Across Georgia, students who participate in 4-H programs feel more prepared, more accountable and more supported because of the opportunities provided by hands-on programming in agriculture, science, civic engagement, leadership, health and wellness, according to the 2025 National 4-H Index Study.

Designed to measure the impact of 4-H programming on youth development and student preparedness, results of the study indicate a widespread positive impact on Georgia youth. According to the study, 91% of respondents reported 4-H has given them the opportunity to explore future careers.

Additionally, 95% of respondents reported feeling feel safe in 4-H, and 92% reported that adult leaders in 4-H hold them accountable.

Serving students across Georgia

Georgia 4-H served 201,973 students through programming in 2025, with the mission to facilitate knowledge, life skills and attitudes that enable youth to become self-directing, productive and contributing citizens.

In a recent celebration at Rock Eagle 4-H Center, 60 graduating high school seniors “signed on” to the next chapter of their education or career in the company of peers and leaders with an “I Am Beyond Ready” declaration, committing to to carrying the skills, values and experiences they have gained through 4-H into the future.

Toombs County 4-H’er Kingston Ryals, who served as 2024-25 Georgia 4-H President, was accepted to and will be attending Harvard University in fall 2026. Ryals began participating in 4-H in fifth grade and credits the organization with preparing him for his next step.

“Without a doubt, 4-H has played the largest role into shaping me into the person I am today,” Ryals said.

Opportunities in public speaking and leadership on the local, state and national level have propelled me forward and given me the confidence to thrive in any situation.”

Creating a sense of purpose

Other results of the National Index Study, which captured respondents’ assessment of personal attributes influenced by 4-H, show that 83% credited 4-H with helping them have a sense of purpose in life, 84% credited 4-H with helping them develop responsibility, and 88% credited 4-H with helping them develop good character.

“Georgia 4-H programming is a proven tool for building important life skills in young people, and having data that quantifies the impact of 4-H is powerful,” said Melanie Biersmith, state 4-H leader. “This National Index Study reflects the young people’s own experiences, as they articulate the influence of 4-H on their readiness for work and for life. The data also reiterates the important role of caring adult leaders in their development, giving us even more reason to celebrate our excellent county professionals and volunteers.”   

Representing all corners of the state

Georgia 4-H serves youth across the state, with 46% living in rural non-farm communities, 28% in towns and small cities, 22% in urban, suburban and central city areas, and 4% on farms. In the 2025 program year, 67% of participants were elementary school students and 33% were middle and high school students. More than 5,000 military dependents were served by Georgia 4-H last year.

Georgia 4-H facilities operate across the state and support 4-H programs and community guests. The 4-H centers served 88,514 guests in the 2025 program year. Additionally, 35,789 individuals participated in 4-H Environmental Education. The Georgia 4-H summer camp program hosted 8,679 participants in 2025.  

Volunteers play a significant role in extending Georgia 4-H programming, with more than 5,400 adult volunteers contributing 143,171 hours to a variety of local, district and state activities last year. An additional 1,692 teen volunteers contributed 39,798 service hours.

Measuring strong youth development

The 2025 National 4-H Index Study confirms that 4-H significantly impacts youth development by fostering personal interests, a sense of belonging and strong relationships with adult mentors.

By helping students develop essential work-life skills, the program ensures they are “Beyond Ready” for the future. Participants consistently report high levels of optimism, responsibility and engagement.