Reassessing 4-H Programming Strategies: A Study of Minnesota 4-H Region Six

Abstract

4-H youth development provides opportunities for youth in grades K-12 to explore new learning opportunities and community service. This study consisted of two parts. Part One measured members’ experience with the 4-H mission mandates of citizenship, healthy living, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math). Part Two examined 4-H members’ attitudes towards 4-H, as well as their ideas for improving the organization. The study included 95 youth ages 14 – 19 who had at least three years of 4-H experience and who lived in Minnesota 4-H Region Six, an area comprised of Benton, Meeker, Sherburne, Stearns, and Wright counties. 4-H members had the most experience in service, leadership, and prevention of substance abuse. The project areas with the least amount of reported experience included citizenship, engineering, and consumer science. 4-H members also shared ideas for improving the 4-H program, including highlighting community service opportunities; and creating more opportunities to develop practical skills. These results provide 4-H researchers and staff with a sound basis on which to build future programming initiatives.