The North Carolina 4-H Grow For It program provides resources and opportunities to connect youth and educators to issues in agriculture and natural resources in meaningful ways. This initiative is striving to grow a generation of youth interested in investigating plants, insects and soils through experiential projects that fosters curiosity and wonder, inspire critical thinking and problem solving, build a positive science self-concept, connecting kids to good food and nurturing environmental stewards of the land through farm, garden and nature programming. This programming includes camps like the Resource Conservation Workshop or the Horticultural Science Summer Institute and contests like the state fair insect collection, honey bee essay and horticulture identification and judging contest.

Through the infrastructure of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension system, adult leaders are supported through curriculum development, resource materials, and training workshops to build their knowledge, enthusiasm and ability to deliver research-based programs for youth.

Liz Driscoll is the 4-H subject matter specialist that leads the Grow For It program. Liz loves tromping around gardens, woods, swamps and beaches, exploring interesting plants, soils and bugs and sharing their stories.  Her favorite activities include grazing in the garden, stalking interesting insects, whispering secrets to snapdragons and building sand castles.