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Megna Nayar aims to expand 4-H appeal by offering experiences beyond livestock and cooking

California 4-H alumna Megna Nayar will be the first to admit that she doesn’t conform to stereotypes associated with the national youth organization. She never worked with livestock. She grew up in the city of San Jose – now more of a tech hub than pastoral destination. At the county fair, she exhibited virtual reality headsets, not animals. 

Nevertheless, Nayar’s commitment to the “head, heart, hands and health” of youth is unquestionable. Since joining 4-H in middle school, for the following seven years, she dedicated herself to advancing computer science education and other STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) opportunities for youth in urban areas. 

Her leadership recently earned her a spot on the National 4-H Council’s Young Alumni Advisory Committee, where she will be tasked with shaping the future of the organization. 

"When I was nominated for the advisory committee, I was so excited,” said Nayar, currently an undergraduate student at University of California, Santa Barbara. “It seemed like such an amazing opportunity to give all of my insights and opinions that I’ve gathered from my years in 4-H in a constructive way.” 

Based on her experience as a member of 4-H in Santa Clara County, Nayar learned that 4-H doesn’t need to be based in rural settings to be successful. Her club would regularly meet in a local park or visit classrooms in nearby schools. Those are the spaces where Nayar formed her earliest memories of 4-H.  

She remembers when her club bought a set of Chromebooks and VR headsets with grant money from Google, launching a computer science program that continues to this day. 

As a participant, Nayar taught students to think like a computer through workshop exercises, like writing “code” instructions for each step of the chicken dance. At the county fair, her club offered kids the chance to view nature scenes through the VR headsets, which proved a successful tactic for recruiting new 4-Hers. 

“Having more STEM and leadership opportunities in addition to animals and cooking is definitely attracting a larger audience of people,” Nayar said.  

Nayar intends to leverage this experience on the national advisory committee, in hopes of making 4-H “more adaptable and flexible” to attract people who haven’t historically participated in 4-H. 

"4-H is predominantly white, especially in other states,” Nayar said. “So many people would benefit from 4-H but just don't know about it. I don't even think it would take too much marketing.” 

Promoting STEM curriculum and prioritizing urban engagement are two tactics Nayar believes could help build 4-H clubs that reflect the diversity of their communities. In Nayar’s experience, the diversity of her local club in San Jose was one of its strengths.  

“That urban perspective is something that I definitely want to bring to the committee,” Nayar said. 

Her talent for strategic thinking has propelled Nayar into leadership roles in the past, like serving as the County Ambassador for Santa Clara County 4-H and the California 4-H State Ambassador. Susan Weaver, 4-H development regional program supervisor in the San Francisco Bay Area, nominated Nayar to the committee, elevating her to serve on the national level once again.

 “When I saw the announcement that came through the email, I said, ‘This sounds exactly like Megna,’” Weaver said.  “Not only can she communicate her ideas, but she can ask questions when needed. That’s part of being on a successful team.” 

She says the advisory board will benefit from Nayar’s curiosity, coupled with her confidence collaborating with all kinds of people, from kids to adults. Weaver remembers following Nayar's lead during multiple workshops. 

 “Quite honestly, when she worked with me on the summer program, she did everything,” Weaver said. “She just steps in where she’s needed.” 

On top of her leadership skills, Weaver says Nayar is well-prepared to represent the interests and concerns of young people.  

“She’s just very familiar with what kids are going through. She experienced high school during the pandemic. She’s in tune,” Weaver said.  

Now in her third year at UC Santa Barbara, Nayar is double-majoring in economics and statistics. She’s considering pursuing a career in business. When she has time, Nayar continues supporting the 4-H computer science program back home in San Jose.