A 10-year study by Tufts University indicates 4-H kids are four times more likely to give back to their communities. Livingston County Extension Director and 4-H Youth Specialist, Shaun Murphy, says it is not surprising to those involved in the 4-H Program.
The author of the article published in July, Amanda Radke, says in today’s modern society where kids have so many activities to choose from, 4-H truly offers the most value and teaches the lessons sometimes considered “antiquated” that simply aren’t offered anywhere else.
The study evaluated more than 7,000 adolescents from diverse backgrounds across 42 states, and revealed 4-H youth are four times more likely to give back to their communities, two times more likely to make healthier choices, two times more likely to participate in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities and two times more likely to be civically active.
Murphy says working with the kids as they pass through the program he sees how they grow.
Murphy says those kids are often active in other organizations through their school years and become leaders in those organizations as well.
If you would like to know more about the 4-H programs in our area or to register your child in the program, contact the Livingston County Extension office at 646-0811.
