4-H Military Partnership
MILITARY READINESS THROUGH 4-H POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FOR YOUTH, FAMILIES, AND COMMUNITIES
Third Thursday Together



​Join staff and volunteers working with military-connected youth in 4-H programming for our Third Thursday Together webinar series.  Each third Thursday at 2 p.m. EST, we offer webinars focused on trends and issues in positive youth development and share curriculums from the authors. Pre-registration is required to participate in the webinar day (and at no cost). Recordings are available the week following the session.
Program Schedule
Third Thursday Together sessions are at 2:00 PM EST

Developing Scientific Literacy and Life Skills through Forensics

April 16, 2026
Sharon Toth 
Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Hunterdon County
Use the “CSI Effect,” the growing interest in forensics sparked by crime-scene investigation TV shows, to turn student curiosity into meaningful learning. This session introduces educators to approachable forensic and biological anthropology activities that help youth analyze evidence, use scientific vocabulary, and see how STEM disciplines come together in real investigative work.
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Participants will learn how to use this curriculum with their students, including ways to structure small lab groups and assign roles that build communication and teamwork skills. The session also highlights ways to build critical thinking and problem-solving skills by encouraging youth to examine all evidence, avoid quick assumptions, and make thoughtful, evidence-based decisions.

​Leveraging 4-H to Champion Youth Health and Fitness

May 21, 2026
Vanessa Tranel 
NC State University
The 4-H pledge emphasizes Head, Heart, Hands, and Health, with "Health" serving as a cornerstone for empowering youth to lead balanced, active, and fulfilling lives. Vanessa will lead a discussion focused on supporting youth health and fitness across the Services. This training will highlight how research-based 4-H curricula, resources, and programming can help enhance Child and Youth Programs planning and promote active lifestyles, healthy habits, and overall wellness for military-connected youth. 
Join us and learn to ... 
  • Enhance Youth Programming: Use 4-H resources to create accessible and affordable options for youth of all abilities, including hands-on activities that teach nutrition, fitness, and healthy lifestyle habits. 
  • Support Professional Development: 4-H offers training for child and youth program staff to enhance their ability to promote healthy decision-making and effectively engage youth in health and fitness activities.​
The training will provide practical tools and strategies to help installations align with Department of War and Service priorities and foster a culture of wellness for military families. By leveraging the fourth “H” of "Health," we can empower youth to lead healthier, more active lives while supporting the overall readiness and resilience of our military communities.

Recordings from Past Sessions

Stream past Third Thursday Together professional development webinars at your leisure.
​Recordings are provided from each session and include links to accompanying materials.

Want to Host a Third Thursday Together Session!
Have Ideas for Future Sessions?

If you have suggestions or would like to volunteer to conduct a Third Thursday Together session,
please email us your topic idea and description.
​ Thank you. 
 "This work is supported by the Children, Youth and Families at Risk 4-H Military Partnership Professional Development and Technical Assistance Program, project award no. 2022-41520-38161, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture."