National 4-H Council has announced a $50 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.

The largest single gift in the 120-year history of the organization will support the Cooperative Extension’s 4-H program, which is delivered through the nation’s land-grant universities. Across the country, 4-H engages youth with hands-on learning programs in agriculture, civic engagement, healthy living, and STEM. Given the reach of the program, the investment has the potential to support nearly six million kids and their families across the United States.

To that end, the gift will build on the efforts of thousands of local Cooperative Extension 4-H educators and leaders, 500,000-plus volunteers, and millions of 4-H youth, alumni, and donors who are working to close this opportunity gap through innovative solutions to meet the needs of America’s youth in their communities. The investment also will contribute to the progress 4-H has made through decades of public investment from counties, states, and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture within USDA.

“This extraordinary gift is a rare and special occurrence,” said Krysta Harden, National 4-H Council board chair and president and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council. “With such a significant gift comes great responsibility. We will engage our stakeholders to ensure these resources lift the diverse voices of young people and create equitable and inclusive opportunities for this generation, and many future generations to come.”

(Photo credit: National 4-H)