Allyssa Sims recently joined SDSU Extension to serve as the SDSU Extension 4-H Youth Program Advisor for Lake and Moody Counties.
A 4-H alumnus, Sims brings experience, energy and fresh ideas to the counties she will serve.
"We are excited to welcome Allyssa to the team of 4-H Youth Program Advisors who serve South Dakota's youth and communities," said Donna Bittiker, SDSU Extension State 4-H Program Director.
In her role, Sims will manage local 4-H operational elements, develop and deliver educational programs, establish working relationships and coalitions with other youth-serving groups and provide leadership for volunteers.
"I'm looking forward to the opportunity this role gives me to help the youth of Lake and Moody Counties develop life and leadership skills through 4-H programming and hands-on project learning," Sims said.
Growing up, Sims was actively involved in 4-H. "I started out in the 4-H horse program, then I learned about the dog project and then I explored static exhibits. One experience led to another," said the Hutchinson, Minnesota native. "The number one leadership skill I gained through 4-H was public speaking."
A South Dakota State University Agriculture Education/Animal Science graduate, Sims' love of 4-H and working with youth, led her to work summers for her home state as a 4-H intern. "I got to experience the other side of 4-H - from a program advisor's perspective - and realized that this was how I wanted to use my degrees," Sims explained. "In this role, I get to work with youth but outside the classroom. I also appreciate how this role allows me to develop programming based on the counties' wants and needs."
Sims is eager to get to know the youth and volunteers in the communities she will serve and hopes to launch a 4-H Junior Leaders program for teens in the area.
"Junior Leaders is one of many programs 4-H provides for teens to put their leadership skills into practice," she says.
To contact her call 997-2469 or e-mail Allyssa.Sims@sdstate.edu.
