Four images make up the banner. Image one is a boy and a girl in orange vests. Image two is a dad helping a young girl practice showmanship with her black steer. Image three is a girl looking into a microscope lense. Image four is a young girl holding a black and white rabbit.

In 4-H, we believe in the power of young people. We see that every child has valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world around us. 4-H projects support the personal growth and development of members through hands-on learning. Members practice skills of communicating effectively, responsibility, decision making, record keeping, and financial management.

PARTICIPATION BUILDS LEADERSHIP SKILLS FOR WORK AND LIFE

According to the US Department of Labor, employers report gaps in soft skills among job candidates and new hires,including communication, teamwork, problem solving and emotional intelligence. These are the very skills that Montana teens are gaining because of participation in 4-H events like Fall Leadership Training. Recent participant feedback indicates:

This figure is broken into four parts: part one reads "Leadership Preparedness 84% reported feeling more prepared to take on leadership roles" with a partner graphic of a person holding a flag, part two reads "Networking 83% expanded social networks and formed new connections with peers they wish to stay in touch with" with a partner graphic of a gear, part three reads "Knowledge Sharing 83% learned new ideas they intend to share within their communities" with a partner graphic of a person with three hours coming out of their head, and part four reads "Problem-Solving 81% indicated an increased readiness to tackle problems because of learning experiences at this event" with a partner graphic of puzzle pieces.

Statewide events like Fall Leadership Training are highly regarded by 4-H participants, with 91 percent finding it worth their time and 92 percent planning to attend future events for continued personal growth and skill development. Participating youth develop the capabilities necessary to thrive in the workforce and contribute positively to their communities.

Three girls clap and look at each other; the middle girl has a green 4-H blazer on.

By focusing on hands-on learning experiences, statewide events, and skill-building programs, Montana 4-H aims to empower young people to become confident leaders who are ready to contribute to the world around them.

Through ongoing support and collaboration with certified adult volunteers, community organizations, and educational partners, Montana 4-H is committed to creating impactful programs that inspire lifelong learning and civic responsibility.

4-H CENTER FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT COLLEGEAND CAREER READINESS

A girl is speaking amongst a group of 4-H leaders. They all have on green 4-H blazers.

Montana 4-H has hired a faculty member to work on collaborations to serve college and career readiness needs of Montana 4-H youth. The program will equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to build their educational and professional futures. Partnerships are underway with Gallatin College, the Montana Office of Public Instruction, local and statewide nonprofit organizations, and national entities focused on college and career readiness.

SHOOTING SPORTS HITS THE MARK IN POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

A green shaded Montana sits on top of the 4-H logo with Shooting attached to the left side and Sports attached to the right. The phrase "Learn by Doing" is curved below.

700 youth connect with others to develop skills in the safe and responsible use of firearms and archery equipment, with the guidance of more than4,400 hours from certified instructor volunteers

A male figure helps a young girl insert an arrow into a bow.

MEMBERSHIP ACROSS MONTANA

Montana 4-H represents youth, families and volunteers from nearly every neighborhood in Montana. Members reside in rural, urban, and suburban communities across the Treasure State.

A pie chart is split into three: 27% is farms and ranches, 37% is small towns nd non-farms, and 36% is large towns and cities

Montana 4-H reaches more than 14,000 youth from every county and reservation

2,200 trained and certified volunteers support and mentor youth

While American Indians in Montana make up 6.4% of the general population, approximately 7.5% of Montana’s 4-H enrollment is American Indian youth

A boy braces a sheep against his leg. Red horses are in the background in a forest of trees.

MONTANA 4-H MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

The 4-H clover logo is on the left, the word Montana reads above a green 4-H and Member Spotlight.

This award-winning program celebrates the accomplishments of members making significant impacts. The program consists of a live radio broadcast where members utilize interview skills and promote the positive impacts of 4-H to a statewide audience.