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Published on 09/21/21

Georgia 4-H’er selected as runner-up for National 4-H award

By Mary-Clayton Murphy

CJ Harris of Covington, Georgia, was recognized as a 2022 Youth in Action STEM finalist.National 4-H Council has announced that CJ Harris of Covington, Georgia, is a runner-up for the 2022 4-H Youth in Action Award for STEM. Harris is recognized nationally for his work to use 3D printing to effectively and cheaply produce prosthetic limbs for children.

Five years ago, Harris began his efforts by teaching 4-H’ers about service opportunities with the e-Nable foundation, a volunteer organization that uses 3D printers to make free and low-cost prosthetic upper-limb devices for children in need.

Harris has taught classes on 3D printing and the intricacies of the human hand, and he helped his local 4-H club purchase a 3D printer. His efforts earned him recognition in the media, bringing the impact of his awareness project from Newton County, Georgia, to over 1 million viewers.

Now a freshman at Georgia State University, Harris hopes to become a mechanical engineer.

The 4-H Youth in Action Awards began in 2010 to recognize 4-H’ers who have overcome challenges and used the knowledge they gained in 4-H to create a lasting impact in their community. To learn more about the 4-H Youth in Action program and the 2022 runners up, please visit 4-H.org/YouthInAction.

About 4-H

4-H, the nation’s largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for careers tomorrow. 4-H programs empower nearly 6 million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. 4-H is the youth development program of the nation’s Cooperative Extension System and U.S. Department of Agriculture, and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3,000 local Extension offices. Globally, 4-H collaborates with independent programs to empower 1 million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4-H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.

Find National 4-H on Facebook at facebook.com/4-H and on Twitter at twitter.com/4H.

Georgia 4-H empowers youth to become true leaders by developing necessary life skills, positive relationships and community awareness. As the largest youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches more than 242,000 people annually through UGA Extension offices and 4-H facilities. For more information, visit georgia4h.org or contact your local UGA Cooperative Extension office.

Mary-Clayton Murphy is a marketing specialist at National 4-H Council based in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

Authors:
Mary-Clayton Murphy
Experts/Sources:
Sue W. Chapman
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