|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() Dec. 20, 2024 Source: National 4-H Council news release WASHINGTON, DC - The National 4-H Council received a $15 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to advance its 4-H Beyond Ready initiative, a comprehensive program that will equip 10 million youth by 2030 with essential career and character development as fundamental elements for work and life. This funding is part of Lilly Endowment's Character Development Through Youth Programs initiative, which supports organizations focused on cultivating positive character traits in young people across the nation. Findings from a recent 4-H Youth Voice Survey, conducted by Hart Research, show schools can't prepare students for life and work alone. The impact of out-of-school programs like 4-H are critical to youth development. According to the survey, 77% of youth said out-of-school programs help build confidence, compared to 63% who said the same about in-school programs. Additionally, 62% of youth said these programs help them manage stress, whereas 49% report the same for school-based programs. Through Beyond Ready, 4-H will expand its efforts to: Invest in Educators: To strengthen the capacity of adult mentors, volunteers and educators who deliver character-building experiences. Expand Access to Character-Building Programs: To increase youth access to transformative programs that help develop their personal and professional skills. Mobilize the 4-H Network: To leverage the extensive 4-H network to create a nationwide movement focused on preparing youth for success in both work and life. Jill Bramble, President and CEO of National 4-H Council, emphasizes the significance of this initiative: "Lilly Endowment's investment shines a light on the importance of character development in youth programs. We can provide more outreach, programs and support to young people so they are ready to thrive in an ever-changing world." As one of eight organizations selected for this significant investment, 4-H will also develop evaluation tools to measure its progress. "From the earliest days of its grantmaking, the Endowment has supported projects to encourage character development, especially among young people," said Ted Maple, the Endowment's vice president for education and youth programs. "We are heartened by the thoughtful and strategic approaches these youth-serving organizations are taking to support children and youth in developing character traits that will be important for them in their future roles as individuals, family members and citizens." ABOUT 4-H 4-H, the nation's largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for careers tomorrow. 4-H programs empower nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. Through Beyond Ready, 4-H will increase that number to ten million youth annually. 4-H is the youth development program of our nation's Cooperative Extension System and USDA and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3,000 local Extension offices. Globally, 4-H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4-H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs. Learn more about 4‑H at 4-H.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. About Lilly Endowment Inc. Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based, private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly and his sons, Eli and J.K. Jr., through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although gifts of stock remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, the Endowment is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. The Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion. Tweet |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
![]() |
![]() |
|
![]() |
|||||||||||||