State 4-H Leader Melanie Biersmith celebrates with 4-H’er Lizzy Norton during State Council.

We are so proud to share another year of incredible impact with this edition of Cloverleaf magazine.

The work we have highlighted here is a direct reflection of hundreds of employees, thousands of volunteers, and additional contributions of many generous donors and supporters.

The pages of this magazine illustrate how Georgia 4-H is preparing young people to be BEYOND READY for work and for life. Many of our 4-H’ers participated in a recent national index study that provided data to support what we already knew – our 4-H’ers are healthy, productive, and engaged.

The national index study produced key highlights that help us elevate our impact:

As it relates to their health, 84% of youth respondents said 4-H is influential in their ability to care for their physical health.

In terms of productivity, 87% of youth respondents said they fill their time with positive activities.

Related to engagement, 82% of youth respondents said 4-H is influential in their desire for community engagement.

Regarding personal growth, 93% of youth respondents reported that 4-H gives them the opportunity to explore things that they care about, and 89% stated that 4-H is influential in helping them be ready for work and careers.

Addressing positive influences, 93% of youth respondents reported that adults in 4-H stretch them and push them in new ways and 97% reported that adults in 4-H respect them.

These statistics show us that Georgia 4-H’ers are thriving.

We are proud to be able to report this positive impact: it validates our approaches, encourages us to continue, and helps us recognize that this is only possible because of the incredible efforts of the entire Georgia 4-H and UGA Extension community.

I invite you to read more about our work and continue to engage with 4-H as we work together to make the best better.

With gratitude,
Melanie Biersmith
State 4-H Leader