North Dakota 4-H members are joining 4-H’ers across the U.S. in celebrating National 4-H Week, Oct. 6-12. National 4-H Week celebrates the achievements and growth of youth across the country.

“National 4-H Week is a time to recognize the youth who have made an impact in their community and prepare them to thrive in a changing world,” says Karla Meikle, state 4-H activities coordinator with North Dakota State University Extension’s Center for 4-H Youth Development.

At the state level, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum has signed a proclamation declaring Oct. 6-12 4-H Week.

National 4-H Week also recognizes the important role of volunteers.

“At North Dakota 4-H, we are building a ready generation in a world of change, and this would not be possible without the tireless work of our 4-H volunteers,” Meikle says. “They serve as the mentors, supporters and cheerleaders who give our youth the confidence they need to grow and thrive.”

“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.

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 33,000 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 after school.

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.

About 4-H:

4-H, the nation’s largest youth development and empowerment organization, cultivates confident kids who tackle the issues that matter most in their communities right now. In the United States, 4-H programs empower six million young people through the 110 land-grant universities and Cooperative Extension in more than 3,000 local offices serving every county and parish in the country. Outside the United States, independent, country-led 4-H organizations empower one million young people in more than 50 countries. National 4-H Council is the private sector, non-profit partner of the Cooperative Extension System and 4-H National Headquarters located at the National Institute of Food and Agriculture within the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In North Dakota, 4-H is conducted under the direction of NDSU and NDSU Extension.

NDSU Agriculture Communication - Oct. 3, 2024 

Source: Karla Meikle, 701-877-2584, karla.meikle@ndsu.edu

Editor: Elizabeth Cronin, 701-231-7006, elizabeth.cronin@ndsu.edu