What is 4-H Afterschool?

4-H Afterschool is a national initiative that provides extraordinary learning opportunities to school age youth in urban, suburban, and rural communities across America.

Youth learn through hands on activities:

• Life Skills
• Leadership
• Citizenship
• Teamwork
• and much more!

4-H Afterschool programming is a key youth development outreach program of University of Illinois Extension and a nationwide initiative raising awareness of the need for positive youth development during after-school hours. It increases both the quality and availability of after-school programs in urban, suburban and rural communities by:

• Creating learning opportunities suitable for any after-school setting

• Delivering enriching, hands-on curricula

• Training staff and volunteers to work more effectively with youth

In Illinois and across the nation, youth who do not participate in organized after-school programs are at greater risk for antisocial behavior, substance abuse, and poor academic performance, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

4-H Aftershool benefits:

• Youth: Exciting programs where youth develop valuable skills with lifelong benefits. The time spent in out-of-school activities has an enormous impact on their health and well-being. Youth are engaged in programs while school is out, which can play a key role in their on-going learning by providing opportunities for exploring interests and gaining important lifelong skills such as problem solving, conflict resolution and teamwork, as well as positively connecting with caring adults.

• Parents and family members: A safe, healthy, enriching environment that can enhance young people's social, emotional, physical, and academic success.

• Volunteers: An opportunity to share a special skill with young people.

• Youth-serving organizations: Resources for training on-site staff, implementing valuable youth development practices, creating new after-school programs, and strengthening existing programs.

• For communities: A partner with the potential of building unique, customized programs around the diverse interests and needs of youth.

Call University of Illinois Extension-McLean County for more information. Ph: 309-663-8306.