Oct. 5-11 is National 4-H Week, and St. Louis County 4-H is celebrating the 4-H youth who have made an impact on the community, and are stepping up to the challenges of a complex and changing world.

The 4-H youth development program provides experiences where youth can “learn by doing,” which encourages youth to experiment, innovate and think independently.

4-H programs are offered through school-based, after-school and camp settings, as well as within community clubs, where groups meet regularly to work on projects, perform community service and develop leadership skills. Through this unique process, youth obtain essential life skills such as problem-solving, decision making, coping and communicating.

“4-H provides positive learning opportunities that are critical for the development of young people,” said Jennifer Skuza, associate dean for the Department of Youth Development and Minnesota 4-H state director. “As a result, 4-H youth become prepared for a healthy, productive and engaged future and make a positive difference in their homes, schools and communities throughout Minnesota.”

4-H projects include the ever-popular agriculture and animal science projects, as well as performing arts, community service and cutting-edge technology projects, such as aquatic robotics and environmental projects.

“My sister taught me how to sew this year. I was able to take the things I made to the County Fair and I won a club ribbon,” said 4-H youth!

A 2024 survey of Minnesota 4-H’ers showed that 9 in 10 4-Her’s had the opportunity to lead that year, 99 percent of 4-H high school seniors reported having a plan for their future career or education, and 75 percent of 4-H’ers directly served their community as part of the program.

In St. Louis County more than 700 4-H members and 75 volunteers are involved in 4-H.

Learn more about 4-H in Minnesota and how you can get involved at www.4-H.umn.edu or contact Nicole Kudrle, Extension Educator, at 218-749-7120 or vande422@umn.edu.