Young people are the next generation of leaders, and Wisconsin 4-H is engaging them in meaningful learning activities in order to thrive as adults. “4-H has impacted my children for a lifetime of self-discovery and growth. It has helped them to see challenges as a good opportunity,” a parent of 4-H members in Menominee County said.

UW–Madison Extension supports the development of a high-quality 4-H program in Wisconsin. Specifically, Extension supports curriculum development, policies to ensure safe environments for youth members, and partnership development to expand 4-H programming to new audiences. In 2022, Extension offered 4-H programming in 71 counties and three tribal nations, which engaged over 24,000 youth members.

4-H programming creates intentional spaces for youth members to explore their areas of interest, or “sparks,” master new skills, build supportive relationships with peers, and develop a sense of belonging within the community.

Extension provides direct training and support for adult volunteers who are crucial in delivering 4-H programming. In 2022, 240 volunteers and staff members completed the Supporting Youth Mental Health training, which helps ensure safe and positive learning spaces for youth members. When youth members are engaged in high-quality programming — especially through positive youth-adult partnerships — they gain social, emotional, and other skills that put them on a thriving trajectory into adulthood.

Outcomes and Benefit to Youth Members

Extension invited 4-H youth members to complete a survey in order to evaluate the program’s impact. Over 2,100 youth members responded, and the survey results indicated the overall quality of programming to be 5.71 on a scale of 1–7. Survey subcategories scored even higher — Belonging (5.85) and Youth-Adult Partnerships (5.87). Additionally, 90% of the participants agreed that youth-adult partnerships impacted the overall quality of their 4-H club experience.

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