More Life-Changing Programs Than Ever

When you’re a technology-minded teenager, getting hands-on with GIS (geographic information system) software offers the chance to use some serious gear for some serious fun. It’s an opportunity to combine geography, statistics and math to create data-driven maps that serve a purpose. 

But it wasn’t just the fun factor that led Brock Reese to join the Wake County 4-H GIS Club when he was a sophomore in high school. 

It was a way to make a difference in his community. 

“The idea of using the data to show what is happening got me hooked,” he says. “I did a map on how income rates in rural populations affect crime rates in North Carolina counties. I overlaid data of crime levels from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation with some data on the income levels in rural populations in each county. Analyzing it gave me some surprising conclusions. That data is very powerful.” 

Reese’s experience encapsulates the ethos of North Carolina 4-H — learn by doing. Across the state, NC State Extension’s youth development program engages young people through fun and enriching hands-on activities ranging from agriculture to artificial intelligence. 

Today, more young people than ever are learning by doing, building the skills and confidence they need for college, careers and life. More than 273,000 youth participated in NC 4-H activities in 2025. 

It’s quite a contrast from six years ago, when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted youth initiatives across North Carolina. Since 2020, participation in 4-H has nearly doubled, camp attendance is up 260% and volunteers have grown by 90%.

Urban and suburban participation has jumped 61%, proving 4-H is reaching North Carolina’s changing demographics with relevant, modern programming that goes far beyond the farm. 

“4-H opens doors for young people to discover who they are and who they can become,” says Shannon McCollum, Extension’s interim state program leader for 4-H. “We are building leaders, engaged citizens and lifelong learners through experiences in agriculture, healthy living, environmental stewardship, food and nutrition, and so much more.” 

Engaging Experiences 

This growth isn’t accidental. Strategic partnerships and innovative initiatives — including Apple-sponsored coding programs, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) showcases at the state fair, and civic engagement programs preparing youth to vote — are evolving to meet families where they are while staying true to NC State Extension’s land-grant mission. 

“Any time a young person is preparing a 4-H project, they are learning valuable life skills,” says Tara Taylor, Extension’s 4-H agent in Onslow County. “They are learning to manage their time and be responsible for their finished product. Through these opportunities, our youth are finding their passion and what sparks their interest time and again.” 

Modern youth have endless competition for their attention. The fact that so many choose to participate in 4-H is a testament to the program’s broad range of offerings. From SPIN (special interest) clubs to emerging technology, including the GIS club run by Thomas Ray, Extension’s 4-H program specialist in Wake County. 

“These kids are asking questions and exploring what they don’t know yet,” Ray says. “They are developing critical thinking skills and learning to be self-motivated.” 

Rebounding Better 

Today’s growth follows a period of major disruption when the COVID-19 pandemic halted in-person activities across the state. Extension 4-H experts mobilized to create online clubs, virtual lessons and at-home educational kits that kept young minds engaged. 

“Families needed enrichment activities,” says Jordan English, Extension’s 4-H agent in Buncombe County. “We created pick-up kits and taught Zoom cooking classes. We had to find those opportunities for learning.” 

Those innovations helped maintain engagement and laid the groundwork for the strong growth 4-H is experiencing today. The resurgence has also codified the core purpose of 4-H as an organization preparing young people to thrive in the future. 

A major goal of 4-H youth development is to ensure that young people are prepared for life after high school. That is the impetus of Beyond Ready, a nationwide 4-H initiative that emphasizes the development of essential life skills. These include public speaking, critical thinking, organization and confidence that equip youth to be workforce-ready, community-minded and future-focused. 

“4-H is important for youth today because we are giving them opportunities that are not given elsewhere. Opportunities to work hands-on, to learn leadership, to participate in community service,” says Erin Silver, Extension’s 4-H agent in Mitchell County. 

“In terms of workforce and career readiness, the possibilities are endless for 4-H’ers. 4-H builds the child who is prepared to face the world.”