4-H Youth Development

4-H nature journaling program connects families with nature

In 2023, the 4-H Marion County Outdoor Explorers program faced challenges such as transportation barriers, lack of funding and staff shortages. In response, Kelly Noack, 4-H Youth Development outreach coordinator in Marion County, ...

Mar 2025 | Impact Story

Portland teens lead, inspire and grow through 4-H Teens and Teachers

Teenagers today face a variety of challenges, including navigating their educational and career paths, maintaining mental and physical health, and finding meaningful ways to contribute to their communities. Programs like the 4-H Teen ...

Mar 2025 | Impact Story

New 4-H facilities ensure safety and accessibility for youths in Coos County

The Coos County Fair in Myrtle Point is a vital event for the community and its youths. It provides a platform for Oregon State University Extension Service 4-H members in the county to showcase their skills in various ...

Mar 2025 | Impact Story

4-H blacksmithing series connects youths to local history

Young people often face several challenges when trying to connect with their local history. The prevalence of digital entertainment and social media can divert attention away from historical learning. Competing with the instant ...

Feb 2025 | Impact Story

4-H shines at Oregon county fairs, where youths showcase skills and projects

4-H Youth Development is a program of the Oregon State University Extension Service that serves nearly 25,000 youths across the state. The 4-H program plays a significant role in county fairs, providing youths with opportunities ...

Feb 2025 | Impact Story

YOSÉ provides nature experiences, education for Portland-area youth

Research shows that people of color are far less likely to engage in nature-based outdoor recreation activities, with historic discrimination being a large underlying factor. People of color are three times more likely than white ...

Jan 2025 | Impact Story

OSU Extension 4-H babysitter training tackles Oregon's child care shortage

Families in Oregon face several challenges when it comes to finding quality child care. Because there is a significant shortage of child care slots, especially for infants and toddlers, many families struggle to find available ...

Jan 2025 | Impact Story

OSU Extension updates public on avian influenza in poultry and livestock

When highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was first detected in Oregon in May 2022, poultry businesses were forced to cull infected birds, backyard chicken owners worried about their flocks, and 4-H participants faced ...

Jan 2025 | Impact Story

Extension hosts 4-H Summer Wednesdays in Washington County

Busy work schedules, limited child care availability and fees for program registration pose challenges to families looking for opportunities for youths to explore new interests. In response, Kristen Moore, Oregon State University ...

Oct 2024 | Impact Story

Elementary AgFest teaches Marion County students about local food system

Farm-to-school programs provide nutrition education, access to local foods, and agricultural education, serving families inside and outside the classroom. Classrooms that participate in farm-to-school programs such as farm field trips, ...

Aug 2024 | Impact Story