Research

Alumni Research: 4‑H Experience Leads to Success in Life

A national online survey of more than 6,000 former 4‑H members suggests alumni benefit significantly from their 4‑H experience over the course of their lives — socially, physically, emotionally and economically. The study was fielded May 15 – July 22, 2019 by Edge Research and funded by National 4‑H Council.

Download the research findings below.

Teen Environmental Impact Survey

Working together with The Harris Poll, National 4‑H Council wanted to better understand how teens feel about the environment. Nationally, we surveyed a diverse group of 1,500 teens from 13-19 years old exploring their concerns about — and commitment to — protecting the environment. Our goal was to represent their unique voice and create a conversation about their evolving relationship with the outdoor world.

4‑H Youth Healthy Habits Survey

A survey commissioned by National 4‑H Council explores teen perceptions around health and nutrition. The survey, which polled over 1,500 diverse youth between the ages of 13-19 nationwide, investigated youth perceptions on the topics of food access, nutrition and health equity.

Key findings include:

• 68 percent of teens say they satisfy their hunger with junk food because it’s more accessible to them at school than healthy food.
• Most teens (66%) are spending more time deciding what they want to watch on Netflix and YouTube than thinking about what they eat.
• 85 percent say junk food is more accessible and cost effective, which usually drives decision making for their families and friends.

4‑H & Microsoft Digital Impact Survey

National 4‑H Council and Microsoft teamed up to explore digital access among teens through a national survey. The survey, which polled over 1,500 youth between the ages of 13-19 nationwide, investigated how lack of broadband internet access affects their social mobility and economic opportunities.

Key findings include:

• 1 in 4 American teens have Broadband connections that are unreliable
• Nearly half of teens report struggling to complete homework due to slow internet connections.
• 79% of teens with broadband access expect to have a higher income than their parents, while only 66% of teens without broadband access felt this way.

4‑H Science Research

During 2007 and 2008, 4‑H National Headquarters and National 4‑H Council began work with the nation’s Land-Grant Universities (LGU) to develop a plan of action for 4‑H Science programming and outline the LGUs’ goals, objectives and strategies for implementing 4‑H Science within their states. National 4‑H Council also contracted independent researchers to evaluate the outcomes of the 4‑H Science initiatives.

Conducted in the fall/winter of 2008, Evaluating the 4‑H Science Initiative was designed to evaluate six major areas of LGUs and their implementation 4‑H Science programming

In early 2009, 4‑H also evaluated and measured the youth experience in the areas of science, engineering, technology and applied math (STEM), resulting in the Youth, Engagement, Attitudes and Knowledge (YEAK) Report.

4‑H Programs Attract Youth to STEM

4‑H STEM programs are proven to get kids excited about science by offering fun, hands-on activities which builds confidence and fosters interest in STEM-related careers.