Ozaukee County 4‑H continues to demonstrate strong community impact by listening closely to youth and adapting programming to meet their needs while supporting the volunteers who make local 4‑H experiences possible. Insights from the 2025 Ozaukee County 4‑H Youth Thrive Survey offer a meaningful snapshot of how young people experience the program and help guide thoughtful improvements moving forward.
Survey results show that 4‑H is providing welcoming, safe environments where youth feel connected and supported. A majority of respondents report feeling welcome and safe in their 4‑H spaces, and over half say they feel they matter within the program. Just as importantly, youth describe strong social and adult connections. In fact, most have made new friends through 4‑H and have met adults they trust for support, guidance, or future opportunities. These relationships are central to positive youth development and reflect the strength of the volunteer‑led model that defines 4‑H at the local level.
The survey also highlights the importance of middle school–aged youth, who make up the largest portion of respondents. This age group represents a critical window for belonging, leadership development, and skill building. While many youth feel involved in decision‑making within their clubs, fewer report having a role in planning programs, and participation beyond the county level remains limited. These results provide valuable insight into the direction for how 4‑H can continue evolving to better engage youth while keeping expectations realistic for volunteers.
In response, Ozaukee County 4‑H is intentionally adapting its approach to better support both youth and adult volunteers. The 2026 program focus prioritizes strengthening the volunteer system first, recognizing that confident, well‑supported volunteers are essential to high‑quality youth experiences. New volunteer trainings will emphasize practical, ready‑to‑use strategies for engaging youth, strengthening leadership within projects, and supporting club retention without adding unnecessary burden.
At the same time, youth leadership opportunities are being expanded in ways that benefit both youth and volunteers. Older members will be prepared to serve as project assistants, peer mentors, and activity leaders, helping clubs share responsibility while giving youth meaningful leadership roles. Simple, time‑efficient practices are also being encouraged to increase youth voice, such as brief youth idea sharing or quick group decision tools that fit naturally into existing meetings.
Progress will be measured through practical indicators such as volunteer training participation, youth leadership placements, use of ready‑to‑run resources, and increased engagement at the county and state levels. The county will also participate in a follow‑up youth survey in 2026 to monitor changes in belonging, youth voice, and leadership engagement over time.
Together, these efforts reflect Ozaukee County 4‑H’s commitment to continuous improvement, strong partnerships, and responsive programming. By listening to youth, supporting volunteers, and adapting intentionally, 4‑H continues to be a trusted, high‑impact program that strengthens young people and the broader community they call home.
