Missouri 4-H is part of a recent national Replication and Reconnection Study documenting the benefits of 4-H programming.

MU Extension 4-H youth development specialist Tanner Adkins and Christal Huber, former 4-H youth development specialist and now senior programing coordinator at Mizzou, led the Missouri study, surveying youths three times over an extended period.

Among the findings of the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development, youths who participate in 4-H reported:

• Favorable views of their youth development program experiences.
• High levels of program engagement and positive and sustained youth-adult relationship and life-skill-building activities that indicate effective programming.

High levels of growth mindset and social skills.

• Belief that they were known and loved by the people surrounding them.
• Hopeful feelings about the future.

“Missouri’s report adds another perspective on the importance of youth participation in 4-H and the role it plays in cultivating tomorrow’s leaders,” said Missouri 4-H Director Lupita Fabregas.

The national Replication and Reconnection Study replicated an earlier 10-year study that Tufts University conducted on behalf of National 4-H from 2002 to 2012.

Nationally, compared to their peers, 4‑H participants are:

• 4X more likely to make a positive contribution to their communities.
• 2X more likely to participate in out‑of‑school‑time science programs.
• 2X more likely to make healthier choices.
• 2X more likely to report feeling competent.
• 2X more likely to feel positive about their well-being.

4-H alumni are:

• 3X more likely to participate in community service.
• 2X more likely to report living life with intentionality and purpose.
• 2X more likely to have the goal of being a leader.

Report: 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development: Replication Study Findings Report for Missouri (PDF).