INSTITUTE, W.Va. — West Virginia State University 4-H (WVSU 4-H) has been selected as the national winner of the Expanding the 4-H Audience: Creating Opportunities 4 All Award from the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals (NAE4-HYDP).
WVSU 4-H Educators Linzie Farmer and Christine Kinder were recognized for their Classroom Creators program, which advances inclusive education for students with autism through engaging, hands-on STEAM experiences.
The award acknowledges Farmer and Kinder’s efforts in two Raleigh County schools, Daniels Elementary School and Park Middle School. Participants are students in grades K-8 who have been diagnosed with autism and are placed in or receive educational minutes in a self-contained classroom.
The program is implemented through strong collaboration with classroom teachers. By listening to educators’ goals and identifying specific classroom needs, Farmer and Kinder design seasonal, theme-based STEAM activities that incorporate sensory exploration and meaningful engagement for all learners, focused on meeting students where they are.
“I would like to offer my sincerest congratulations to 4-H Educators Linzie Farmer and Christine Kinder on this well-deserved national recognition,” said WVSU President S. Ericke Cage. “Their Classroom Creators program exemplifies the impact WVSU has in the communities we serve throughout West Virginia. We are proud to see this innovative work recognized on the national stage.”
The team’s goal is to expand the program into additional counties in 2027.
NAE4-HYPD is a professional non-profit organization for educators and staff who work with 4-H youth programs. The award, which will be presented at the annual NAE4-HYPD Award Banquet in Kansas City next month, marks the first time WVSU 4-H has received such recognition at the national level.
For more information on WVSU 4-H and its programs, contact Loren Farmer at loren.farmer@wvstateu.edu or visit wvstateu.edu/4h.
This work is supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
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