Study: 4-H members more likely to succeed as adults

October 23, 2014

Fast facts

• October is national 4-H month
• More than 130,000 youth in Arkansas 4-H

(230 words)

LITTLE ROCK -- More than 130,000 youth in Arkansas are more likely to have better grades, be active in civic life and pursue higher levels of education, thanks to the 4-H youth development program, said Laura Connerly, assistant professor-University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

A study titled “The 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development,” found that the structured earning, encouragement and adult mentoring that the 4-H program embodies play a vital role in helping youngsters achieve success into adulthood.

Richard Lerner’s comprehensive study was conducted in 2002 and repeated annual over eight years. It covered more than 7,000 youth in 42 states. Lerner is director the Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development at Tufts.

“4-H is an Arkansas tradition dating back more than 100 years,” Connerly said.

“It’s based on experiential learning – learning by doing - the program is part of the University of Arkansas’ Cooperative Extension Service,” she said. On top of all the excellent outcomes, “4-H is filled with fun learning experiences and lifelong friendships.”

4-H is offered in all 75 counties across the state with community clubs, camps, school programs, military kids’ clubs, after-school programs and more. Visit the 4-H website at Arkansas 4-H.

Read the report of The Positive Development of Youth: Comprehensive Findings  from the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development by Richard M. Lerner, Jacqueline V. Lerner, and Colleagues.

To learn more about 4-H contact your county extension office or visit it online at Arkansas 4-H.

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

By Mary Hightower
Cooperative Extension Service
U of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture

Media Contact: Mary Hightower
Dir. of Communication Services
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2126
mhightower@uada.edu

Related Links

• Arkansas 4-H and Youth
• The Positive Development of Youth: Comprehensive Findings from the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development