High-Quality 4‑H Experiences: The Key to Youth Readiness
The 2024 National Index Study continues to illustrate 4‑H’s positive impact on youth in alignment with the Beyond Ready Initiative. It shows how high-quality Positive Youth Development (PYD), guided by the 4‑H Thriving Model, fosters youth success and readiness as measured by 4‑H Common Measures. Below are key findings from the third wave of data, demonstrating the stable, positive influence of 4‑H on youth.
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4‑H PROGRAM OUTCOMES: BEYOND READY
HEALTHY!
• 53% of youth said 4‑H is influential in their ability to care for their physical health.
• 42% of youth said 4‑H is influential in their ability to care for their mental and emotional health.
PRODUCTIVE!
• 76% of respondents rated “I fill my time with positive activities” a 4 or 5 on the five-point scale.
ENGAGED!
• 65% of youth said 4‑H is influential in their desire for community engagement.
• Only 3.5% said 4‑H had no influence.
These findings show that 4‑H youth feel prepared for work and life, and credit their readiness as well as their growth in health, productivity, and engagement to their 4‑H experience.
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4‑H PROGRAM OUTCOMES: WORK READINESS
LEADERSHIP WORK READINESS
• “I get along with others who are different than me” was the item with the highest mean score.
SKILLS
• 66% of respondents said 4‑H is influential in helping them be ready for work and careers.
COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS
• 57% reported that 4‑H is influential in helping them with college and career readiness.
STEM
• 38% reported that 4‑H is influential in their interest in STEM.
These findings show that 4‑H youth develop the interpersonal, professional, and technical skills needed to excel in today’s workforce. A notably strong relationship between sparks and work readiness skills was also established highlighting the importance of high-quality 4‑H programs in shaping capable, adaptable, and future-ready individuals.
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Learn more and view the full report at https://bit.ly/index-study
© 2024 National 4-H Council. All rights reserved. 4-H is the youth development organization of our nation’s Cooperative Extension System and USDA.