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Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2017 - Jun 30, 2018


Success StoryThrough Project Work, the Kentucky 4-H Program exceeds Thriving Indicators at the Kentucky State Fair



Through Project Work, the Kentucky 4-H Program exceeds Thriving Indicators at the Kentucky State Fair

Author: Kimberly Schrader

Planning Unit: 4-H Central Operations

Major Program: Leadership

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

The Kentucky State Fair serves as a culminating event for 4-H members across the Commonwealth, showcasing the depth and breadth of youth project work. In 2024, Kentucky 4-H members exhibited 6,612 projects and competitions in Cloverville and 2,960 livestock projects, including beef, dairy, dairy goats, market goats, sheep, and swine.

Each project required a minimum of six hours of guided instruction, resulting in an estimated 57,432 hours of hands-on learning. This time investment reflects the core components of 4-H project work: youth-driven learning, adult mentorship, goal setting, record keeping, and skill development.

As part of the Kentucky State Fair experience, 4-H members completed an evaluation measuring Thriving Indicators. Results revealed statistically significant positive relationships between time spent on projects and key developmental outcomes. Youth who dedicated six or more hours to their projects were more likely to:

  • Enjoy being challenged by new 4-H projects.
  • Develop step-by-step plans to achieve their project goals.

These findings affirm the value of sustained engagement in 4-H programming and highlight the Kentucky State Fair as a powerful platform for youth development.







Stories by Kimberly Schrader


Kentucky 4-H Achievement Program Gains Momentum

about 6 years ago by Kimberly Schrader

Motivation and the use of incentives are important to positive youth development. 4-H Youth Developm... Read More


Kentucky 4-H Achievement Builds H4H Program

about 7 years ago by Kimberly Schrader

The development of life skills [such as leadership ]allows youth to cope with their environment by m... Read More


Stories by 4-H Central Operations


Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference

Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference

about 7 years ago by Rachel Guidugli

Through the 94th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference, 4-Hers from across the Commonwealth developed ... Read More


Kentucky 4-H Achievement Program Gains Momentum

about 6 years ago by Kimberly Schrader

Motivation and the use of incentives are important to positive youth development. 4-H Youth Developm... Read More