KDSN Radio

Ames, IA – Iowa 4-H Youth Development today announced the receipt of a $50,000 grant from Iowa Total Care, a provider of Medicaid healthcare coverage in Iowa and a Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC). The grant will support early literacy skill development in all Iowa counties.

 

This grant and collaboration with Iowa Total Care expands Iowa 4-H Clover Kids K-3rd grade programming to include new literacy resources connecting youth health and wellness concepts, while promoting childhood reading. These materials make learning and reading fun and engaging, while incorporating proven literacy practices that support foundational early childhood reading skills.

 

All 100 Iowa State University Extension and Outreach County offices will receive toolkits that pair a book with appropriate age-related activities and learning objectives. The kits include an innovative Iowa 4-H curriculum, The Balanced Bookshelf, that weaves together K-3rd grade literacy development and wellness education.

 

“Iowa Total Care is proud to support Iowa 4-H Clover Kids in growing early literacy skills. Together, we’re helping young Iowans build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and health,” said Bryan Sanders, Plan President & CEO, Iowa Total Care.

 

“We’re grateful for Iowa Total Care’s partnership in this effort. Iowa 4-H is committed to helping youth become Beyond Ready for their future, and literacy is a significant component of readiness,” said Mitchell Hoyer, State 4-H Youth Development Program Leader. “We know that early literacy helps to improve long-term youth outcomes, and our Clover Kids programming helps set a solid foundation for youth learning.”

 

Families can enroll their children in Iowa 4-H Clover Kids by contacting their local County Extension and Outreach office.

 

Iowa Total Care provides Medicaid healthcare coverage to eligible individuals in Iowa. Established in 2019, Iowa Total Care exists to improve the health of its members through focused, compassionate, and coordinated care. Iowa Total Care is a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a leading healthcare enterprise that is committed to helping people live healthier lives. For more information, visit www.iowatotalcare.com.

 

Iowa 4-H Youth Development empowers youth to reach their full potential through youth-adult partnerships and research-based experiences. Iowa 4-H provides educational opportunities in five program priority areas: agriculture and natural resources, leadership and civic engagement, communication and the arts, healthy living, and STEM. 4-H learning experiences are based on the principles and practices of positive youth development and provide opportunities for young people to develop skills they can use throughout their lives.

 

 Iowa 4-H Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and provides the private financial resources to develop and deliver quality 4-H youth programs throughout the state of Iowa. In addition, the Foundation funds financial aid, college scholarships, & recognition opportunities. These opportunities help young people enhance their ability to use critical thinking, leadership, communication, and social skills – tools that will help them to become Beyond Ready for whatever is next.