addition to his work with youth 4-H members, West offers expertise in animal science with a particular focus on rabbits. He has developed a national curriculum on the ten good production practices for livestock and how best to apply these practices to rabbits.

“He serves as an excellent role model for his colleagues and shows how he can balance his work in his local communities with his involvement at the state and national levels,” said a fellow 4-H professional. “Travis is willing to share his successes as well as his struggles and never holds back to help others. He is an exemplary professional who invests in his community, supports his colleagues and has a lasting, positive impact on this world.”

— Ohio State University CFAES