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
- Are you looking for your next leadership and travel opportunity? Look no further than National 4-H Congress! This educational experience is set to take place from November 28-December 2, 2025! National 4-H Congress is an excellent opportunity for older youth to come together with other youth from across the Country to learn about a wide […]
- 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 that the […]
- A group of youth and adults with the Northwoods Explorers 4-H Club in Oneida County are hoping to make club members feel more welcomed and included by introducing American Sign Language (ASL) to their 4-H club gatherings. This effort began when 4-H parent and volunteer, Becky Foat, noticed a communication barrier between one of the […]
- Wisconsin 4-H-er Emily Groth had no choice but to think on her feet. Just 30 minutes before the U.S. secretary of agriculture was scheduled to address youth delegates from across the country in Washington D.C., the appearance was canceled. “Because the government is in constant fluctuation, there were so many last-minute changes,” says Emily, one […]
- Congratulations to our 2025 4-H Photography Contest Winners! Your creativity, skill, and unique perspectives truly captured the spirit of 4-H. We’re proud of your hard work and talent—well done! Top Photos Fog with Aerial Lift Bridge Participant: Hope W. County: Eau Claire County Age: 13th Grade Giraffe Participant: Weston J. County: Green Lake County Age: […]
