By Morgan Roan
University of Georgia
For 20 Georgia 4-H members, 2004 is off to a great start with the
new computers they’ve gotten through a program run by other
4-H’ers.
The Georgia 4-H Youth Technology Leadership Team runs the
Need-a-Computer program that provided the computers.
The program started three years ago in Walton County as tech team
member Rachel McCarthy’s 4-H teen leadership project.
McCarthy’s sister Amanda and father Jim are also involved in the
tech team, which expanded the program into a statewide team
service project. George Walton Academy in Monroe donated 20
Gateway computers.
Tech team work
The 25 members of the Georgia 4-H Youth Technology Team met in
the fall to refurbish the computers. They cleaned them, restored
the hard drives and tested each computer and monitor to make sure
they worked right.
The team created the Need-a-Computer application, reference form,
letter and promotional aids.
All Georgia fifth- through eighth-grade 4-H’ers could apply.
First preference was given to those who didn’t have regular
access to a good computer.
“I think the project has excellent benefits, especially to the
children who receive them,” said Jillian Farley, a tech team
member. “It really enables them to get involved in our rapidly
advancing technology environment. Without this project many
children would still not have access to a computer.”
Applicants
The 4-H’ers who applied had to submit a 4-H activity form and
character reference with the application. They had to write an
essay, too, on “Why I want or need this computer.”
“It’s very gratifying to receive letters and read what the
children wrote,” said tech team advisor Cheryl Varnadoe.
In all, 50 Georgia 4-H’ers applied. University of Georgia
Extension Service county agents are notifying the 20 winners. The
Tech Team “hopes the winners will use their computers to excel in
their schoolwork and enhance their 4-H participation,” Varnadoe
said.
The Georgia 4-H Youth Technology Leadership Team’s main goal is
to teach and train 4-H’ers and adults to better the Georgia 4-H
Program.
Keeping on
“This program met a need,” Varnadoe said. “We plan to continue
the project on a yearly basis.”
The tech team members’ interests include videography, graphic
design, photography, writing, Web development, Web program
delivery, wireless technology, Global Positioning Systems,
Geographic Information Systems and computer programming.
Anyone who wants to help the Need-a-Computer program through
equipment or cash donations can contact the team at
To learn more about the tech team, visit their Web site at
For more on Georgia 4-H, contact your county UGA Extension
office. Or visit
(Morgan Roan is a student writer with the University of
Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.)
