Indiana 4-H enrollment is now open in Porter County through January 15, 2015. 4-H is a premier source of enjoyable, educational programs to help young people reach their full potential. Plus, new for 2015, enrollment is easier than ever with the 4-H Online system, https://in.4honline.com.
Indiana 4-H is the state’s largest youth development program for grades K-12, reaching over 200,000 youth in all 92 counties. 4-H Youth Development Educators in each Purdue Extension county office coordinate local activities.
In Porter County, approved adult volunteers teach young people specific skills related to a wide variety of subjects through hands-on, experiential learning. Youth also develop leadership and citizenship skills by participating in one of 14 organized 4-H Clubs. Subjects include: science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM); agriculture; citizenship; healthy living; art; consumer and family sciences; and more. In 2013, a Tufts University study showed that 4-H members also excel in positive youth development areas compared to peers, including:
Four times more likely to contribute to their communities (grades 7-12)
Two times more likely to make healthier choices (grade 7)
Two times more likely to be civically active (grades 8-12)
Two times more likely to participate in extracurricular STEM programs (grades 10-12)
Now, the new 4-H Online system makes it even more convenient to offer enrollment, event registration, calendars, and secure payment online.
Youth may be enrolled in Porter County 4-H by January 15, 2015 online at https://in.4honline.com or by visiting the Porter County Purdue Extension office, 155 Indiana Avenue, Suite 301, Valparaiso, IN 46383, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. The $20 fee (grades 3-12) per child includes all Indiana 4-H program fees. For grades K-2, there is a $5 fee per child which is for the Mini 4-H program.
For more information about specific 4-H subjects in Porter County or the 4-H program in general, visit extension.purdue.edu/porter. If you have questions about Porter County 4-H, call Joan Grott, 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator, at 219-465-3555.