For more than a decade, the co-ops have been proud to partner with North Carolina 4-H, including local chapters across the state. Through annual fundraisers and events, cooperatives have raised funds that have helped with training volunteers, upkeeping equipment, providing scholarships and more.

“Supporting our local 4-H program is more than a charitable gesture; it’s an investment in the future of our community,” said Eddie Oldham, CEO and general manager of Sanford-based Central Electric. “The Lee County 4-H chapter empowers youth through hands-on learning in agriculture, health, science and citizenship, helping them build leadership, confidence, and life skills that extend far beyond the classroom. For Central Electric, supporting 4-H is a tangible way to nurture the next generation of leaders.”

4-H is a youth development organization that has been serving youth in North Carolina for more than 110 years. Their goal is to prepare youth to be ready for life by helping them develop skills that will benefit them in college and their careers. In North Carolina, 4-H serves over 200,000 young people in all 100 counties and the Eastern Band of the Cherokee.

“The electric cooperatives support of 4-H is so valuable”

Allyson Farmer

“The electric cooperatives support of 4-H is so valuable,” said Allyson Farmer, associate director of philanthropy for North Carolina 4-H. “The support of our volunteers, who are critical to help 4-H programs thrive, helps us train and bring new volunteers into the program. Civic engagement is a cornerstone of 4-H programming, and that support helps us equip young people to be engaged.”
Beyond financial support, North Carolina’s electric cooperatives also engage with their local 4-H chapters by providing electric safety demonstrations, participating in field days, donating materials for energy‑efficiency campaigns, serving on advisory committees and supporting disaster preparedness programs.

For 28 years, Edgecombe‑Martin County Electric Membership Corporation has partnered alongside their local 4‑H chapter, hosting annual fundraisers that reflect a long-standing commitment to youth development in the community.

The cooperative says by investing in these students, they’re not only supporting the next generation of farmers, teachers and community leaders, but also the future of rural America.
“Programs like 4-H are vital in rural areas because they provide opportunities for youth that might not otherwise be available — helping them grow, lead and stay connected to the communities that raised them” said Winston Howell, CEO at Tarboro-based Edgecombe-Martin County EMC. “Supporting 4-H is really about supporting the future.”

By supporting programs like 4-H, North Carolina’s electric cooperatives demonstrate a commitment not only to their communities today but to the leaders and workforce of tomorrow.
“From workforce development to civic engagement, 4-H strives to help young people be Beyond Ready for what is ahead for them,” Farmer said. “These students are future electric cooperative members, and we are grateful for the partnership to invest in our communities, volunteers and members.”