POSITIVE YOUTH
DEVELOPMENT:
Bridging Business with 4-H
Young people go through a lot while growing up, and those experiences need to be
positive so they can be prepared for adulthood. University of Illinois Extension and
Illinois 4-H honors emerging research in youth and adolescent development that
indicates the need for eight “critical elements” in youth development programs to ensure
positive outcomes for participants. One of the elements that needs to be provided is:
ACTIVE
PARTICIPATION IN THE FUTURE
Youth need to feel they have a stake in their future. They need
opportunities to develop responsibility, to set goals for themselves, to be
held accountable for their decisions and actions, and to develop their
unique and individual identity. Opportunities to practice social and
leadership skills help young people develop a broad understanding of
options in life.
Here’s what business employees can do to help:
 Be a 4-H project leader to help 4-H members connect
projects such as photography, consumer education,
aerospace, and beef to careers.
 Talk to a 4-H group about your career path.
 Help a 4-H club arrange a trip to a city council meeting.
 Assist 4-H members in planting trees, shrubs, or flowers in
your community.
 Help your co-workers and 4-H members in a 4-H afterschool program establish and work on joint goals for your
place of employment, their school, and your community.
Why provide youth with active participation in the future?
When
we foster a belief in the future, we are providing youth with the ability to set goals, make
choices, develop their potential, and have hope for their future. They learn to adjust their
present actions based on where they see themselves later in life—they fit the pieces of
their life puzzle together so they make sense and become possible!
Want to find out more?
Contact your local county Extension office to get
involved with 4-H today!
Authors  Christine Hill (Extension Unit Educator, Youth Development, Gallatin/Pope-Hardin/Saline Unit) 
Steve Wagoner (Extension Educator, Youth Development, Edwardsville Center) 
Eric Werge (Extension Educator, Youth Development, Chicago Center)  2005
University of Illinois  U.S. Dept. of Agriculture  Local Extension Councils Cooperating
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.