Youth Development Insight

By Nicole Kudrle I recently completed the county 4-H showcase, a 5-day event that is focused around youth development and showcases youth’s sparks. This event  consists of long hot days, jam-packed schedules, lots of volunteer help, and loads of fun and laughter! This year was no exception, however I was also provided with lots of unanticipated challenges throughout the week.  During the first evening we encountered a very large storm that incorporated wind, dirt/sand, rain, and even hail. I am happy to say no injuries were reported. As someone who works in youth development, my first instinct was to make sure everyone was okay, help clean up after the storm, and then immediately start to think on what could be done to improve the situation for next time.  As I was leaving that evening, a 4-H volunteer stopped me and asked, "What was the best part of my day". I was stumped, my mind had been so focused on how to address the unforeseen event and how to improve things, that I fo

By Anja Johnson Despite the increasing awareness regarding sustainability and agriculture, there is still a significant amount of work to be done. Since 2020, we have witnessed a surge in sustainable agriculture practices. According to the 2025 Minnesota AFNR blueprint review , agriculture education continues to grow in both urban and rural communities. The once prevalent rural community agriculture is now being interwoven into urban areas across Minnesota. Recognizing the trend towards sustainable agriculture, Minnesota 4-H created a curriculum to educate both youth and adults across Minnesota and beyond. Fields, Food, and You: Cultivating Global Agriculture Awareness was designed to be adaptable for various audiences and environments, ensuring a broad reach and impact. A curriculum for both urban and rural youth in grades 3-8 The "Fields, Food, and You" curriculum comprises 10 lessons focused on agronomy. Each lesson includes modifications to help facilitators adapt the c

By Darcy Cole In America, young adults owe over $1 trillion in debt (the top two debt sources being mortgages and student loans ), with nearly 70% of millennials living paycheck to paycheck. These statistics demonstrate a systemic issue and the need for increased financial literacy education for all young people to both prevent and manage debt. Many schools (and for that fact, families) do not place enough emphasis on teaching financial literacy skills to youth. This gap is an opportunity for youth development organizations to step in to fill a crucial need. Our programs can serve as a safe environment for youth to learn essential financial literacy life skills.  Ramsey Education's Financial Literacy Crisis in America: 2023 Report further demonstrates the need for increased attention to financial literacy for U.S. adults. Findings include that: 88% of adults said that high school did not leave them "fully-prepared" to handle money. 74% of adults said they would have ma