Success StoryGraduating 4-H Members Report Personal Growth from 4-H Program



Graduating 4-H Members Report Personal Growth from 4-H Program

Author: Rebecca Konopka

Planning Unit: Carter County CES

Major Program: 4-H Leadership Core Curriculum

Plan of Work: Leadership Development in Adults and Youth

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

The development of life skills allows youth to cope with their environment by making responsible decisions, having a better understanding of their values, and being better able to communicate and get along with others. (Boyd, Herring & Briers, 1992, Journal of Extension).  Through their time in 4-H, youth can develop these life skills by growing their leadership skills, improving communication skills, fostering citizenship skills, expanding skills & knowledge in specific subjects related to 4-H Core Content areas, gaining club and county 4-H program skills, gaining a sense of belonging, and expanding social skills.   

The Carter County 4-H Agent has been surveying graduating seniors who are active in the 4-H program.    These students have experienced a variety of 4-H delivery modes including school enrichment, camp, conferences, school clubs, and project clubs.    Since 2012, 21 students have completed the survey.  Of those, 16 reported that they been 4-H members for 9 or more years.  100% strongly agreed or agreed that 4-H helped them: 

  • learn from others 
  • learn to take pride in what is theirs
  • respect the property of others 
  • to lead a discussion
  • respect the opinions of others
  • develop a friendly personality
  • trust other people 
  • develop a realistic opinion of their self
  • become an active learner 


95% strongly agreed or agreed that:

  • 4-H enabled them to explain difficult ideas to others
  • they liked to meet new people because of their 4-H involvement 
  • 4-H helped them deal with change as a part of life 
  • 4-H enabled them to understand their self 


A current senior had this to say about her years in 4-H.  “Through 4-H I have become more of an outgoing person because my agent believes in me 100%.  She makes me do things that are out of my comfort zone and most of it I really enjoy it.”  






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