How 4-H Improves the Lives of South Carolina's Youth
4-H Strengthens the Local Community by Providing a Positive Future for Youth The South Carolina Kids Count 2003 report concluded in its summary that “too many children are at risk of not growing up to become self-supporting adults, good family members, and responsible community citizens.” 4-H responds directly to this challenge. 4-H clubs are intentionally designed to include the eight critical elements necessary for positive youth development:
Positive relationships with caring adults
Opportunities for self-determination
An accepting and inclusive environment
Opportunities to contribute through community service
A safe environment for learning and growing
Opportunities to develop and master skills
Engagement in learning
Opportunities to be an active participant in life
A variety of studies across the country have identified life skills gained through 4-H and the general impact of the program. As an example, a Montana State University study of 5th, 7th, and 9th-grade students in Montana (Astroth & Hayne, 2001) found that 4-H youth are more likely than other kids to report that they:
Succeed in school, getting more A’s than other kids
Are involved as leaders in their school and the community
Are looked up to as role models by other kids
Help others in the community
4-H youth reported that they are less likely than other kids to:
Shoplift or steal
Use illegal drugs of any kind to get high
Ride in a car with someone who has been drinking
Smoke cigarettes
Damage property for the fun of it
Skip school or cut classes without permission
Overall, this research indicated that 4-H youth are busy making contributions to improve the quality of life in their families, neighborhoods and communities. 4-H does not just attract high-achieving kids from privileged families — nor is 4-H able to achieve the kind of results reported in this research summary by only working with “the best kids.” Rather, 4-H is a powerful, proven program that makes a positive difference for all who participate. South Carolina 4-H uses the same best practices to achieve similar results. Here are the major initiatives the 4-H Youth Development Program is currently undertaking to meet the needs of youth throughout the Palmetto State:
Teaching Youth about Science, Agriculture, and the Environment 4-H teaches youth the important knowledge needed to be informed stewards of the environment and successful in a rapidly advancing, technology-driven global economy. 4-H members acquire knowledge and skills through 4-H projects in subject matter such as agriculture, natural resources, and environmental education, as well as science, technology, and engineering.
Promoting Healthy Lifestyles and Smart Choices 4-H taps into the research-based knowledge of Clemson University and the land grant university system to teach youth to make smart, healthy, and safe choices.
Developing Youth to be Responsible Leaders and Citizens Although youth can gain a variety of subject matter knowledge through 4-H projects, its ultimate aim is to teach leadership, citizenship, and life skills. This includes important workforce preparation and meaningful developmental assets such as communication skills, organizational abilities, wise decision-making skills, independence and self-confidence, as well as respect and caring for others and the community.
K. Diem, Nov. 2005
