National 4-H Council

✨Meet Dr. Kimberly Holmes, the new statewide director of California 4-H! 🎉 With a strong background in mentorship, education, and engineering, she's passionate about empowering young people across the state. Her mission is to ensure every youth feels valued and finds a meaningful connection with 4-H programs whether in clubs, after-school activities, or online. Let's celebrate her vision of fostering belonging and hope for our future leaders! https://bit.ly/3BUUhai 🍀 #4H #4HBeyondReady

✨Alex of Wayne County, Illinois, shares his inspiring journey with Illinois 4-H and how it has empowered him to become Beyond Ready to build a nationwide community! Through his involvement, he has developed invaluable leadership skills, fostered lasting friendships, and engaged in projects that make a difference. Alex loves the transformative power of 4-H in creating connections, inspiring youth, and cultivating a spirit of collaboration. Join him in celebrating the impact of 4-H and the incredible community it nurtures nationwide! 🍀 💚 #4HBeyondReady 📹 Phil Gioja, Center Street Productions

I couldn't wait to make a pit stop at Tractor Supply Company in Beaufort, SC, to pick up our specialty 4-H Christmas tree ornaments! Nothing says holiday spirit like decking the halls with 4-H pride. Beaufort County's own Clemson Cooperative Education Program rockstar Meghan Barkley, South Carolina 4-H ambassador Amelia Howell, and store manager Joe DiBona are doing amazing things for kids while spreading some early holiday cheer. And check out this fantastic 4-H jacket Destroyer Threads made for me using our SHOP 4-H merch! 
 Look out for Paper Clover next month, starting November 29th, for another chance to support 4-H at your local Tractor Supply. Thank you to Trustee John Ordus and Marti Skold-Jordan for playing an integral role in the success of our partnership and for helping the next generation of #4HBeyondReady leaders.

✨ Are you looking to elevate your 4-H programs and make a bigger impact on youth? The 4-H PYD Academy is your gateway to cutting-edge research and practical strategies in Positive Youth Development. Designed by Extension educators, these learning opportunities integrate directly into your current projects, ensuring real and lasting impact. Empower your programs and help youth thrive! https://bit.ly/4eRu9vN 🍀 #4HPYD #PYD

We have exciting news to share—our newest National 4-H Hall of Fame inductees have been announced! I’m proud to recognize the remarkable achievements of Krysta Harden, Dr. Richard Lerner, and Dr. Jacqueline Lerner, each of whom has made lasting contributions to 4-H and positive youth development. Krysta Harden is the epitome of what 4-H stands for. Her journey from a 4-H member to President & CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council and Chair of the National 4-H Council Board of Trustees demonstrates the power of 4-H in shaping leaders who drive change. Krysta’s leadership in agriculture is unmatched, and her commitment to ensuring young people from all backgrounds have the opportunity to pursue careers in this field is a testament to her dedication. As a Georgia 4-H alum, she continues to give back at every level, making her an enduring champion for the diverse future of agriculture. We’re equally proud to celebrate Dr. Rich Lerner and Dr. Jacqueline Lerner, whose groundbreaking research has shaped our understanding of 4-H’s lifelong impact. Rich’s foundational work in positive youth development has been instrumental in driving 4-H forward, allowing us to take data-driven steps in developing initiatives like Beyond Ready. Their research continues to guide our efforts and ensure we are preparing young people for success. Please join me in celebrating these extraordinary leaders!

Our latest youth voice survey gives us invaluable insights into what today’s teens need to succeed—and the results are a call to action. While teens are optimistic about their futures, they’re also signaling gaps in both technical and life skills that must be addressed for them to thrive in an ever-changing world. At 4-H, we’re listening. By using these insights to guide our #4HBeyondReady initiative, we’re helping bridge the gap between aspirations and the skills required to succeed in life, school, and work. From AI literacy to financial management, 4-H programs are equipping young people with the tools they need to meet the challenges of tomorrow head-on. Discover what the youth voice survey tells us and how 4-H Extension leaders are turning data into action to ensure that the next generation is truly beyond ready. National 4-H Council

We’re thrilled to announce that Georgia 4-H’er Amiyah Elam has been selected to speak at #SXSWEDU 2025! 🎉 This is an incredible opportunity to showcase the impact of youth leadership and innovation on education. We couldn’t be more proud of Amiyah for representing 4-H on such a big stage! 🍀

The future is bright with these incredible 4-H'ers lighting the way! 🌟 Let's give a HUGE shoutout to our 2025 Youth in Action Winners, who are Beyond Ready to make a lasting impact as the leaders of tomorrow! 🏆👏 ✨ Katie Culbert ✨ Kingston Ryals ✨ Kaycie Hollrah ✨ Ronak Suchindra Their hard work, dedication, and 4-H spirit are truly inspiring.🍀💚 Learn more: https://bit.ly/4h4L8w6 #4HYouthinAction

Schools can’t do it alone. Out of school programs like 4-H are game-changers for our youth as they prepare for career and life! 🎉 Did you know that 77% of young people say out of school activities boost their confidence, and 62% feel they help them manage stress? 💪✨ Let’s empower our young people with the skills they need for career and life success! Join the movement and discover all the amazing opportunities that await with 4-H! https://bit.ly/3YnJ7DS #4HBeyondReady

🌟 Meet Dr. Alfred Mina: A Proud Hawai‘i 4-H Alum! 🌟 As a Hilo Paniolo Livestock 4-H Club member, Alfred Mina's journey through 4-H shaped his life in incredible ways. In his own words, Alfred shares how 4-H stood by him when others didn’t: "At a time when my high school counselors were suggesting I reconsider my dream of becoming a veterinarian, 4-H was my biggest supporter. They helped me stay focused, determined, and confident in pursuing my career goals. In the end, I chose to follow my heart—and I’m so glad I did," says Albert. Alfred's passion and perseverance led him to the University of Hawai‘i-Hilo, where he earned degrees in Agriculture and Biology. He then went on to achieve his dream at Washington State University, graduating as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Today, Dr. Mina owns a thriving veterinary practice in Hilo, offering expert care for small animals, birds, and exotic pets. But Alfred's story doesn’t end there. As a 4-H member, he didn’t just excel in livestock projects; he gained invaluable leadership experience, served his community, and became a role model for others; from public speaking to animal husbandry, he learned lifelong skills. One of his most memorable projects was the PALS (People, Animals, Loving, Sharing) initiative, where he brought his animals into elderly care homes and schools to spread joy and connection. Dr. Mina’s journey is a shining example of how 4-H empowers youth to chase their dreams and make a lasting impact on their communities. 💚 #4HBeyondReady #National4HWeek