COLUMBIA – Missouri 4-H announced the development of an Innovation Grant initiative to reward and encourage programs, ideas and partnerships to advance the national 4-H goal of embracing and meeting the diverse needs of youth. Missouri 4-H faculty members are eligible to apply for grants of up to $500, based on contributions from the Missouri 4-H Foundation and support from the 4-H Center for Youth Development at the University of Missouri. National 4-H has pledged that, by 2025, the organization’s members, faculty, staff, volunteer and programs will reflect the demographics of the country, serving the many diverse needs of youth, including vulnerable populations. “These innovation grants will recognize youth development programs statewide that meet the highest standard of program quality and innovation advancing positive youth development,” Melissa Scheer said. Scheer is a 4-H youth development specialist in Jefferson County. She has been working with a team of 4-H professionals from…