Youth Development News

Wild rice, bison, beans, corn and berries. These are traditional foods that sustained Native American people for generations. Today many native and non-native people alike are rediscovering the power of these foods. Manna Food Co-op is partnering with White Earth Nation to feature traditional Native American foods through meal kits.

Over 200 youth demonstrated teamwork, creativity and innovation at the 4-H Engineering Design Challenge.

Tre Goode and Leah Polejewski are both Minnesota 4-H summer interns. Each of them brings a powerful combination of energy and expertise to their work. Each of them is taking on challenges that give the chance to lead.

One thing is guaranteed in life - people influence other people. For Josie Schloten of Rock County, this is how she became involved in 4-H.

At the end of eighth grade, many people are thinking about what the summer and high school years will bring. Not Ali Schroer. She chose that moment to start developing a brand new 4-H club in her county. One year later, that club is a reality.

43 youth and five adult chaperones from 20 counties and tribal nations participated in the 2019 Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) in June.

Jessica Olson has a particular fondness for the succulent flower. She has grown them for the past six years, and has a talent for using them in arrangements to enter for judging at her local county fair. She recently said that she loves how succulents are not the typical flower you see in Minnesota, but just as beautiful as our local plant varieties. 

4-H State Director Jennifer Skuza talk about the many youth who have visited her at University of Minnesota this summer. Visiting college campuses is a fun and valuable experience. Learn why!

A youth development program that starts in kindergarten and ends in grade ‘thirteen’ has the potential to make a big impact on a young person’s life. For Lexi Gloege, an eighth grader from Lac qui Parle County, 4-H is doing just that.

Our team at the Extension Center for Youth Development was curious about the impact of being a 4-H volunteer. My colleague Sam Grant, along with other 4-H youth development professionals, set out to answer this question. Over 200 of you responded to our research survey. Here’s what you told us.