R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-3-7

The director of cooperative extension at the Land Grant College (the University of Rhode Island) is authorized to provide support in cooperation with the district associations for annual 4-H activities and events, including fairs, demonstrating the work of 4-H members, and for contests, competitions, premiums and awards, and when deemed essential, for representation by carefully chosen Rhode Island 4-H members at 4-H conferences or exhibitions throughout the United States.