MU Extension REACH program highlights leadership, service and the future of Missouri communities.
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Camden County youths with Missouri Lt. Gov. David Wasinger, center, at the Capitol. The youths were participants in the Extension’s REACH for Camden County Youth Development Program. Also pictured: Left of Wasinger is Lisa Washburn, associate vice chancellor for MU Extension and Engagement. Right of Wasinger are Noah Washburn, MU Extension director of strategic partnership development, and Ashley Allen-Brown, an MU Extension specialist and the original of the REACH program. -
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Youths also met with state Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Camden County youths recently took part in a Civic Leadership Day at the Missouri State Capitol.
The students were participants in University of Missouri Extension’s REACH for Camden County Youth Development Program, said Ashley Allen-Brown, MU Extension field specialist and originator of the program.
The day was an immersive experience designed to help young people understand public service, leadership and their role in shaping Missouri’s future, Allen-Brown said. Students engaged directly with state leaders, gaining insight into how government works and how leadership decisions impact local communities, she said.
The students were welcomed to the Capitol by state Rep. Jeff Vernetti, who invited the group. Rep. Vernetti publicly recognized the Camdenton High School REACH students, teachers and MU Extension leadership in the Missouri House Chamber.
“It was wonderful to welcome the MU Extension REACH students from Camden County to the Capitol,” said Rep. Vernetti. “Civic and political engagement with our young leaders is vital and their interest in state government was very inspiring. It was a true pleasure to meet the students from Camdenton High School, and I look forward to future engagement with this program.”
Students also met with Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick, who explained critical role audits and sound business practices play in keeping all 114 Missouri counties accountable, transparent and fiscally secure. He also highlighted the range of career paths and job opportunities available across Missouri state departments.
A highlight of the day was a visit with Lt. Gov. David Wasinger, who engaged students in thoughtful conversation, Allen-Brown said. He encouraged participants to consider public service as part of their own futures, emphasizing that leadership can be both impactful and deeply personal.
Lt. Gov. Wasinger is a formal endorser of the MU Extension REACH Youth program through his Buy Missouri initiative, reinforcing the importance of investing in Missouri’s young people and the communities they will one day lead.
Students also met with state Sen. Mike Bernskoetter, who engaged them with humor and straight talk, quickly putting them at ease. Allen-Brown said Sen. Bernskoetter offered a grounded perspective on public service, sharing that leadership is rooted in believing in people and being willing to serve others. He reminded students that if he could run for office, they could, too.
The Capitol visit ended with state Rep. Jeff Knight, who invited the group to the historic Missouri House of Representatives Lounge for a private tour. Located on the third floor of the State Capitol, the lounge is home to “A Social History of the State of Missouri,” a floor-to-ceiling mural painted in 1935 by Thomas Hart Benton. Considered one of the Capitol’s most iconic works of art, the mural is celebrated for its realistic portrayal of Missouri life, depicting everyday labor, political conflict and social struggle.
“MU Extension is proud to support REACH in Camden County and the vision behind it,” said Lisa Washburn, associate vice chancellor for MU Extension and Engagement. “This program connects civic leadership, entrepreneurship and workforce readiness in ways that help young people see themselves as contributors to Missouri’s future. When students step into spaces like the Capitol with curiosity and confidence, it reinforces that investing in youth leadership today strengthens Missouri’s economic and civic foundation for years to come.”
REACH Civic Leadership Day concluded with a pizza luncheon provided by the Camden County MU Extension Council and hosted by Co-Mo Connect and Central Electric Power Cooperative. The luncheon included a discussion on career paths and opportunities within the electric power cooperative sector, further connecting civic leadership with workforce development and real-world career exploration.
“For many of these students, this was their first opportunity to experience state government in such a meaningful way,” Allen-Brown said. “Moments like this shape how young people see leadership, public service, and their own potential. The care shown by state leaders sent a powerful message that Missouri’s youth matter.”
The REACH for Camden County Youth Development Program centers on civic leadership, workforce development, entrepreneurship and real-world learning experiences that prepare young people for success in the 21st century, she said. Civic Leadership Day is one of several hands-on experiences intentionally designed to connect youth with leaders, institutions and opportunities to build both a living and a life within their own communities.
Photos from the day are available upon request. More information about the REACH program and future youth leadership opportunities will be shared by MU Extension.
About MU Extension REACH for Camden County Youth Development
The Resilient Economies and Community Health (REACH) for Camden County Youth Development Program engages youths in civic leadership, career exploration and community-based learning experiences that strengthen both individual potential and Missouri communities.