4-H alumni earn more, excel in life, says study

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Published: June 5, 1997

People who have found success in their careers, communities and families are looking back to say thanks to 4-H.

The lessons young people learn in 4-H about leadership, teamwork and the work ethic pay off, according to a three-year study the national organization released last week at its annual meeting in Saskatoon.

In fact, the survey of more than 1,100 Canadian 4-H alumni says household incomes of 4-H alumni averaged $58,250 annually compared with the Canadian average of $46,122.

It also said twice as many 4-H alumni take additional training after high school compared to the average Canadian.

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National 4-H president Bob Boulton said the organization has always known where its strength lies, but with the study, the value of 4-H can be verified.

“You won’t know where you’re going if you don’t know where you’ve been,” Boulton said.

The study will help the 4-H council set goals and will be used to secure funding.

It was the first ever wide scale investigation of the impact of 4-H.

“Government wants to be able to see they’re getting a good bang for their buck these days,” Boulton said, adding the organization gets a quarter of its funding from the federal government.

The study said, “Canada’s 4-H alumni regarded their participation in 4-H projects, programs and activities as highly formative experiences during their youth and as promoting their effectiveness as family members.”

Helps in employment

Boulton said 4-H pays off when it comes time for young people to look for a job.

“It’s the best tool you could have, whether you’re going to get a job in Safeway or as a biotech engineer,” Boulton said.

“I talked to a Safeway manager once who said (4-Hers) work a little harder, they are a bit sharper and have better values,” Boulton said.

The study surveyed 4-H alumni from every province, who were in the program from the 1950s to the 1980s, and reviewed existing programs.

It included telephone interviews with 232 community and agri-business leaders, 4-H volunteers, family and youth.

The report suggests 4-H should focus on farm safety, environmental awareness, technology transfer, processing and marketing and agricultural production.

Each year the Canadian 4-H program involves about 40,000 youth ages eight to 21, particularly in rural areas.

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