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.
4-H Goes Online now live through MU Extension 4-H
COLUMBIA, Mo. – This fall, Missouri youths ages 5-18 and the volunteers and faculty who serve them will have access to projects in 4-H Goes Online through Canvas, an easy-to-use online learning platform. Projects will be available in these areas: Clover Kids, Shooting Sports, Engineering and Technology, Environmental Science and Natural Resources, Plant and Animal Science, Healthy Living, Leadership and Personal Development, and…
Missouri 4-H is ready!
Missouri 4-H volunteers and staff are preparing for a new year, focusing on youth development, leadership, and community engagement.
Missouri 4-H holds virtual livestock judging contest
COLUMBIA, Mo – The 2020 University of Missouri Extension State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest took place virtually Sept. 12-13. More than 100 youths from across the state applied their evaluation and communication skills in this contest. Youths involved with the livestock judging program develop key life skills to aid in their future career success, says Maria Calvert, state 4-H agriculture and natural resources educator.
Missouri 4-H'er selected as runner-up for national award
Drachen Koester is named runner-up for the 4-H Youth in Action Award, teaching youth statewide about native bees.
Wantland tops 2020 State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest
SEDALIA, Mo. – The State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest looked somewhat different this year, but Lila Wantland remained consistent and led the field in dominating fashion at the Aug. 22 event held at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia. Wantland repeated her 2019 win, following up 2018 and 2017 victories in the intermediate division.
4-H teens teach Healthy Habits
Teen leaders in the Missouri 4-H Healthy Habits program are promoting nutrition education and food access to underserved youths and families. The program is supported by the National 4-H Council and the Walmart Foundation.
Missouri 4-H launches youth nutrition ambassador program
Missouri 4-H has introduced the Youth Nutrition Ambassador program, where teens can lead initiatives to promote healthy eating and community wellness.
Missouri 4-H breaking down barriers, welcoming all youths
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri 4-H, in partnership with the Missouri After School Network (MASN), now has five faculty members trained as Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) Qualifying Administrators. After attending training in 2019 and 2020, faculty members Donna Garcia, Brad Lademann, Sarah Morefield and Shaun Murphy dove right in, working with youth leaders within the Missouri 4-H State Council, conducting training, assessments…
His time to lead
Mike Kateman shares how 4-H shaped his leadership, life lessons, and success in community and career.
Missouri 4-H receives funding to prepare youths for STEM workforce
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri 4-H has received funding through the Union Pacific Foundation Local Grants program to support programming to raise awareness, educate and prepare youths for jobs in STEM fields. “The Missouri 4-H Career Exploration program will give rural youth opportunities that could develop into family-supporting jobs like those Union Pacific offers,” said Amanda Meek, University of Missouri Extension state specialist in…
Saline County 4-H'ers do a quick pivot to attend county fair
Faced with quarantine, Saline County 4-H youth switched to virtual entries—photos, videos and live video judging—to still take part in the fair.
Keeping camp alive
When in-person camps were canceled, creative virtual and at-home activities kept traditions alive, giving kids a fun, hands-on summer.
Youths compete in 2020 State 4-H Sportfishing Event
Nearly 100 youths competed virtually in the 2020 state 4-H sportfishing event, testing angling skills and knowledge of fish and ecosystems.
Competing from your coop: 2020 State 4-H Poultry Day
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Almost 90 Missouri 4-H’ers participated in a poultry judging contest, knowledge exam and photography contest at the 2020 State 4-H Poultry Day, hosted virtually in June. 4-H members gained skills in grading eggs and poultry carcasses, identifying poultry cuts, and judging live birds, said Maria Calvert, University of Missouri Extension state 4-H agriculture and natural resource science educator.
Roots of resilience run deep in 4-H and agriculture: a reflection
Stories from Missouri youth and farmers show how generations build agricultural strength, adapt in crisis, and sustain communities together.