4-H is Going Digital!

Just about anyone who has ever been involved in 4-H knows that being a 4-H member or leader can be a great learning experience and a lot of fun. Participating in the interesting things that 4-H has to offer can sometimes mean a lot of paperwork too. There are enrollment forms, project forms, medical forms, and forms for showing at the fair, just to name a few.

That’s about to change with the introduction of a new information management system that will allow 4-H members and leaders to go online to do many of the things they have traditionally done on paper.

In January, Cooperative Extension in 17 Pennsylvania counties began piloting a new Extension Data System, called e-data for short, which is designed to make enrolling, reporting, registering for activities, and other “paperwork” faster, easier, and more efficient. In June, a decision was made to make the e-data system available to all 67 Pennsylvania counties beginning with the 2010 Program Year.

Wayne County is beginning the transition to the e-data system. Extension staff members are scheduled to receive e-data training in coming weeks and Local 4-H members and leaders will get a chance to try out the new e-data system soon after.

By using e-data, those who want to join 4-H will be able to complete their enrollment applications online. Once they become members or leaders, they will be able to use the online e-data system to register for events or educational programs, record their activities, submit photographs, read newsletters, obtain 4-H information and more.

The system was developed in response to requests from 4-H leaders, members, and Extension Staff. It is designed not only to make recordkeeping easier and more efficient, but to cut down on operational costs such as paper and postage and to enhance communication.

The 4-H Program is the first of Penn State Cooperative Extension’s many programs to begin to utilize e-data. Other Cooperative Extension Programs, such as Master Gardener and Forest Steward are making the transition as well.

Trainings for Wayne County Volunteers, Members, Leaders, and Parents will be provided.

Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its workforce.

Wayne County 4-H

4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills!


Wayne County 4-H is the youth development education program of Penn State Cooperative Extension in Wayne County. It is a non-formal education program for youth between the ages of 5 and 19.

Although 4-H had its beginnings in rural America, 4-H now reaches youth audiences and adult volunteers from urban areas and suburban communities, as well as from rural farm and non-farm settings.