Transylvania County 4-H is part of the nation’s largest youth development organization, serving young people ages 5–18 through community clubs, in-school enrichment, and summer programming. Operating as the youth development arm of the NC Cooperative Extension System, 4-H delivers hands-on, research-based programming across Transylvania County — from Sapphire to Penrose — with a particular focus on reaching youth from lower-income rural families. In a recent program year, 819 youth participated in local 4-H programs, with programming spanning agriculture and animal science, natural resources, STEM, family and consumer sciences, and leadership and civic engagement.
Lake Toxaway Charities is proud to support 4-H’s request to purchase a twelve-passenger van — a practical investment that addresses one of the most consistent barriers families identify to youth participation: transportation. Currently, the program relies on rental vehicles averaging $72 per day to transport youth to local programs and statewide leadership opportunities. Owning a dedicated vehicle would eliminate recurring rental costs, protect against future budget constraints, and allow more resources to flow directly toward programming and scholarships.
4-H partners with Rise & Shine, El Centro, Transylvania County Schools, the Bread of Life, Brevard College, and local chefs and subject-matter experts to deliver year-round programming that includes after-school clubs, school enrichment sessions, summer day camps, and overnight trips. Every program fee comes with a financial waiver for families for whom cost is a barrier, and all grant and donation funds go entirely toward program supplies, scholarships, and transportation — with staff salaries covered separately through county government and NC State University.
Learn More: https://nc4h.ces.ncsu.edu/R
