MEDIA RELEASE
For release 10/1/19
4-H prepares youth for the challenges of life
Champaign, Iroquois, Ford, and Vermilion County youth are joining the more than 6 million 4-H members across the nation in celebration of National 4-H Week Oct. 6-12.
Last year, 1,320 young people across our 4 counties were involved in 4-H community clubs where, assisted by volunteer adult leaders, they learned about careers, leadership, and citizenship. Another 1,880 youth were involved in 4-H through school, after school and community partner organizations.
”4-H’s learn by doing philosophy encourages youth to experiment, innovate, and think independently, said Myla Munro, University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development Educator for Champaign, Iroquois, Ford, and Vermilion County. “4-H grows confident kids who tackle issues that matter most in their communities.”
4-H members determine their own path in 4-H. “Youth have a strong voice in 4-H clubs and are actively determining the programs and activities in their clubs,” said Dr. Lisa Diaz, assistant dean, and director of the Illinois 4-H program. “4-H gives youth skills to be independent masters of their future by giving them real-life experiences in teaching others, providing youth voice on planning committees, advocating for positive change in their communities, and gaining much-needed skills for the workplace.”
Illinois 4-H members prepare for their future by studying careers related to their 4-H project. “They choose from more than 100 projects to study,” said Amy Cain, University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator. The topics range from rocketry, computer science, and public speaking to photography, animal science, nutrition, and more.
“The project work builds a youth’s leadership, communication, organization, and decision-making skills,” said Cain.
“4-H also instills a generous spirit in youth,” Diaz said. 4-H members are encouraged to help others in their communities through the hundreds of service projects conducted by Illinois 4-H clubs.
One out of every seven adults in the U.S. is a former 4-H member.
About 4-H: Illinois 4-H strives to help youth learn skills for living. The University of Illinois Extension provides 4-H programs in every county in Illinois. Illinois 4-H aims to impact the lives of 200,000 youth each year through sustained learning clubs and groups and short-term programming.
For Further Information Contact:
Source: Dr. Lisa Diaz, Assistant Dean & Director 4-H Youth Development: 217-333-0910
News Writer: Judy Mae Bingman, Extension Media Communications Specialist, 217-300-2113