Conducted in the spring of 2005 Cooperated with CSU College of Business Marketing Research class 5 th, 7 th, and 9 th grade students 15 randomly selected counties –then 4 schools in each county randomly selected 1,906 students surveyed –395 were 4-H members

Counties Involved Alamosa Archuleta Baca Chaffee Conejos Eagle El Paso Garfield Kit Carson Las Animas Montezuma Phillips Rio Grande Washington Yuma

Grades Involved GradeNumberPercent 5 th th th ,906100

4-H members were more likely to report that they: Have control over the things that happen to them ** Like themselves ** Have much to be proud of ** Have a sense of purpose in their life ** Are glad they are who they are *

4-H members were more likely to report that they are able to: Speak with ease in front of others ** Set goals ** Plan ahead * Manage money wisely **

4-H members were more likely to report that: Adults in their town make them feel important ** Adults in their town listen to what they have to say * In their hometown, they feel like they matter to people ** Within their own family, they feel useful and important * They are given lots of chances to help make their town or city a better place to live ** In the last month, they have had conversation with an adult other than a parent that lasted 10 minutes or more.*

Colorado 4-H enrollment The community club program has 16,310 youth 89,696 youth are involved in K-12 school enrichment 8,041 youth involved in K-12 after school programs 121,477 total number of youth involved

A majority of 4-H members in this study reported: 4-H allows them to explore their own interests 4-H provides a safe place for learning and growing 4-H clubs are supportive environments where youth feel accepted for who they are Participation in 4-H has been critical to their individual success in life