Pledging head, heart, hands and health, Missouri 4-H'ers flock to new ASL project

Missouri 4-H youths learn American Sign Language to connect with the deaf community and explore new skills and careers.

Missouri 4-H'ers can reduce food insecurity across the state

Missouri 4-H youth are helping reduce food insecurity by donating livestock to local food banks, feeding hundreds across the state. Learn how to get involved.

2021 Missouri 4-H State Poultry Day

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Thirty youths from around the state participated in Missouri 4-H State Poultry Day, held June 12 at the University of Missouri Animal Science Research Center.

Missouri 4-H'ers net awards at 2021 Sportfishing Slam

Recognition shared by Missouri 4-H youth for outstanding catches and species diversity at the 2021 sportfishing contest.

Missouri 4-H'ers reach food drive milestone

COLUMBIA, Mo. – 4-H clubs across Missouri have raised more than three quarters of a million meals to feed hungry families over the last three years.

Missouri 4-H'ers get out and move

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Every year, hundreds of Missouri 4-H’ers, parents and volunteers commit to the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle through Missouri 4-H’s Move Across Missouri challenge.

Missouri 4-H Foundation awards 68 scholarships

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri 4-H Foundation is awarding 68 scholarships totaling $69,350 to Missouri 4-H youths to help further their educations.

Mizzou Collegiate 4-H restructuring to engage all Missouri postsecondary institutions

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Members of the Mizzou Collegiate 4-H club have voted to create a statewide Missouri Collegiate 4-H Council. The existing Mizzou Collegiate 4-H organization will be a chapter under the new council.

Pike County woman honored with 4-H volunteer leadership award

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Celebrating National Volunteer Week, the Missouri 4-H Foundation is proud to recognize Missouri 4-H volunteer Deedee Martin with the 2021 Naomi Crouch 4-H Volunteer Leadership Award. Martin, who lives in Pike County, is being recognized for more than 30 of service and support to Missouri 4-H. “We are honored to recognize Deedee Martin for her outstanding efforts on behalf of Pike County 4-H,” said Kyle Kerns, chair of…

Opening doors

Discover how Sebrina Barrett's 4-H experiences shaped her leadership and advocacy skills, opening doors for her career in community service and public speaking.

Missouri 4-H youths test knowledge at State 4-H Horse Bowl Contest

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The 2021 University of Missouri Extension State 4-H Horse Bowl Contest gathered 19 youths and their coaches in late March and early April.The contest consisted of an online qualifying exam in March; the top four teams in each age division advanced to the in-person portion in April.Top junior competitors (ages 8-13):First: Bailey Spalding, Jackson County.Second: Elizabeth Pruett, Jackson County.Third: Kelsa Kirk, Jackson…

Mary Beth Mitchell honored with Missouri 4-H volunteer leadership award

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Celebrating National Volunteer Week, the Missouri 4-H Foundation is proud to present Missouri 4-H volunteer Mary Beth Mitchell with the 2021 Naomi Crouch 4-H Volunteer Leadership Award. Mitchell, of Monroe County, is being recognized for more than 30 years of service and support to Missouri 4-H.

It all started at the show ring

Jenna Hasekamp’s journey from 4-H show rings to college livestock judging highlights youth leadership, growth, and agricultural passion.

4-H youths test skills at 2021 State 4-H Horse Judging Contest

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension State 4-H Horse Judging Contest took place virtually Feb. 27-28, drawing 81 competing 4-H members, said Maria Calvert, Missouri 4-H state agriculture and natural resources educator.

Easter eggs-periments to try with kids

MONTICELLO, Mo. – Make coloring Easter eggs with the children and grandchildren fun and educational, says Katie Hogan, University of Missouri Extension 4-H youth program assistant.Eggs-periment with embryology lessons as you dip and dye this year. In addition to science skills, children learn color recognition, painting and cutting skills while helping decorate eggs. Count and sort as you go and talk about how eggs from various birds…

Impact of 4-H Programming: A Ten-year Review

The Issue Youth involved in 4-H have the opportunity to be members from ages eight to eighteen. According to a 2009 study from Tufts University, 4-H youth appear to have higher levels of developmental assets that are found to be most important in positive youth development (Lerner et al., 2009). Assessment of long-term 4-H programming is critical to evaluate the success of meeting the objectives of positive youth development.

4-H: All Access - Bringing Community Club Concepts to the World of Afterschool

The Issue In the state of Missouri, and many other states, traditionally 4-H has been delivered in community clubs that are family based and operate outside of any school, church, or other identifying community. This Community Club model has proven to offer youth an opportunity for positive youth development. However, there is a large section of the population who has not found their way to 4-H within this model, mainly due to the…

Marking a 100-year legacy for three Missouri 4-H families

The Missouri 4-H Foundation honored three families with the 2020 Century Family Award, recognizing over a century of combined service.

Missouri 4-H faculty share expertise in national journals

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri 4-H faculty have recently shared their expertise and influence nationally about issues as diverse as programming for youths who are homeless and the decision-making process behind going to the State Fair in the midst of a pandemic. Four articles by Missouri 4-H faculty were published this past December in national journals directed at extension and youth development professionals.

Missouri 4-H'ers warm state with handmade blankets

Missouri 4-H members knit and donate 72 handmade blankets to Project Linus, supporting children in need across the state.

Missouri afterschool programs receive micro-grants for Global Entrepreneurship Week

Seven afterschool programs across Missouri have been awarded micro-grants to support youth entrepreneurship activities during Global Entrepreneurship Week.

Missouri Care gift to help grow 4-H student nutrition advisory clubs

$25,000 gift fuels expansion of 4-H nutrition advisory clubs statewide to support youth leadership, advocacy and healthy habits.

FilmFest 4-H helps youths reach beyond state borders

Youths create films for a national 4-H showcase and connect with peers from across states through FilmFest.

MU Extension, Platte County 4-H Pivots to Meet the Needs of Today’s Youth

Platte County 4-H adapted its programming during the pandemic with diverse virtual and hybrid learning options to support youth development.

Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame inducts new members for 2020

44 Missouri 4-H volunteers from 36 counties were inducted into the 2020 Hall of Fame for their legacy of youth service.