Dunn County 4-H and Positive Youth Development

Welcome to Dunn County 4-H!

4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills.

For more than a century, Wisconsin has been a leader in 4-H youth development, giving young people throughout the state an opportunity to learn new skills, gain self-confidence and contribute to their communities.  Using real-life experiences from a team of devoted educators and volunteers, 4-H members benefit from leadership training, community-building experiences and experiential-learning opportunities to better their own lives and the lives of the people around them.

The wide array of 4-H programs enriches the lives of participants and their families and strengthens Wisconsin’s communities through volunteer service, civic involvement, and leadership.

What is 4-H all about?

4-H members get involved in their communities as volunteers and youth leaders. They learn new things by completing dozens of different kinds of projects, going on trips, having parties, hosting international students, participating in local government, experimenting with science, making art, going to camp, learning to canoe or taking care of an animal. These activities are largely facilitated though, research-based youth programming, learning-by-doing, regular 4-H club meetings, and adult mentorship. 4-H fosters healthy youth and adult relationships through process solving, project development, and interactive learning. 4-H is fun. 4-H grows here!

According to the 4‑H Study of Positive Youth Development by Tufts University, 4‑H youth are:

  • 6 times more likely to be at the highest levels of positive development
  • More likely to see themselves going to college compared to other youth
  • 25% more likely to contribute to themselves, their families, and communities
  • 41% less likely to engage in high risk behaviors

The Positive Development of Youth: Comprehensive Findings from the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development is a longitudinal study that began in 2002 and was repeated annually for eight years, surveying more than 7,000 adolescents from diverse backgrounds across 42 U.S. states. Check out the Full Report | Fact Sheet

Resources

If you have any questions regarding Dunn County 4-H, please contact:

Extension Dunn County
3001 US Hwy 12 E, Suite 216
Menomonie WI 54751-3045
Phone: 715-232-1636

Statewide 4-H News

  • We are happy to introduce our new Rock County 4-H Program Educator, Josh Firgens. Josh started on January 22, 2024 and is excited to familiarize himself with the Rock County clubs and projects. Josh grew up in Suring, Wisconsin (which is located halfway between the North Pole and Equator) working on his family’s farms before […]
  • 4-H Volunteers make a difference – and we want to hear from you about the outstanding 4-H volunteers in your local clubs and groups! We’re looking to shine a spotlight on the contributions of 4-H volunteers during Volunteer Appreciation Week in April. If you want to share a shout out for a fantastic 4-H volunteer, […]
  • Did you know the Science behind 4-H is Positive Youth Development? The 4-H Thriving Model is a theory of change for positive youth development in 4-H. The model illustrates the process of positive youth development in 4-H programs by connecting high quality program settings to the promotion of youth thriving. Watch a short video and […]
  • The Wisconsin 4-H Foundation announces the winners of the 2024 Celebrate the Arts 4-H Art Contest. The youth art was selected through a statewide contest.  In its sixth year, the Celebrate the Arts contest encourages creativity and exploration. “This year’s contest was a great success,” said Wisconsin 4-H Foundation Executive Director, Brenda Scheider.  This is […]
  • Are you interested in bringing a group of youth to UW-Madison campus to explore science? There are 10 different science venues to choose from and over 25 workshops to experience. From astronomy to stem cells, there are hands-on workshops for everyone to explore. Fill out the UW-Madison Campus Science Field Trip Interest Form to reserve […]
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