Indiana 4-H enrollment is now open in Kosciusko County through Jan. 15. 4-H is a source of educational programs to help young people reach their full potential. Plus, new for 2015, enrollment is easier with the 4-H Online system, https://in.4honline.com Indiana 4-H is the state’s largest youth development program for grades 3 to 12, reaching over 200,000 young people in all 92 counties. 4-H youth development educators in each Purdue Extension county office coordinate local activities. In Kosciusko County, approved adult volunteers teach young people specific skills related to a wide variety of subjects through hands-on, experiential learning, according to a release from Youth Development Educator Mindy Wise. Kids also develop leadership and citizenship skills by participating in one of 20 organized 4-H Clubs. Subjects include science, technology, engineering and math (STEM); agriculture; citizenship; healthy living; art; and consumer and family sciences. In 2013, according to the release, a Tufts University study showed that 4-H members also excel in positive youth development areas compared to peers, including: • Four times more likely to contribute to their communities (grades 7 to 2) • Two times more likely to make healthier choices (grade 7) • Two times more likely to be civically active (grades 8 to 12) • Two times more likely to participate in extracurricular STEM programs (grades 10 to 12) The new 4-H Online system also makes it more convenient to offer enrollment, event registration, calendars and secure payment online. Kids can be enrolled in Kosciusko County 4-H by Jan. 15 online at https://in.4honline.com or by visiting the Kosciusko County Purdue Extension office, 202 W. Main St., from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. The $20 fee per child includes all Indiana 4-H program fees. For more information about specific 4-H subjects in Kosciusko County or the 4-H program in general, visit extension.purdue.edu/Kosciusko For questions about Kosciusko County 4-H, call Wise at 574-372-2340 or e-mail wise25@purdue.edu
