Partnerships are important to 4-H and to other organizations and agencies that see youth as a viable audience. Our economic climate necessitates that groups, who once worked independently , will seek partners to tackle program capacity, quality, funding and other resource issues. 4-H has a tremendous youth development philosophy, structure and track record that is needed by communities. Check out how 4-H prepares young people for careers and develops leadership, citizenship and communication in this video:
Key Benefits of Partnering with 4-H Youth Development
Youth Focused Philosophy - 4-H helps create experiences for youth that are grounded in best practices for youth development and life skills education.
Educational Spectrum - 4-H has young people enrolled who are grades Kindergarten through the first year in college with opportunities for older youth to guide and teach younger youth.
Proven Delivery Mechanism - 4-H has a proven track record for delivering safe, well managed experiences with youth within a club structure.
Quality Curriculum - 4-H provides research-based, ready to use, fun “learn by doing” curriculum in an array of content areas that can be delivered through experiential learning model.
Statewide and Local Connections - 4-H has state, regional and county based staff prepared and willing to support volunteer and partner led clubs.
Access to University Resources - 4-H is connected to the land grant university, which provides access to research, risk management systems, and technology resources.
Volunteer and Staff Training - 4-H offers hands on, practical training that volunteers and partners can easily apply to their everyday work.
Program Support - 4-H offers support to help volunteers and partners create a positive learning environment and evaluate quality environments and child outcomes.
Opportunities for Involvement - 4-H offers enhanced learning and leadership opportunities for youth to participate in at community, county, state and national levels.
Partnerships, which can begin simply by having a conversation, often develop in stages with increasing levels of commitment. Although many groups support the 4-H program with referrals, free use of space or event sponsorships, the partnerships that benefit youth the most are those that lead to long-term 4-H experiences.