During 4-H Week, we’re celebrating some of the ways that 4-H is building a ready generation in a changing world. 4-H members show they are two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active than other youth; and four times more likely to contribute to their communities.

And, the outcomes last long into adulthood – youth who have positive youth development program experiences are more likely to thrive as adults, pursuing academic and vocational training, engaging in the civic life of communities, finding stable employment, and exhibiting overall happiness and well-being. 

Recently, we talked to three alums to see how 4-H impacted their lives. Meet Maggie, Adam, and Angie:

Ready to conquer: Maggie Conlan, Graduate Student in Global Health, Duke University

Maggie Conlan began her Master’s degree at Duke University in September and hopes to work for a large organization such as the United Nations, studying global health concerns like access to rural health and infectious diseases. Starting graduate school can be overwhelming, but Conlan is up for the challenge.

Conlan says that 4-H is a big part of her journey. She joined her Polk County 4-H club in 5th grade because her mom thought she might like it. “I liked being able to explore the activities – I did a lot of art projects. I’m clearly not doing art now. But I think it was fun at a younger age, and really important to explore those hobbies and have those opportunities to check things out and find what I like.”

As part of her 4-H experience, she participated in more statewide experiences including Drama Company and Arts Camp, where she was a counselor and then became the Arts Camp Junior Director. Those experiences were important for developing confidence and resilience, which has served her well. Conlan describes opportunities in 4-H as pushing her to try new things that were uncomfortable, even scary at times, but have taught her that she can do it. “Even though you’re in 5th grade, 6th grade you’re like, ‘I don’t want to be in a leadership position. I don’t want to be treasurer. I don’t want to go to this camp, that’s really scary.’ But to do that and to put yourself in those uncomfortable situations, and step outside your comfort zone really sets you up to keep doing that, especially as you get older,” said Conlan.

Conlan is thankful that 4-H challenged her in that way because taking on challenges is something she plans to keep doing. “To know how to conquer those situations and take that with stride and be like, ‘Ok, you know what? We’re showing up this morning. And we’re gonna do it!’ sort of thing. I think that definitely helps out a lot.”

Ready to lead: Adam Riley, Peace Corps volunteer, Cajamarca, Peru

In the northern region of Peru, Adam Riley is working with members of his local community to co-facilitate vocational orientation and life skill classes for high school students, while also supporting community youth groups and the local government’s initiatives to engage youth in the community. Before joining the Peace Corps, he was a member of the Mount Hope Cardinals 4-H Club in Grant County where he participated in poultry projects, raising ducks and turkeys.

Riley’s interest in the Peace Corps began with an opportunity in 4-H to spend eight weeks in Japan through the 4-H Exchange program. “At a club meeting, I heard about the opportunity of international exchange through 4-H,” said Riley. “That experience opened my eyes to new perspectives and helped me become more confident and eager to embrace new and challenging opportunities.”

Having strong youth-adult partnerships shaped Riley’s 4-H experience and informs the work he is doing now. “Their guidance, mentorship, and dedication to youth not only helped me develop practical skills but also a sense of responsibility and service,” Riley said. Because of that experience, Riley works to incorporate youth-adult partnerships and looks for opportunities to give youth a voice in his work with Peruvian youth in order to give them a sense of belonging in their schools and community.  

Riley says that 4-H played a big role in building his confidence and developing his dedication to service. “This sense of service drives my work today as a Peace Corps volunteer, where I help empower Peruvian youth to become active contributors to their community and make a positive impact on those around them.”  

Ready to serve: Angie Ulness, Regional Dairy Educator, UW-Madison Extension

“From the moment I started 4-H I was welcomed and valued as a member, encouraged along the way to be active and find my ‘spark.’” Angie Ulness, a member of the East Maplewood Beavers 4-H Club in Door County, grew up on her family dairy farm and was a dairy project member participating in dairy judging and showing at the county fair. 

A graduate of UW-Madison, she now farms with her husband and has her dream job working as an Extension Dairy Educator in Manitowoc County.  Right after graduating, she began coaching dairy judging teams and helped them win national awards. She is still coaching and volunteering as a 4-H leader in her local club, Liberty Go-Getters where all 4 of her children are members. 

Ulness continues to be involved in 4-H because of the impact it has on members. “I love all aspects of 4-H. I strive to offer opportunities for kids not on farms to show our animals, teaching youth of the county the importance of communication skills and decision-making skills gained in dairy judging. I see myself as here to serve and help encourage their spark.” 

Ulness credits 4-H with providing her an outlet to explore her interests and develop leadership skills. “4-H was my ‘thing.’ While my sisters were excelling in sports, I was participating in 4-H as much as I could.” She attended leadership camps, Wisconsin 4-H Youth Conference, Citizenship Washington Focus, and became a camp counselor. “Hands down, 4-H has laid a foundation of communication, servant leadership, and the sense of community in me that I want to help people succeed and learn,” said Ulness.

4-H in Wisconsin

Local 4-H programs are managed by professional 4-H educators who create high-quality 4-H experiences where young people can belong and grow. In partnership with communities, volunteers, and families, the Wisconsin 4-H program sets the stage for Wisconsin youth to lead lives characterized by happiness and well-being, civic engagement, academic and vocational success, and employability and economic stability. 

In 2023, Extension offered 4-H programming in 71 counties and three tribal nations, reaching 26,067 youth enrolled in 1,108 chartered 4-H clubs and groups. This work was possible because of the 5,654 enrolled, certified adult volunteer leaders. 

Because of the work of Extension, and the thousands of volunteers who work together to support the 4-H program, young people throughout Wisconsin can engage in research-based, high-quality programs and experiences. Wisconsin 4-H creates environments that support young people in discovering their pathway to becoming engaged, contributing, purposeful, and thriving young adults who are ready to conquer, lead, and serve.