It’s Significant: 4-H’ers Become Better Citizens, Leaders & Communicators

A recent study has proved that 4-H builds youth skills. Dr. Richard Lerner, director of the Tufts study, reports these key findings.

In 4-H, youth contribute more than non-4-H youth to:
Self
Family
Community
Society

In 4-H, youth had higher scores than non-4-H youth in:
• Competence
• Confidence
• Character
• Compassion

In 4-H, youth are more likely than non-4-H youth to show high:
• Personal development
• Family and community contribution

In 4-H, youth work toward the future more than non-4-H youth through:
• Higher grades
• School participation
• College plans

In 4-H, youth are more likely to score higher than non-4-H youth in:
• Selecting positive life goals
• Overcoming obstacles in the way of goals

In 4-H, youth are less likely than non-4-H youth to show:
• Risky behavior
• Depression

Lerner, R. et al. (2008). The positive development of youth: Report of the findings from the first four years of the 4-H study of positive youth development. Tufts University, Institute of Applied Research in Youth Development.

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