COLLEGIATE CLUBS AS PARTNERS IN YOUTH EDUCATION

Collegiate dairy science clubs can be important partners in youth educ ation. The student club of The Pennsylvania State University has focus ed on several events to enhance learning opportunities for young peopl e by working with state breed associations and extension personnel. In cooperation with the Pennsylvania Holstein Association, the Penn Stat e Dairy Science Club conducts a state quiz bowl contest for over 30 te ams each year at the Pennsylvania junior Holstein Convention. This eve nt involves 5 members, who write over 400 new questions, and another 2 4 members, who serve as moderators and scorekeepers. Over 1000 young p eople have participated in the Holstein contest over the past 8 yr. Th e club also conducts quiz bowls for two other junior breed association s. In 1996, the Penn State Dairy Science Club, in cooperation with ext ension personnel, planned and conducted the first Pennsylvania statewi de junior convention for all breeds. Approximately 110 persons attende d workshops on milk promotion, nutrition, reproductive physiology, car eers, and animal byproducts. Club members designed the educational act ivities, a mock sale, and social. events. Corporate sponsors helped de fray expenses and present workshops. In other events, Penn State Dairy Science Club students cooperated with a variety of agencies and organ izations to offer educational programs for nonfarm youth. The enthusia sm and organization provided Toy undergraduate club members, combined with outside resources and contributions, have resulted in successful interaction and positive learning situations for Pennsylvania youth.