Autumn Baucom, 4-H Youth Development Agent with N.C. Cooperative Extension, Union County, was recognized for multiple accomplishments during the 2026 North Carolina Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals Annual Conference banquet on August 19 in Asheville, North Carolina.
Baucom received six awards during the evening, recognizing her contributions to youth development and her efforts to strengthen 4-H programming throughout Union County. Her awards included:
- Featured Story
- Periodical Publication (Individual)
- Excellence in 4-H Club Support Award
- Excellence in Communication and Expressive Arts Award
- Mike A. Davis Family 4-H Award for Innovation and Excellence
- T.C. Blalock Young Agent Award
During her time with N.C. Cooperative Extension, Union County, Baucom has strengthened and expanded 4-H programming countywide. Her efforts include launching Union County's first dedicated Cloverbud club, increasing 4-H club enrollment, enhancing volunteer training and developing community partnerships.
Baucom has also worked to expand summer camp opportunities, increase access through scholarships, strengthen leadership development and revitalize the Union County 4-H Art Show. These efforts have helped increase youth engagement, expand access to programming and encourage long-term participation in 4-H.
The recognition reflects the impact of 4-H programming and the collaborative efforts of youth, families, volunteers and community partners who help create meaningful learning opportunities for Union County youth.
The North Carolina 4-H program is the youth development program of N.C. Cooperative Extension, based at North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University. Through hands-on learning experiences, 4-H helps young people ages 5–18 develop leadership, communication, teamwork and other life skills. More than 260,000 young people participate in North Carolina 4-H activities each year with the support of approximately 16,700 adult and youth volunteers.
For more information about 4-H programs and opportunities available through N.C. Cooperative Extension, Union County, visit nc4h.org.
N.C. Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity institution and prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color or national origin, including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics; sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy or related conditions; age; disability; genetic information; religion; veteran’s status or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
