4-H Provides Many Opportunities For Youth

4-H has become the nation's largest youth development organization.

Since 1902, it has focused on helping young people and their families gain the skills needed to be proactive forces in their communities.

Research shows that youth involved in 4-H are more likely to go to college, more likely to study science and engineering and less likely to abuse substances.

Last year, Lauren Cheevers, one of Washington County's 4-H, members was recognized as a State 4-H Hall of Fame inductee. She has graduated high school and is pursuing a college degree and career that relates to projects explored while in 4-H.

The 4-H program incorporates STEM activities with leadership development. It builds life skills that include goal setting, problem solving, public speaking, communication, teamwork, and time management. Some of the projects to choose from include photography, animal science, gardening, technology, nutrition, and consumer education.

With 4-H there are many opportunities to explore areas of interest, attend camps and conferences, earn awards, and apply for college scholarships. Annually, Arkansas 4-H awards over $60,000 in state 4-H college scholarships, in addition to County 4-H Scholarships. Involvement in 4-H provides opportunities to qualify individuals to apply for countless additional scholarships.

The 4-H program is based on opportunities to "learn by doing." Youth ages 5 to 19 are invited to become involved.

Arkansas has a direct benefit from 4-H educational programs since our state is in the top 25 states in the production of 23 agricultural commodities. Agriculture provides one in every six jobs in Arkansas and almost 17 percent of the total labor income for the state.

For more information about 4-H in Washington County contact the County Extension Office at 479-444-1755 or you can contact Anna Goff at [email protected] by e-mail. You can find out more on how to join 4-H, clubs to choose from, how you can donate to 4-H, or opportunities available to volunteer with 4-H.

ANNA GOFF IS COUNTY EXTENSION AGENT, FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS, DIVISION OF AGRICULTURE COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE.