CALLAWAY COUNTY 4-H SUCCESS STORY
One of every 10 Missourians between the ages of 5 and 18 participated in a Missouri 4-H program in 2005.
Ongoing participation in extracurricular activities, such as 4-H, can lead to long-term payoffs. Regardless of family background, studies find that teens who consistently participate in extracurricular activities from eighth through 12th grade are 70 percent more likely to attend college. The College Board's Trends in Higher Education Series highlights benefits to individuals and society when young people attend and complete college. For example, over their lifetime, college graduates will earn an average of $2.5 million, or $1 million more than peers with high school educations.
A study commissioned by the Ohio State University explored the economic impact of Extension programs and offers one way to measure the impact of 4-H programs. Assuming that a 4-H experience motivates just 10 percent of Missouri's 105,463 4-H members to receive a bachelor’s degree, 10,546 degrees would be earned. The College Board study suggests that this would mean an additional $19,100 in earnings per year for those with a degree. Increased annual earnings for just this group would be nearly $201.4 million!*
Each year several 4-H youth from Callaway County receive Collegiate/Vo-Tech scholarships from the Missouri State 4-H Foundation.
The success of the 4-H program cannot be measured by individuals. The 4-H program is designed to be a preventative program by developing young people into caring, competent and contributing adults. Over the years Callaway County has seen many 4-H members return to 4-H as adults, either with their children or as Project Leaders. Over all Callaway County 4-H has many success stories. By providing the communities with caring adults that often serve their communities as well. There may even be a 4-H alumni on your United Way Board. Studies have shown that youth that were involved in 4-H spend many hours as adults volunteering and contributing in their communities.