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Kansas youth have new opportunities to learn, lead, and grow as the new 4-H year began on Oct. 1, said Sarah Maass, program director for Kansas 4-H Youth Development.

For more than a century, 4-H has been a cornerstone for youth development across both rural and urban communities in Kansas, helping young people build soft skills and life skills through hands-on projects and mentorship. Children can join as Cloverbuds at age 5 or 6, then become full members at age 7 and participate through high school.

This year, the program welcomed a new Engineering and Technology specialist, expanding opportunities in STEM fields. Maass said 4-H continues to evolve to reflect the interests and needs of today’s youth, from animal science to urban gardening and leadership development.

A new national initiative, 4-H Beyond Ready, is also launching to help youth prepare for the workforce by strengthening leadership and communication skills.

Volunteers remain vital to the program’s success, and families are encouraged to explore local clubs to find the best fit.

Kansas 4-H will also host its statewide “48 Hours of 4-H” service weekend Oct. 11–12, promoting community involvement and belonging. More information is available at kansas4-h.org or through local extension offices.