Minnesota 4-H Foundation

Programs: The minnesota 4-h foundation works alongside the university of minnesota extension center for youth development to sustain and grow 4-h program opportunities around the state. For over 100 years, 4-h programs have intentionally sought to assist young people in developing their health, social, cognitive, and citizenship competencies while participating in voluntary 4-h projects/programs. Since they are active in these programs from elementary into middle school and through high school, research has shown that 4-h'ers are less likely to spend time watching tv or playing video games and are less likely to smoke or consume alcohol or exhibit riskier behavior than their peers. In contrast, 4-h'ers are more likely to be civically active. Annually, over 67,000 minnesota youth, because of 4-h, enjoy a greater sense of belonging, have quality relationships with their friends and family and are more actively involved in their school and community. This past year there has been an emphasis on reaching out to "first generation" participants -- those families who have not been associated with 4-h before. This includes the growing immigrant population around the state. Minnesota 4-h is drawing in a number of new participants and witnessing the growth and connectivity that 4-h brings within the families as they experience a quality youth program. We can thank nearly 11,000 screened and trained adult volunteers who assist our youth annually. These volunteers embrace 4-h's research-based, learn-by-doing model and bring their own, rich life experiences to equip youth participants with skills such as problem solving, decision making and communicating - essential for our youth to be successful as students, professionals, and community members. These volunteers, from all walks of life and from all age ranges, are credited with contributing more than 1 million hours of service each year. They partner with 4-h staff to deliver the quality programs for which 4-h is well known (after-school programs, community service, civic engagement and camping programs) and are instrumental in supporting and developing new and innovative program initiatives. According to a study by tufts university, 4-h youth development programs have a greater impact on the positive development of young people than any other youth program. The study also shows that youth who participate in 4-h are more likely to attend college than their peers. We know that youth involved in 4-h clubs are less likely to spend six or more hours a day watching tv or playing video games and are less likely to smoke, consume alcohol or ride with a driver who was drinking. 4-h participants also report having a greater sense of belonging, quality relationships with their friends, enjoy being with their family and have more involvement in their school and community. Because of these outcomes, we are proud to support minnesota 4-h. Minnesota 4-h's research-based curriculum includes a focus in four major areas in order to ensure positive youth development and quality learning opportunities outside of school:healthy living:healthy living has been a core priority of minnesota 4-h from its beginning. By supporting the physical, mental and emotional health of our youth, we help them lead healthy and productive lives into adulthood. Programs address such critical issues as childhood obesity, substance abuse and physical safety. The minnesota 4-h foundation has supported grants to regional 4-h programs promoting physical activity called step; geocaching programs that focus on getting young people out in nature; and a healthy cooking contest for 4-h participants at the minnesota state fair. 4-h science:the u. S. Is falling behind other nations in developing its future workforce of scientists, engineers and technology experts. Minnesota 4-h's initiative in science, technology, engineering and math (stem) helps youth become the next generation of scientists, engineers and technology leaders by actively engaging in programs focused on water quality, robotics, biofuels, wind power, aerospace and wildlife biology. Minnesota 4-h foundation funding helped establish the 4-h robotics and aquatic robotics programs in minnesota by providing start up grants for training of youth and volunteers in the project areas. In addition funding was provided to local clubs and counties to be able to purchase robotics equipment to use with 4-h stem programming. Citizenship/leadership:4-h programs in minnesota are committed to developing youth who are passionate, active, engaged and informed global citizens who contribute to their communities and help foster social change. Through 4-h, youth learn the leadership skills to become responsible citizens and contribute to their communities today and in the future. The minnesota 4-h foundation provides funds annually to clubs across the state for community service projects; support for youth to participate in national 4-h leadership programs such as national conference and citizenship washington focus. We also hold two endowments that support minnesota 4-h ambassador programs. Animal science and agriculture science:agriculture and animal science is at the core of 4-h in minnesota. Today, 4-h youth explore the latest information in technologies, industries, ethics, manufacturing, marketing and careers in agriculture and animal science fields. The 4-h foundation is raising funds to establish a $1 million endowment to support the long-term work of 4-h agricultural programs. The foundation continues to raise funds to support the 4-h science of ag challenge held in june each year. This program has been very successful in empowering youth to identify real-life ag challenges in their community and develop innovative marketable solutions. Scholarship funding has been raised to encourage and assist winning 4-h teams to attend college. General:the minnesota 4-h foundation also funds multiple 4-h college scholarships each year and holds endowments which provide annual program funding across the state of minnesota.