Released: January 31, 2007

In Kansas, 4-H Eligibility to Change

MANHATTAN, Kan. – 4-H youth development meetings and programs typically involve families, with younger siblings welcome – and eager to participate.

While the family-friendly educational environment will remain, state requirements in 4-H membership age and eligibility will change, said Pat McNally, Kansas State University Research and Extension state leader for 4-H.

The participation age for 4-H youth development programs has changed periodically during 4-H’s 101 years of service in the state, she said. In 1913, youth 10 to 18 years of age were eligible to participate in 4-H youth development programs. In 1915, eligibility was extended to age 20. In 1961, the membership age was lowered to include eight-year-olds, and, in 1983, lowered to include seven-year-olds.

“National 4-H policies and standards allow for special membership to begin with children as young as five years of age,” McNally said. “The national program for this age group is designed to provide research-based learning experiences during a developmental period that is different than that of older children and youth. The program is offered in preparation for full membership at age nine.”

Complying with national standards is a must, if Kansas is to continue its affiliation with the national 4-H youth development program, she said.

Changes in membership age and categories are not expected to affect current members or members of the 2007-08 programs, McNally said.

To ease the transition, a statewide committee is being formed to review membership categories, age-appropriate learning experiences for youth in the 4-H programs, and age of eligibility for competition in local and state 4-H activities.

“A Cloverbuds Program Task Force also is being formed to explore age-appropriate educational opportunities to create a statewide 4-H membership category for youth in kindergarten through the third grade,” McNally said.

Anyone interested in the changes, including past and present 4-H members, educators, and community representatives are invited to apply to serve on committees being established to plan the transition for compliance with national guidelines, McNally said. More information is available by contacting the state 4-H Office, 201 Umberger Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506-3402 or by calling 785-532-5800. Interested persons can also visit the Kansas 4-H Web site: www.kansas4h.org. Applications are due by March 1, 2007.

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K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Nancy Peterson
nancyp@oznet.ksu.edu
K-State Research& Extension News