UMaine Cooperative Extension Japanese Exchange Program Honored

Contact: Jill Coffren, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, 207-645-3248, coffren@megalink.net

ORONO, Maine — The Maine 4-H International Exchange Program, which brings Japanese youth to Maine every summer, has received an “Outstanding Quality Program” award for 2004. Along with three other states, Maine received the award during the Fall Coordinators Conference Nov. 11-14 in Valley Forge, PA.

The award was made by the 4-H International Programs Committee, which is made up of Extension staff from across the country. According to Jill Coffren of Jay who manages Maine’s program for University of Maine Cooperative Extension, each state program is reviewed by committee members and the executive director of WorldWise Exchange Services.

Programs are evaluated on the basis of management and year-to-year enhancements. In 2004, the program brought 24 Japanese students to Maine for stays in households across the state. Nineteen of the students spent one month with a host family, and five stayed for a full year.

More information about the program is available from Coffren at 207-645-3248 or coffren@megalink.net.