By Jennifer Terrell, 4-H Youth Development Agent, K-State Extension | Southwind District
From fairgrounds to classrooms, community gardens to robotics labs, 4-H youth in K-State Extension | Southwind District (covering Allen, Bourbon, Neosho, and Woodson Counties) are proving they’re not just ready for the future – they’re Beyond Ready. During National 4-H Week, celebrated Oct. 4–10, 2026, local clubs will share how 4-H equips young people with the skills, confidence, and resilience to lead in a world full of opportunity and change.
As America’s largest youth development organization, 4-H empowers 6 million young people nationwide with hands-on learning experiences through clubs, camps, school programs, and community events. Through the Beyond Ready initiative, 4-H will help prepare 10 million youth for work and life by 2030. In K-State Extension | Southwind District, 4-H provides opportunities for youth to develop public speaking skills, lead community service projects, practice financial literacy, learn to use Artificial Intelligence responsibly, raise livestock, and compete in STEM challenges.
K-State Extension | Southwind District and its team of educators, volunteers, and mentors deliver 4-H programs that help youth learn by doing. From showcasing their projects at the county fair to organizing food drives to support local families, youth are learning skills such as teamwork, resilience, and communication—skills that will serve them in their career and for life.
“National 4-H Week is a powerful reminder that young people are already leading in extraordinary ways,” said Jill Bramble, President & CEO of National 4-H Council. “Through 4-H, youth discover their strengths, build lifelong career and life skills, and create opportunities for real change in their communities. They aren’t waiting for tomorrow — they are stepping up today and are Beyond Ready.”
During National 4-H Week, over 500 4-H members, alumni, volunteers, and supporters will wear green, participate in community service projects, and share their stories on social media using #4HBeyondReady and #National4HWeek.
To learn more about local 4-H programs or get involved, contact Jennifer Terrell at jkterrell@ksu.edu or call 620-223-3720 or visit southwind.ksu.edu.
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 reach nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. Through the Beyond Ready national initiative, 4-H aims to increase that number to ten million youth annually by 2030. 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 have the goal of being a leader; two times more likely to report living life with intentionality and purpose; and three times more likely to participate in community service.
Learn more about 4-H at 4-H.org and follow on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
