Growth Mindset
Improve our outlook and operations so that we impact 2.5x more youth in the next 4-H generation (by 2045).
The Growth Mindset action item is sustained by five supporting goals:
First-timer friendly
Design and communicate all 4-H systems through a first-time participant’s lens.
Grow with purpose
Adopt and publish clear growth goals and benchmarks.
Improve operations
Develop basic structures—budget, staff, training—with growth in mind.
Reduce barriers
Reduce the participation barriers that are within our control.
Tell the 4-H story
Collect valued impact data and continue telling inspiring 4-H stories.
- Guide to Seasonal 4-H Clubs
- 4-H Family and Friends E-newsletter
- 2026, September—The Seasonal 4-H Club Task Force published a handy guide [link when available] for counties wishing to start this novel approach to making 4-H more doable for older youth participants.
- 2026, September—The All the Little Things Task Force published an internal guide for 4-H staff sharing the simple tips and tricks that improve county 4-H operations and service.
- 2026, September—Missouri 4-H published its 4-H Policies and Procedures Manual on the website [link when available] so 4-H families know what to expect, including the all new 4-H Culture and Community Standards. This also included a newly defined “self travel” option for youth attending certain national events, so that costs are reduced and opportunity maximized.
- 2026, July—MU Extension met the 4-H unit’s budgetary request to allow for increased 4-H personnel across the state. In total, we will add five regional 4-H youth specialists and up to 15 additional county 4-H youth program associates (YPA) positions this fiscal year.
- 2026, May—Deployed a standardized onboarding system for new 4-H employees.
- 2026, March—To improve travel efficiencies for youth participating in both contests, the state 4-H Poultry and Rabbit Weekend became a combined event.
- 2026, February—Dr. Tanner shared a white paper entitled “Staffing Blueprint for 4-H Growth: U.S. and Territories Edition” at the National 4-H Leaders Meeting in San Antonio, TX. This was also used to develop the Missouri report that set our growth benchmarks.