SIOUX CITY (ISU Extension) – With statewide 4-H registration totals in and counted, Woodbury County now has the second-highest registration numbers of all Iowa counties, with 451 registered 4-H’ers.

With Woodbury County’s unique mix of rural and urban populations, 4-H’s deep rural roots and increasing focus on urban needs provide something of interest to young minds from Sioux City to Danbury.

“It’s an exciting time for 4-H in Woodbury County. While we still keep our traditional 4-H values and programming for rural 4-H’ers, we are excited to be focusing and growing in the urban areas with our afterschool programs, STEM clubs, Lego clubs and special interest clubs,” said Laura Johnson, ISU Extension Woodbury County youth educator.

As a program with proven results, 4-H is an integral part of Iowa State University Extension research-based mission. Research from the Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development at Tufts University showed 4-H youth to be four times more likely to make contributions to their communities, two times more likely to be civically active, two times more likely to make healthier choices, and two times more likely to participate in Science, Engineering and Computer Technology programs during out-of-school time.

In addition 4-H girls were two to three times more likely to take part in science programs compared to girls in other out of school time activities. ISU Extension Woodbury County staff were proud to hear they ranked second in statewide registrations.

“We are proud of the strong 4-H representation that Woodbury County has based on enrollment numbers compared to other counties in the state,” said ISU Extension Woodbury County Program Coordinator Molly Hewitt. “This is a fine example of the focus that Iowa State University Extension places on youth development through experiential learning.”

Woodbury County 4-H offers a host of fun and educational choices to Woodbury County youth, all rooted in the four H’s – to use one’s head for clearer thinking, heart for greater loyalty, hands for larger service and health for better living.