DuPont recently was honored by the National 4-H Council at its third annual Legacy Awards Gala, which recognizes extraordinary individuals and corporations for making a lasting impact with efforts to cultivate America’s 4-H youth development program.
The event was held in New York City and featured Carla Hall – celebrity chef, host of the ABC TV daytime show “The Chew,” and Tennessee 4-H alumna – as master of ceremonies. Awards were presented to several distinguished 4-H individuals and partners.
DuPont received the prestigious 2012 4-H Corporate Leadership Award, which is presented to a corporation or partner for demonstrating dedication to 4-H through continued support and engagement. DuPont has been a proud supporter of 4-H for the past 22 years - sharing 4-H's focus on, and commitment to, scientific innovation and agricultural development. In 2010, DuPont was one of the five founding partners supporting the launch of 4-H's global network initiative, bringing together 4-H programs from across the globe.
Recently, DuPont announced it will contribute up to $2 million in support of the expansion of its partnership with 4-H to strengthen youth development in rural communities within five African nations. Former U.S. Senator Tom Daschle presented the 4-H Corporate Leadership Award to DuPont Executive Vice President Jim Borel. Jim has served on the National 4-H Council Board of Trustees since 2004 and accepted the award on behalf of DuPont.
For more than 100 years, 4-H has made a significant and positive difference in the lives of youth. Today, 4-H enriches the lives of more than 6 million young people around the country each year.
Research confirms the life-changing advantages young people acquire through participation in 4-H. Youth development scholar Dr. Richard Lerner, working with researchers at the Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development at Tufts University, conducted the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development.
The longitudinal study has found that, when compared to other youth, young people involved in 4-H are:
• Nearly twice as likely to get better grades in school.
• Nearly twice as likely to plan to go to college.
• Twice as likely to participate in science, engineering, or computer technology programs.
• Three times more likely to make positive contributions to their families and communities.