Every year during the first week of October, millions of youth, parents, volunteers and alumni come together to celebrate National 4-H Week and the many positive youth development opportunities that 4-H offers. 

“4-H believes that young people, in partnership with adults, can play a key role in creating a more promising and equitable future for youth, families and communities across the country,” says Leigh Ann Skurupey, North Dakota State University’s assistant director for 4-H youth development. “Throughout National 4-H Week, we will highlight the remarkable 4-H youth in our community who work each day to make a positive impact on those around them.”

4-H was founded on the belief that when youth are empowered to pursue their passions and chart their own course, their unique skills grow and take shape, helping them to become true leaders in their lives, careers and communities.

Nearly 31,000 youth participate in 4-H in North Dakota.

A seven-year study identified several benefits of being involved in 4-H. For example, the study found that compared with their peers, youth participating in 4-H programs excel in several areas. These youth are:

• Four times more likely to make contributions to their communities.
• Two times more likely to be civically active.
• Two times more likely to participate in science programs.
• Two times more likely to make more healthful choices.

4-H alumni around the country acknowledge the significant positive impact that 4-H had on them as young people. In fact, research has shown that young people in 4-H are nearly four times as likely to contribute to their communities and are twice as likely to engage in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs during after school time.

“Through participation in 4-H programming, North Dakota youth gain essential skills to thrive, lead and change the world,” says Skurupey.

In addition to becoming a 4-H member, youth can participate in 4-H camps, afterschool programs and school enrichment opportunities. Join 4-H by contacting your local office of NDSU Extension or visiting https://bit.ly/join-ND4-H.

4-H is the largest research-based youth development organization in the nation, serving more than six million youth. It is a program of the nation’s Cooperative Extension System. In North Dakota, 4-H is conducted under the direction of NDSU and NDSU Extension.

NDSU Agriculture Communication - Oct. 2, 2023

Source: Karla Meikle, 701-667-3340, karla.meikle@ndsu.edu

Editor: Elizabeth Cronin, 701-231-7881, elizabeth.cronin@ndsu.edu