Nebraska 4-H is about more than just club, camp, school enrichment, and after school programs.
The educational philosophy of the 4-H program is preparing young people for successful futures. 4-H educational programs place a strong emphasis on life skills, such as critical thinking, citizenship, and leadership. These skills are fostered through educational programming based on an experiential learning model. This gives youth the opportunity to participate in hands-on learning experiences built around the concept of positive youth development, which is centered on structured out-of-school time learning, leadership experiences, and adult mentoring.
Everything Nebraska 4-H offers and delivers is built around positive youth development.
What is Positive Youth
Development?
Positive youth development occurs from an intentional process that promotes positive outcomes for young people by providing opportunities, relationships, and the support to fully participate. Youth development takes place in families, peer groups, schools, neighborhoods, and communities.
The Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs, a collaboration of 21 federal departments and agencies that support youth, created the following definition of positive youth development (PYD):
PYD is an intentional, prosocial approach that engages youth within their communities, schools, organizations, peer groups, and families in a manner that is productive and constructive; recognizes, utilizes, and enhances young people’s strengths; and promotes positive outcomes for young people by providing opportunities, fostering positive youth relationships, and furnishing the support needed to build on their leadership strengths.
4-H Study on Positive Youth Development
The 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development (PYD) 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 states. The study found that youth who participate in 4-H are:
•Nearly 4 times more likely to make contributions to their communities.
•About 2 times more likely to be civically active.
•Nearly 2 times more likely to participate in science programs during out-of-school time.
•Two times more likely to make healthier choices.
Nebraska 4-H provides positive youth development through camp, club, school enrichment, and afterschool programs. However, positive youth development doesn't only occur through 4-H programming.
We are Youth Development Professionals
As professionals on youth development, Nebraska 4-H is well positioned to help others work with youth. Especially 4-H volunteers and club leaders, but even individuals working with other youth-serving organizations, such as licensed childcare programs, public and private schools, before- and after-school programs, faith-based groups, summer youth camps, youth development programs, and juvenile justice programs. Nebraska 4-H is here to help you work with the young people in your life, help you deliver positive youth development, and help young people develop into caring, responsible, and successful adults.
To find out more or to become involved, contact your local extension office in your area. We are looking for talented caring volunteers and youth with a desire to learn and explore new opportunities.
