MORRIS, Ill. — Every 4-H member has a story. Whether they are caring for animals, exploring science, serving their community, or developing leadership skills, Illinois 4-H, the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension, empowers young people to be Beyond Ready for the future.
As part of an ongoing member spotlight series, Illinois Extension serving Grundy, Kankakee, and Will Counties is sharing the stories of local youth and the experiences that have shaped their 4-H journey.
This month's spotlight features Emalyn Williams, a three-year 4-H member from the Homes Cool Kids 4-H club in Grundy County.
"My 4-H Story" by Emalyn Williams
"Joining 4-H is one of the best things I have ever done, for more reasons than I can count.
When I first joined 4-H, I was nervous because it was something new, but I quickly realized I had no reason to be nervous. Everyone I met was very kind and welcoming. While in 4-H I have met so many people who have been nothing but considerate.
Being in 4-H I have been given the chance to try many things I never would have had the opportunity to try otherwise. Every meeting I learn something new.
My favorite part of 4-H is that everyone has a voice; your ideas are always listened to. Regardless of how old you are, you are taken seriously. It has given me confidence I never had before."
More about 4-H
In 4-H, youth build confidence, leadership, and resilience as they explore their interests. With more than 80 supported projects, 4-H empowers young people to explore their interests. Independent research and national surveys confirm the powerful outcomes of 4-H: participants are 40% more likely to pursue a college degree, twice as likely to obtain technical training, and two times more likely to serve in the military.
For more information about the 4-H program, visit go.illinois.edu/About4hGKW.
Local 4-H members and volunteers who would like to share how 4-H has impacted them are invited to share their story online.
EDITOR: Anthony Warmack, Communications and Marketing Program Coordinator, Illinois Extension.
MEDIA ACCESS: For press inquiries, contact Anthony Warmack, warmacka@illinois.edu.
About Illinois 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension, administered through the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. Through hands-on learning and life-changing experiences, Illinois 4-H prepares youth to be Beyond Ready — ready for college, career, military service, entrepreneurship, and more. Young people build confidence, leadership, and resilience as they explore interests from agriculture to computer science. Independent research and national surveys confirm the powerful outcomes of 4-H: participants are 40% more likely to pursue a college degree, twice as likely to obtain technical training, and two times more likely to serve in the military. With a legacy of cultivating leaders, Illinois 4-H continues to grow the next generation who are equipped to thrive in life and work today and beyond.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.