UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Two members of the 2026 Pennsylvania 4-H State Council are attending Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences this fall as first-year students.
Alyssa Cook, of Schuylkill County, and Sophia Leiden, of Clearfield County, have worked for years with the Pennsylvania 4-H program, organized by Penn State Extension, and now are planning to apply the skills they learned in their educational careers.
“It is always a treat for me to have current and former State Council members join us at Penn State,” said Jeanette Stackhouse, leadership and civic engagement specialist and State Council advisor. “Coming to University Park can be a little daunting because of the size, yet it eases their minds knowing these members do know someone here from 4-H, and they know where to find us if they need someone to talk to.”
The 4-H State Council is a premier group of young people, selected from across the state, who serve as the official youth spokespeople for the Pennsylvania 4-H program. These individuals represent the program at industry gatherings, plan state-level events, and attend 4-H activities and meetings across the commonwealth.
Cook is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in animal science, as well as participating in clubs such as Block and Bridle, poultry science, dairy science and the Western Equestrian team. She spoke about her time with the 4-H program and how it prepared her for college.
“My time with the 4-H program definitely helped prepare me for being at Penn State,” Cook said. “It helped me manage my time, especially with being in so many clubs and activities here, while still focusing on my schoolwork and meeting people.”
Cook explained that she chose to attend Penn State because she was familiar with the campus through the 4-H program and its large community. She said that by getting involved in clubs and being on campus, she feels the community is small and close-knit, which has helped her meet people.
Like Cook, Leiden is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in animal science and is involved in on-campus clubs to complement her studies.
“My time at Penn State is going great so far,” she said. “Coming here for my undergraduate degree has been a dream of mine for a while, and I love it.”
Leiden cites the 4-H program as preparing her for college by teaching valuable skills such as time management, effective communication and meeting new people.
Alongside Cook and Leiden, former members of the 4-H State Council who currently are attending Penn State include Alyssa Bergenstock, of Montour County; Jordan Olson, of Mercer County; Avah Burke, of Clarion County; Alexandria Neff, of Dauphin County; Allison Emmanuel, of Lehigh County; Garret Franck, of Union County; Caitlyn Shrodo, of Lycoming County; Helayna Hollobaugh, of Elk County; and John C. Bruner, of Indiana County.
About the College of Agricultural Sciences
Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences offers undergraduate students a wide range of academic opportunities, including 17 bachelor's degree programs and 25 minors, allowing them to tailor their education to their interests and career goals. The college also offers associate degrees and certificate programs for students seeking a more focused academic pathway with immediate career impact.
Beyond the classroom, students can enhance their education through undergraduate research, experiential learning opportunities, internships, study abroad programs, and more than 50 student clubs and organizations. The college awards more than $3 million in scholarships annually to support student success.