The LiFEsports Initiative was founded on the belief that all youth deserve the opportunity to engage with caring adults in intentionally designed sport- and recreation-based activities - especially youth who are most socially vulnerable. We work to "prepare youth for life and leadership through sports." Specifically, LiFEsports provides summer sports camps and clinics to youth both on the campus of Ohio State and within City of Columbus recreation centers. The camps introduce youth to a variety of sports but most importantly teach youth four fundamental social skills, self-control, effort, teamwork, and social responsibility. In addition to outreach programs, LiFEsports is also committed to engaging university students in opportunities to work and serve vulnerable youth as well as sport-based youth development research. Submitted by: Rebecca Wade-Mdivanian

Virtual Cooking Classes. When it comes to engaging youth, nothing works quite as well as food. Through virtual cooking classes, Hamilton, Butler, and Greene Counties have been able to reach new- and under-served audiences in larger numbers than ever before. The new SPIN club model has allowed each county to provide youth with short term opportunities to grown and explore how to be better stewards of their resources and their bodies through virtual cooking classes. These six week courses taught dozens of youth how to prepare healthy snacks and meals at home, while also providing them with valuable nutrition education. Submitted by: Tony Staubach, Erin Simpson-Sloan, Emily Kahrs, Rebecca Supinger, Laura Halladay

Adventure Central. Adventure Central is a positive youth development partnership serving urban children and their families in the West Dayton community since 2000. This nationally recognized program has been providing children opportunities to change their lives through building positive well-being, higher academic performance, and less involvement in risky behaviors. Using nature, youth are engaged throughout the year in a variety of delivery methods to include after-school, day camp, and residential camping experiences all emphasizing sustained long-term relationships. Special programmatic emphasis is placed on developing teens through high quality work, service learning and leadership experiences. Submitted by: Nate Arnett

Marion Dreamkeepers. Though the need to address the effects of racial disparities has been ongoing, demands for accountability were high during the summer of 2020. COVID-19 shed light on how the built environment affects a range of health risks and outcomes for people of color. The senseless deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor also sparked a focus on institutional commitments to racial justice. In response, OSU Extension and community partners developed a program called Marion Dreamkeepers to elevate youth of color and allocate material and financial resources to support their dreams for racial equity. Learn more at go.osu.edu/mariondreamkeeperfinalreport. Submitted by: Whitney Gherman.

The Tree of Life. OSU Extension Cuyahoga County and the Master Gardeners of Cuyahoga County supported Hand 2 Hand Inc. in an event called The Tree of Life, for families who have lost loved ones due to violence. The event was a "Tree" Dedication Ceremony in which the Agriculture and Natural Resources educator and 12 Master Gardener Volunteers empowered the families to take home and care for a Money Tree houseplant, in the dedication of their loved one. Families received an informational pamphlet, a watering can, gloves, and some fertilizer for spring. The event was supported by LAND studio with funding provided by the St. Luke’s Foundation. Hand 2 Hand Inc. hopes to repeat this event in May and OSU Extension Cuyahoga hopes to be a part of it again. Those who participated were honored to use their horticultural knowledge for such a worthy purpose. See full coverage from News 5 here. Submitted by: Maggie Rivera.

Cincinnati Buckeye Run. Did you know that there's a pandemic? How then are we supposed to do our jobs, raise money and connect with our audiences in a meaningful way? Virtual education doesn't have to be sedentary. Through a virtual 5K, Hamilton County 4-H was able to engage nearly 50 participants to run, walk, bike or hike the distance between Cincinnati and Columbus twice through our Cincinnati Buckeye Run. While traditionally an in-person event, the virtual program allowed a more diverse group of participants to engage in a community building event, while allowing everyone to prioritize their health. Submitted by: Tony Staubach