Dunn County 4-H and Positive Youth Development
Welcome to Dunn County 4-H!
4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills.
For more than a century, Wisconsin has been a leader in 4-H youth development, giving young people throughout the state an opportunity to learn new skills, gain self-confidence and contribute to their communities. Using real-life experiences from a team of devoted educators and volunteers, 4-H members benefit from leadership training, community-building experiences and experiential-learning opportunities to better their own lives and the lives of the people around them.
The wide array of 4-H programs enriches the lives of participants and their families and strengthens Wisconsin’s communities through volunteer service, civic involvement, and leadership.
What is 4-H all about?
4-H members get involved in their communities as volunteers and youth leaders. They learn new things by completing dozens of different kinds of projects, going on trips, having parties, hosting international students, participating in local government, experimenting with science, making art, going to camp, learning to canoe or taking care of an animal. These activities are largely facilitated though, research-based youth programming, learning-by-doing, regular 4-H club meetings, and adult mentorship. 4-H fosters healthy youth and adult relationships through process solving, project development, and interactive learning. 4-H is fun. 4-H grows here!
According to the 4‑H Study of Positive Youth Development by Tufts University, 4‑H youth are:
- 6 times more likely to be at the highest levels of positive development
- More likely to see themselves going to college compared to other youth
- 25% more likely to contribute to themselves, their families, and communities
- 41% less likely to engage in high risk behaviors
The Positive Development of Youth: Comprehensive Findings from 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. Check out the Full Report (pdf) | Fact Sheet (pdf)
Resources
If you have any questions regarding Dunn County 4-H, please contact:
Extension Dunn County
3001 US Hwy 12 E, Suite 216
Menomonie WI 54751-3045
Phone: 715-232-1636
Statewide 4-H News
- Summer Academy is a four day educational experience set for June 16-19, 2025 on the UW-Madison campus! Youth will participate in a track that will give them the chance to learn about potential career and college opportunities within that content area. They will be able to explore different areas on campus, participate in a bunch […]
- Jackson County 4-H is collaborating with the Boys and Girls Club of the Greater Chippewa Valley in Black River Falls and Ho-Chunk Nation Youth Services to add 4-H to their afterschool programing. 4-H Educator Alex Galston leads fourth and fifth grade youth biweekly in hands-on STEM projects. Activities are decided based on topics the youth […]
- For many young 4-H’ers, the bond between handler and animal is built in the show ring, the barn, or the pasture—but for Addison Connolly, that connection happens at top speed on an agility course! On March 2, 2025, Coach Susan Cochran announced the American Kennel Club’s 2025 AKC Junior World Agility Team USA, the only […]
- Hello everyone! My name is Erin Sabo, and I’m thrilled to introduce myself as the new Langlade County 4-H Educator. I’m excited to be joining this incredible program and can’t wait to see what’s ahead for all of us! I grew up in North Branch, Minnesota, where I was actively involved in 4-H, and it […]
- My name is Amy Boelk, and I am excited to introduce myself as the newest member of the Portage County Extension Office and Portage County 4-H team. I am thrilled to have the pleasure of joining this incredible community of passionate professionals, volunteers, parents, and 4-H youth. I grew up in Marathon, WI and went […]
