Ronak Suchindra of Chester County was selected as a member of the inaugural team of Pennsylvania 4-H State Project Ambassadors (SPAs). Ronak will serve as a STEM Ambassador.

Jeanette Stackhouse, Pennsylvania 4-H teen program manager, explained that the program was created after she saw a need for more leadership opportunities and a platform for youth input to be more prominent for events and programs.

SPAs will be teamed up with a particular project working group, made up of 4-H staff members from the county and state levels. Each group will focus on a specific category of related projects. Throughout the year of their term, ambassadors on this working group will provide input from a youth perspective for the 4-H staff members who are planning events, writing new curricula, or developing any other initiatives. According to Stackhouse, this forum of youth voices will ensure that Pennsylvania 4-H keeps its programs relevant and exciting to all youths who participate.

Stackhouse noted that she also sees this program as a chance for 4-H members to network with others from around the state and learn more about the opportunities available within their preferred project area, including workforce opportunities

Stackhouse said the SPA experience will provide an additional opportunity between the already existing club officer, County Council, and State Council leadership roles.

SPAs officially started their terms Oct. 9 as they were announced during the organization's Junior State Leadership Conference. A maximum of four ambassadors were selected to serve per working group in this pilot year.