Greensburg — Studies show 4-H develops life skills in youth, and the opportunity remains available to enroll until March 1.

According to The 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development (PYD), youth have the capacity to thrive when presented with the resources for healthy development found in families, schools, and communities--regardless of background, socioeconomic status, race, or gender. Researchers at the Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development at Tufts University with contribution by land-grant universities, surveyed more than 4,400 youth in grades 5-8 and 2,800 of their parents in the first four years of this longitudinal study. Those surveyed lived in rural, suburban, and urban areas in 34 states and were from a variety of racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. The 4-H Study of PYD is the first research to show that the foundational characteristics of PYD --the Five C's of competence, confidence, connection, character and caring--can be measured, enabling youth development programs to finally prove their success. It also shows that young people who participate in a high number of positive youth development activities are more likely to develop a sixth characteristic: contribution. Conversely, young people who have few or no opportunities for PYD are at higher risk for personal, social and behavioral problems.

- Children who participated in 4-H for at least one year by eighth grade were 3.5 times more likely to contribute to their families, themselves and their communities.

- Eighth graders who participated in 4-H programs at least twice per month had greater confidence and higher grades and were 1.6 times more likely to plan to go to college.

- Eighth graders who participated in 4-H programs at least twice per month also scored higher on civic identity and engagement measures and had a greater ability to express opinions on community issues, help neighbors, and bond with adults and teachers.

The 4-H Study of PYD finds that youth involved in high-quality, structured out-of-school programs are more likely to develop the five C's the longer they participate. The study also found that the most important developmental assets associated with PYD is human: the caring, committed adults who work with youth on projects that make a difference in their communities. Youth development programs like 4-H, which provide optimal opportunities for positive youth development, reduce likelihood of youth to engage in risk behaviors such as underage drinking, smoking, bullying, and vandalism. The study also confirms that 4-H youth are leaders, achieve higher marks in school, and contribute to self and society--all which help to strengthen the communities in which they live. Successful youth development programs like 4-H provide educational opportunities in an environment that supports long-term, productive interactions among youth and adults; Emphasize skill-building; Provide relevant projects that reflect the diverse interests of the youth involved; Emphasize both promotion of positive behaviors and prevention of risk behaviors; Encourage youth participation and leadership.

Studies show that 6 million youth participating in 4-H do better in school, are more motivated to help others, feel safe to try new things, achieve a sense of self-esteem, and develop lasting friendships. (Source: www.4-H.org)

4-H is Indiana's only youth development program directly connected to the technological advances and latest research of Purdue University. 4-H members learn leadership, citizenship and life skills through hands-on projects in science, engineering and technology, healthy living, or citizenship.  4-H is no longer just about "cows and plows", while it may still have its agricultural and home economic types of projects, there are many more available today, focusing on these life skills. 4-H members who participate in these projects, then exhibit their project at the Decatur County Fair and many advance on to the Indiana State Fair.

Regular 4-H members are in grades 3-12. There is also a Cloverbud or "mini 4-H" program for those youth in grades pre-Kindergarten (age 4) through 2nd grade. The cost for 4-H is $20 for the entire year to join 4-H (3-12 grade) and $5 for Cloverbuds (pre-K-2nd Grade). Enrollment deadline is March 1st. Early enrollment is encouraged to get the full 4-H experience. Many clubs and activities are beginning now. Enroll early to ensure that you do not miss any important information. For more information, contact Purdue Extension/Decatur County, 545 S CR 200 W, Greensburg, Indiana. Phone: (812) 663-8388; website: www.extenion.purdue.edu/decatur Stop by the Extension Office located next to the fairgrounds to enroll.

Learn more about the 4-H adventure at www.four-h.purdue.edu



Heather Millett is 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator at the Purdue Extension-Decatur County.