a perfect strategy to reach rural and often isolatedyouth with evidence-based programming. Therewas fairly rapid growth with a peak of 4- H club members in the mid 1970’s. 4 -H, in many communities, has been the only youth organization for young people to join. From the mid 1970’s through the mid 1990’s 4-H club membership eroded with diminished funding from state andcounty government and stagnant federal funding and competition from other youth serving organizations. While 4-H Youth Development programs serve youth through in-school, afterschool or out-of-school time, camps and special events, the 4-H club is seenas a barometer of the healthof the program. Reported club membership has increased through the past decade. This increase is the result of an increasednumber of 4-H professionals within the system tonurture, guide, and direct volunteers. These increasednumbers are reflected in clubs and project offerings. STEM basedprojects are very popular in the club-based program, led by animal science projects. Within the total 4-H program, healthand nutrition is the largest programarea, specificallybecause of the collaborative relationship with SNAP- Education programs. Robotics and shooting sports are increasinglypopular. The total Idaho 4-H program is reflective of the population of the state. Our growth in serving minority youth has been through collaborations with community partners and schools. These collaborative programs include relationships with schools, community centers, andother youth serving organizations. A very recent development is the evolution of project-based learning in schools which has helped schools migrate toward4-H. There are now several schools in which all students are 4-H members, and they complete their 4-Hwork within the classroom. Recent successful USDANIFA-CYFAR have introduced Juntos 4-H programs in schools and communities with wrap-around family education, 4-H experiences and coaching for academic success in themiddle and high schools for Latinx youth and their families. Juntos 4-H and other grants have also helped build 4-H programs with diverse audiences. National 4-H Council grants assisted in starting 4-H out-of-school day programing in several communities. Rural Idaho schools are gravitating toward4-day weeks. Several of these schools have 4-H Fridays, where 4-H professionals provide educational programat the school sitewhen school is not in session. OJJDP and4- H military grants have led with successful programs targeting youth from military based families. Current COVID-19 relief funding has brought anunprecedented amount of funding to the program. These funds represent an eight-fold increase in programfunding for the next two years. The challenge will be to maintain the program offerings as the funding diminishes in the future. The excellent work by 4-H profe ssionals has changed the public’s perception of 4 -H from club members competing at the county fair to a focus on contemporary positive youth development programing impacting the future of Idaho youth. 4-H professionals develop and lead programing helping communities address needs in STEM education, youth leadership, and collaborative partnerships to better the lives of Idaho youth and families.
UNIVERSITYOFNEW HAMPSHIRE
The University of NewHampshire Cooperative ExtensionYouth & Family/4-H program uses a learn-by- doing approachtohelpyouthgaintheknowledgeandskills theyneed tobe responsible, productive members of their community. NH 4- H’s mission is accomplished by creatingsafeandinclusivelearningenvironments, involvingcaringadults andmentors and utilizing the expertiseand resourcesof the University of New
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