4-H: Making young leaders

This week is National 4-H Week where we recognize those youth doing amazing things in their communities and honor the service of dedicated volunteers across the state. I would like to encourage Idaho citizens to learn more about 4-H and the programs available to help develop our youth into tomorrow’s leaders: uidaho.edu/4h.

Recent studies show that 50 percent of today’s youth say they feel under-prepared for life after high school. These are the skills that help them overcome personal obstacles, stand up to bullies or tackle a community challenge today — and they are the skills that will help them succeed in their careers tomorrow. In 4-H, we believe in the power of young people. We are America’s largest youth development organization — empowering nearly six million young people across the U.S. with the skills they need for a lifetime. In Idaho, we help empower more than 55,000 youth each year to be leaders in their communities. The 4-H experience is proven to grow true leaders with life skills like confidence, independence, resilience and compassion. 4-H is open to all young people ages 5-18, and we have programs available in every county in Idaho.

Youth complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, technology, agriculture and citizenship. We collaborate with schools, businesses and other community and youth development organizations to provide learn-by-doing experiences that are proven to grow life skills. We have a century-long history of empowering youth through hands-on learning. Our research-backed approach is proven to work.

JIM LINDSTROM

Moscow