SC State 1890 4-H'er Secures National Sustainability Grant at Ignite Conference

Zy'Keria Aaron secures $10,000 to expand youth public speaking initiative

Zy'Keria Aaron presents her Lead to Change project, S.P.E.A.K., at the 4-H Ignite Conference in Washington, D.C.

ORANGEBURG, S.C.  –  SC State 1890 Extension proudly recognizes 4-H’er Zy’Keria Aaron of Dillon, SC, as the 2026 national awardee of the Ignite by 4-H Lead to Change grant. Lead to Change, an initiative led by the National 4-H Council, supports youth in developing community-based projects across agriculture, civic engagement, healthy living, STEM and leadership. 

The program empowers participants to identify community needs and create solutions while building confidence, collaboration and problem-solving skills. 

Aaron earned funding through all three rounds of the competitive grant program to expand her project, S.P.E.A.K., a public speaking program designed to help youth build confidence and overcome fear.

The S.P.E.A.K. Framework

• S – Say How You Honestly Feel: Encouraging authenticity and emotional intelligence in communication.
• P – Project (Speak with Confidence): Mastering vocal projection and the physical presence required to command a room.
• E – Eliminate Insecurity: Providing tools to silence the inner critic and focus on the value of the message.
• A – Ask Questions: Promoting active listening and the curiosity needed to engage in meaningful dialogue.
• K – Keep Your Cool: Teaching composure and stress-management techniques for high-pressure speaking situations.

S.P.E.A.K. stands for Say how you feel honestly feel; Project (speak with confidence); Eliminate insecurity; Ask questions; Keep your cool. 

“4-H has empowered me to explore [S.P.E.A.K.] by being a safe space for so many open-minded individuals with great ideas and spectacular contributions,” Aaron said. “All of our ideas were so important, and I feel like that’s a huge benefit of being a part of 4-H.” 

In round one, Aaron received a $2,000 implementation grant after developing a SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-based) plan outlining her project’s goal, partnerships, impact and evaluation strategy. In round two, she was awarded an additional $3,000 expansion grant to grow her project’s reach, strengthen partnerships and increase engagement.

In the final round, Aaron secured the $5,000 sustainability grant on Mar. 25 after presenting her project at the Ignite by 4-H Conference in Washington, D.C., before more than 1,800 4-H’ers. 

Aaron presents her project, S.P.E.A.K., at the Ignite by 4-H Conference in Washington, D.C.

“Zy’Keria’s work with S.P.E.A.K. reflects the power of youth-led innovation and 4-H’s impact in building confident leaders,” said Demier Richardson-Sanders, state program leader for 4-H Youth Development. “As S.P.E.A.K. continues to grow, [Aaron’s initiative] will expand through summer camps, professional development workshops, field trips and confidence-building activities that equip youth with effective communication and leadership skills.”

“Zy’Kiera’s Lead to Change grant award is a powerful reflection of her initiative, her leadership and her belief in creating meaningful impact with her peers. As her 4‑H agent for four years, watching her step into opportunities like this is exactly why I am an agent,” said Kinda McInnis, Pee Dee Region 4-H agent. “Her accomplishment shows what can happen when youth recognize their own potential and choose to lead with purpose. I’m incredibly proud of her and excited to see how she continues to grow and influence her community.”

SC State 4-H agent Kinda McInnis, l, enjoys a moment with Aaron, r.

Aaron, a freshman at Dillon High School, has been actively in the SC State 4-H program since 2022, participating in programs and initiatives offered through the 1890 Extension Pee Dee Region. Her involvement includes taking on leadership roles, participating in 4-H clubs and 4-H summer camps, including the Civic Engagement Camp, where she learned about leadership development, community service and the importance of civic responsibility.

The 1890 Extension Pee Dee Region provides life-changing services and programs across Chesterfield, Darlington, Horry, Marlboro, Dillon, Florence and Marion counties in South Carolina.

SC State 4-H empowers youth across South Carolina by providing access to education, leadership development and real-world experiences that prepare them to succeed, lead and make a lasting impact in their communities and beyond.

SC State University Public Service and Agriculture offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, HIV/aids, gender identity, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer.