CHEYENNE (WNE)  — In Wyoming, 4-H is now considered a co-curricular activity, allowing members to obtain excused absences for participation in 4-H.

Wyoming House Bill 175 states that public school students engaged in “programming or competitions sponsored by nationally recognized organizations and clubs that promote youth agricultural education” are considered to be involved in a co-curricular program, and therefore can receive excused absences for their participation.

Wyoming 4-H is the positive youth development program jointly funded by the University of Wyoming Extension and county commissions.

The new statute will allow 4-H members to make up school assignments missed due to participation in hands-on learning experiences.

The statute does not alter the authority of local school boards. Each school district’s board creates parameters for what is considered an unexcused absence and what activities are considered co-curricular.

House Bill 175 goes into effect July 1.