Interest in backyard chicken raising has been on the uptick in urban areas over the last few years. This sparked a collaborative project from the University of Minnesota Extension 4-H programs in Hennepin and Ramsey counties.
They submitted their idea for the 2023 Helping Hands Award and were awarded $1,000 to complete their project.
The purpose of their 4-H Coop: Backyard Chicken Keeping Project was to establish a youth-centered learning community focused on backyard chicken keeping in the Twin Cities metro.
They created the 4-H coop, a traditional project-based learning pod that uses curriculum and prepares for county showcase events.
They also partnered with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board at Stewart Park to create an innovative 4-H incubation program for youth to observe chicken embryo development and engage in egg-related STEM and arts and crafts activities.
Reaching a new audience of youth and families
The 4-H incubator program took place in Stewart Park, located at the heart of the Camden neighborhood in Minneapolis, where there is limited access to this type of learning experience.
This location enabled the local 4-H programs to reach and introduce 4-H to a new audience of youth and families. The majority of the participants from both learning pods were first-generation 4-H members.
Youth learning and leading with local adult mentors
You can tell when a program is successful when the same kids come back week after week and don’t miss any classes. It was clear that the participating youth were fully engaged.
Youth also connected to local adult mentors who were representative of their diverse identities, which allowed youth to see themselves reflected in their role models.
As a part of the program, 12 youth members led a public demonstration of chick care at the Hennepin County Fair. Having youth from predominantly Black, Indigenous or a person of color (BIPOC) identities lead public sessions to predominantly white, rural communities was impactful.
Turn your ideas into action
Does your 4-H club or group have an idea but need help getting started? The Helping Hands Award is for Minnesota 4-H youth who want to turn their ideas into action.
There were 24 projects selected in 2023, with average awards between $300 and $2,000.
Learn more and submit your idea by Feb. 15.
Questions? Contact Fun Fun Cheng at chen0169@umn.edu (preferred) or 612-624-8132.