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Laramie, WY 82071
Phone: (307) 766-2929
Email: cbaldwin@uwyo.edu


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New Wyoming Legislation Recognizes 4-H as Cocurricular Program and Allows Excused Absences

group of people standing behind a table
Gov. Mark Gordon, center, holds the bill he signed into law that recognizes 4-H as a cocurricular program. Standing with the governor, from left, are Sen. Brian Boner; Rep. Tomi Strock; Secretary of State Chuck Gray; Breah Rosner, a Wyoming 4-H alumna; Addysen Rosner, a 4-H volunteer in Laramie County; Kristi Nagy, a UW Extension educator in Laramie County; Callie Rosner, a 4-H member in Laramie County; Dawn Sanchez, a UW Extension educator in Laramie County; and Johnathan Despain, state 4-H program coordinator. (Crystal Rosner Photo)

In Wyoming, 4-H is now considered a cocurricular activity, allowing members to obtain excused absences for participation in 4-H.

Wyoming House Bill 175 states that Wyoming public school students engaged in “programming or competitions sponsored by nationally recognized organizations and clubs that promote youth agricultural education” are considered to be involved in a cocurricular program and can receive excused absences for their participation.

Wyoming 4-H is the positive youth development program jointly funded by University of Wyoming Extension and county commissions. The new statute will allow 4-H members to make up school assignments missed due to participation in hands-on learning experiences such as visiting Congress, participating in the Wyoming State Fair, competing in national contests and attending youth leadership conferences.

“This will support students and families engaged in 4-H learning activities, complementing formal classroom learning and contributing to the overall goal of positive youth development in public education,” says Johnathan Despain, state 4-H program coordinator.

The new statute does not alter the authority of local school boards. Each school district’s board creates parameters for what is considered an unexcused absence and what activities are considered cocurricular. The bill states that school districts are permitted to request verification of the reasons for a student’s absence.

House Bill 175 goes into effect July 1.

The new legislation, which amended W.S. 21-3-110(a)(xxxix), was co-sponsored by Rep. Tomi Strock and Sen. Brian Boner, and it was signed into law by Gov. Mark Gordon. To read the statute in its entirety, go to https://wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2023/HB0175.

About University of Wyoming Extension

Since 1914, UW Extension has provided lifelong learning opportunities to Wyoming citizens across the state. With roots in agricultural education, UW Extension supports rural communities facing contemporary challenges and changes. UW Extension brings the university’s resources to each of the state’s 23 counties and the Wind River Indian Reservation. To learn more about UW Extension, visit www.uwyo.edu/uwe or call (307) 766-5124.

Contact Us

Institutional Communications
Bureau of Mines Building, Room 137
Laramie, WY 82071
Phone: (307) 766-2929
Email: cbaldwin@uwyo.edu


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