"Research shows 4-H Youth Excel Beyond their Peers The longitudinal study discovered that the structured out-of-school time learning, leadership experiences, and adult mentoring that young people receive through their participation in 4-H plays a vital role in helping them achieve success. Compared to their peers, the findings show that youth involved in 4-H programs excel in several areas: Contribution/Civic Engagement • 4-H’ers are nearly 4 times more likely to make contributions to their communities (Grades 7-12) • 4-H’ers are about 2 times more likely to be civically active (Grades 8-12) Academic Achievement • 4-H young people are nearly 2 times more likely to participate in Science, Engineering and Computer Technology programs during out-of-school time (Grades 10 – 12) • 4-H girls are 2 times more likely (Grade 10) and nearly 3 times more likely (Grade 12) to take part in science programs compared to girls in other out-of-school time activities. (Data found in Science, Engineering and Computer Technology (SECT) section of report) Healthy Living • 4-H’ers are nearly 2 times more likely to make healthier choices (Grade 7) 4-H’ers Excel • Nearly 4x more likely to make contributions to their communities • About 2x more likely to be civically active • Nearly 2x more likely to participate in science programs during out-of-school time • 2x more likely (Grade 10) and nearly 3x more likely (Grade 12) to take part in science programs compared to girls in other out-of-school time activities • Nearly 2x more likely to make healthier choices 

The power of positive youth development The research is helping families, schools, communities and youth programs develop strategies to support children and adolescents. Effective youth development programs like 4-H are putting the research to work by focusing on three important areas: • Positive and sustained relationships between youth and adults • Activities that build important life skills • Opportunities for youth to use these skills as participants and leaders in valued community activities The study assessed the key characteristics of PYD – competence, confidence, character, connection and caring – followed by the impact of valued community programs, including 4-H. Background The 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development is a longitudinal study that began in 2002 and was repeated annually for eight years, surveying more than 7,000 adolescents from diverse backgrounds across 42 U.S. states. The first wave of research began with fifth graders during the 2002-2003 school year and ended with twelfth graders (Wave eight) in 2010. More recently, the Tufts research team examined all eight waves of data and conducted new and more rigorous analyses in order to produce the latest comprehensive report of findings. The new report, while sometimes diverging from earlier results, provides powerful evidence of the impact of 4-H participation throughout Grades 5-12. “The potential for change is a core strength of all youth – a strength that can be built upon. This strength is cause for optimism for it means we can positively influence the life paths of all children.“ Lerner et al., 2013" (Tufts University, 2013). 

Mason County 4-H hosted two 4-H Babysitting Basics workshops over the course of six months with a total of 10 participants. Youth were evaluated through a pre/post test relating to knowledge of babysitting. Youth learned topics including: skills needed to be a successful babysitter, infant care, ages and stages of children, appropriate toys/activities, how to handle home and medical emergencies while babysitting, basic first aid, how to safely advertise your babysitting business, how much to charge for babysitting services, how to build a resume, and making business cards. 95% of youth evaluated showed a significant increase of knowledge learned through this six hour course. 90% of youth stated they feel more comfortable not only babysitting, but staying home alone after taking this course. All youth expressed interest in babysitting during the summer months. Youth also learned about making healthy choices through physical activity and healthy snacks. Youth learned about proper hand washing and keeping youth engaged in physical activity and mental stimulation throughout the babysitting job.