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
- Come learn more about the new peer-reviewed, award-winning 4-H curriculum on how to make Regalia for powwow dancing! When: Tuesday, October 21, 2025, 4:00-4:45 PM CT (5:00-5:45 PM ET | 2:00-2:45 PM PT) Location: Zoom Registration Link Featuring: Sofie Teller, Author and Menominee County/Nation Positive Youth Development Extension Educator, and Michelle Reed, Lac du Flambeau […]
- It’s official — the entire state is celebrating National 4-H Week! By proclamation of Gov. Tony Evers, Oct. 5-11, 2025, is National 4-H Week throughout Wisconsin. See the proclamation, also signed by Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski, below.
- To celebrate National 4-H Week (Oct. 5-11), we spoke with three 4-H alumni who have put the skills they learned in clubs into action in college and their careers.
- During National 4-H Week, celebrated Oct. 5-11, clubs statewide will share how 4-H equips young people with the skills, confidence and resilience to lead in a world full of opportunity and change.
- This fall, Wisconsin 4-H launched its new Military Club! Designed for youth with a parent or guardian who is currently deployed, this unique club offers connection, resilience, and support for military families while also allowing members to join their local county clubs. The first meeting will be The first meeting will be held Oct. 25 […]
