From fairgrounds to classrooms, community gardens to robotics labs, 4-H youth in Howard County are proving they’re not just ready for the future—they're beyond ready. During National 4-H Week, celebrated October 4-10, local clubs will share how 4-H equips young people with the skills, confidence, and resilience to lead in a world full of opportunity and change.

As America’s largest youth development organization, 4-H empowers six million young people nationwide with hands-on learning experiences through clubs, camps, school programs, and community events. Through the Beyond Ready initiative, 4-H will help prepare 10 million youth for work and life by 2030. In Howard County, 4-H provides opportunities for youth to develop public speaking skills, lead community service projects, practice financial literacy, learn to use Artificial Intelligence responsibly, raise livestock, compete in STEM challenges.

“4-H gives our youth a space to grow into leaders who care deeply about their community and future. We see that every day in the way they show up to learn and lead,” said Dawn Shipp, 4-H Youth Educator.

Howard County MU Extension and its team of educators, volunteers, and mentors deliver 4-H programs that help youth learn by doing. From showcasing their projects at the county fair or organizing food drives to support local families, youth are learning skills such as teamwork, resilience, and communication that will serve them in their careers and lives.

“National 4-H Week is a powerful reminder that young people are already leading in extraordinary ways,” said Jill Bramble, President & CEO of National 4-H Council. “Through 4-H, youth discover their strengths, build lifelong career and life skills, and create opportunities for real change in their communities. They aren’t waiting for tomorrow—they are stepping up today and are Beyond Ready.”

During National 4-H Week, 4-H members, alumni, volunteers, and supporters will wear green, participate in community service projects, and share their stories on social media using #4HBeyondReady and #National4HWeek.

4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization. It grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for careers tomorrow. 4-H programs reach nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. Through the Beyond Ready national initiative, 4-H aims to increase that number to ten million youth annually by 2030. 4-H is the youth development program of our nation’s Cooperative Extension System and USDA and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3,000 local Extension offices. Globally, 4-H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4-H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to have the goal of being a leader; two times for likely to report living life with intentionality and purpose; and three times more likely to participate in community service.