The north central region 4-H volunteer impact study was conducted with volunteers in the 4-H Youth Development Program across 12 states. Minnesota 4-H and our partner states wanted to better understand our 4-H volunteers and the value of volunteering.
An electronic survey was sent to 1,000 randomly selected volunteers in each state. 2,252 volunteers completed responses across the region, representing an 18.8% response rate.
Generational makeup of 4-H volunteers: 24% Boomer, 44% Gen X, 30% Millennial and 1% Gen Z.
Of 4-H volunteers, 78% are female and 20% are male.
Volunteers come into the 4-H Youth Development Program to support youth and make a difference. They also receive individual benefits.
94% had fun while volunteering
91% built new relationships with youth
82% gained skills to use in other roles
75% felt better connected to community
74% increased their confidence as a leader
"I feel that most of my life skills come from what I've learned either directly from being in 4-H or being a volunteer. I have learned how to stand in front of a crowd and speak to everyone without fear. Being able to pass that knowledge on to the youth in 4-H has been a great feeling.”
Volunteers bring substantial value to Extension and 4-H programs. Volunteers said they:
95% taught youth new skills
90% planned learning experiences
87% shared the value of the 4-H program
84% recruited new youth to 4-H
72% recruited new volunteers to 4-H
"The skills I have gained as a 4-H volunteer have been useful in increasing partnerships with other community organizations that have in turn supported the 4-H program in my home county. "
Volunteers impact the communities where they live and work. Their value goes beyond the scope of the program and leads to changes in community conditions. Volunteers said that volunteering for 4-H:
89% makes communities stronger
87% helps connect communities
75% improves community health
74% encourages civic involvement
"I see the volunteers making the community stronger by validating and helping youth make our communities better. When you give youth positive role models, they become positive stronger citizens to contribute to our communities."
Volunteers not only bring invaluable experience and care (as caring adults) to the 4-H program and its participants, but volunteers seek out 4-H as an opportunity for personal growth and to give back to their communities and the youth they serve.
The 4-H program would not be possible without volunteers. Through their service, volunteers grow personally. They enrich the 4-H program and youth. They make our communities stronger.
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Reviewed in 2025
© 2026 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.