October 4, 2011
Celebrate youth development during National 4-H Week
National 4-H Week, Oct. 2–8, celebrates the accomplishments of 4-H youth and recognizes the longstanding partnership between 4-H, K-State Research and Extension and Kansas State University.
A recent Tufts University 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development indicates that young people participating in 4-H are 2.5 times more likely to contribute to their communities.
Structured learning through 4-H projects, project teams, afterschool and school enrichment opportunities, encouragement, and mentoring are credited with encouraging youth to get involved and work on behalf of their communities to address challenges in a complex and changing world.
The study should come as no surprise to many K-State students who have 4-H backgrounds and, either are, or are becoming, more involved in the campus community and larger world to provide leadership, citizenship and service.
The structured learning, encouragement and adult mentoring that young people receive through their participation in 4-H also plays a vital role in helping them achieve future life successes.
More information about the study is available here.