THE FOLLOWING IS A U OF I EXTENSION RELEASE
ABOVE: 4-H offers a variety of STEM programs and hands-on learning opportunities, including drone technology, where youth can explore innovative fields and discover their passions.
CHAMPAIGN, Ill – National 4-H Week is October 7-12 and is the perfect time to learn how 4-H can open doors for young people in our community. With a long-standing tradition of empowering youth through hands-on learning and leadership opportunities, 4-H provides a welcoming environment where young people can grow, discover their passions, and make a difference.
Whether you’re interested in animals, the arts, or STEM, 4-H offers a wide range of projects to explore. Members can choose from hundreds of projects, including photography, robotics, cooking, gardening, woodworking, animal care, and public speaking. Youths work on these projects with guidance from dedicated adult mentors and peers, building life skills while having fun along the way.
“I liked being able to talk about all the different areas of e-sports because there is so much more to gaming than people realize. I also enjoyed being able to play Rocket League to complete the project,” said DJ Hayes of the Bismarck Lucky Clovers.
Projects can also help spark new interests that can lead to a future career as well. “I have taken a weather project to the county fair and, for most years, the State Fair as well,” says Alana Dolan, a member of the Snider-Kickapoo Inc. 4-H Club. “I was a little hesitant to take on a weather project at first, but I became infatuated with learning more about meteorology. Since then, I’ve attended meteorology camps, became a certified weather spotter, and I plan to continue to pursue a college degree related to meteorology.”
Participating in 4-H also means becoming part of a local club where members form lasting friendships and make a positive impact through community service. In addition, 4-H members are often invited to participate in large-scale events such as statewide contests, camps, and national conferences. These experiences offer opportunities to collaborate with youth from all over the state and even across the country, gaining leadership skills and insights that will last a lifetime.
“I’ve had the chance to attend several national 4-H conferences, like the Healthy Living Summit and the Ignite by 4-H conference, where I met people from all over the country,” says Dolan. At these events, I built lasting friendships with delegates from states like Maine and Oklahoma, and even Puerto Rico. The connections I’ve made through these conferences have shown me how important it is to make the most out of every opportunity. Every person I’ve met has had an impact on who I want to become in 4-H and beyond.”
“4-H is more than just a youth program—it’s a community where young people discover their passions, develop essential life skills, and learn to lead confidently,” says 4-H Youth Development Educator Mynda Tracy. “Whether building robots, raising animals, or giving back through community service, 4-H members constantly grow, learn, and make a difference in their world. I encourage every young person to find their place in 4-H and explore its endless possibilities.”
With clubs for kids of all ages and interests, there’s something in 4-H for everyone. As we celebrate National 4-H Week, take the first step towards an exciting and enriching journey by joining a local 4-H club today!
If you’re interested in learning more about 4-H programming, find us online at go.illinois.edu/CFIV4H or contact the Illinois Extension office by phone at 217-333-7672 or via email at uie-cfiv@illinois.edu.
About Illinois 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of the University of Illinois Extension and is administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. 4-H grows true leaders, youth empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. The hands-on approach in 4-H gives young people guidance, tools, and encouragement, putting them in the driver’s seat to make great things happen. Independent research confirms the unparalleled impact of the 4-H experience, demonstrating that young people are four times more likely to contribute to their communities, two times more likely to make healthier choices, two times more likely to be civically active, and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.
About Extension: University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state’s land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.
For Further Information, Contact:
Source: Mynda Tracy, 4-H Youth Development Educator, mynda@illinois.edu
Writer: Jake Keister, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, jkeiste2@illinois.edu
