Iowa 4-H Alumni & Friends

Four 4-H members have been selected to represent Iowa at the National 4-H Conference in Chevy Chase, Md. The conference will be held March 20 through March 25. This year the conference will focus on citizenship. “These delegates will represent Iowa’s interests in the national 4-H program. These four youth are excellent representatives of 4-H’ers from across the state,” said Brenda Allen, Iowa State University Extension 4-H youth development specialist. The Iowa delegates are Grant Bargfrede , 18, Ankeny; Emma Christianson , 18, Lake Mills; Natalie DeBerg , 18, Burlington; and Sara Rockow , 18, Fort Dodge. Additionally, Annette Brown , ISU Extension 4-H program specialist from Boone, will accompany the youth. The Des Moines Register and Monsanto will sponsor the youth’s trip to Maryland. ISU Extension only sends four delegates per year, and candidates are eligible to attend National 4-H Conference only one time. Delegates must submit an application and be selected by a committee. “We...

Three former 4-H’ers from Iowa have returned from an all-expense paid trip to New York City where they received $5,000 scholarships and were recognized at a fashion industry dinner. The Iowa State University students were recipients of the prestigious Young Menswear Association Scholarships. “This event is like the Super Bowl of the fashion industry,” said Dianna Walsted, scholarship recipient. “It was a great event that was solely directed to us, the YMA Scholars. It was so great to see how much they value young, intelligent individuals who are entering the fashion industry.” Kristin Geiger, Boone County; Dianna Walsted, Woodbury County; and Jaclyn Wernimount, Calhoun County, are all apparel merchandising and design production students at Iowa State University. The three have another binding factor -- all were past 4-H members. “4-H showed me how to be compassionate through volunteer work, how to be creative through group craft projects and how to persevere when it came to the trials...

Tymothy Wood is a lot like other high school seniors -- looking forward to the future. However, Wood has a plan, a very focused plan that he is passionate and confident about. “Without 4-H I would have never discovered what I like to do,” said Wood. “4-H has given me great insight on what my interests are and what I want to do with college.” In a 2009 study, the Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development at Tufts University found that 4-H youth had higher grades than other youth, and 4-H’ers expectations to go to college also were higher. “I want to be on the cutting edge,” said Wood. The nine-year 4-H member, from Tabor, Iowa, plans to attend Iowa State University in fall 2010 to major in Electrical Engineering with a focus on green energy. Additional findings in the Tufts University study show that 4-H youth are more likely to participate in science, engineering and computer technology programs and plan to pursue careers in these areas than other youth. Wood has been a part...

4-H'ers Return to Rural Iowa from Iowa State University Extension on Vimeo .

4-H leads to multiple paths of success; just ask Terrence (Terry) Tobin. Tobin has an extensive background with 4-H and is still making use of the skills he learned as a 4-H'er in his current position as director of Principal Enterprise Capital in Des Moines. “Joining 4-H was just what you did in our family,” said Tobin. “My parents even met through 4-H.” Tobin, from New Market, Iowa, was a 4-H member throughout his youth. He served as a state 4-H officer during that time. Tobin credits leadership and citizenship skills that he learned through 4-H for his successes in life. What Tobin gained from 4-H still stands today. In a 2008 study by Iowa State University Extension, it was found that after youth had participated in 4-H, 73 percent improved their communication skills. Additionally, 67 percent increased their leadership skills. Of the same 4-H members, 80 percent improved their citizenship skills as well through 4-H involvement. “4-H provides knowledge and experiences in a mani...

1. Decide that you want to help kids grow and explore their futures. 2. Consider volunteering to lead a 4-H group in your community, your local school, or even your church. 3. Contact your local ISU Extension office to find out about local opportunities. 4. Complete Iowa State University Extension’s Child Protection and Safety Policy (CPSP) process if you will have direct contact with youth. 5. Attend a local/state training. 6. Share your skills, knowledge and talents while having fun with kids.

video platform video management video solutions free video player 4-H'ers gathered on Time Square on November 30, 2009 to interview New Yorkers about their impressions of the youth organization while a PSA played on the CBS big screen. What a fun way to help promote 4-H!