Iowa State University Extension & Outreach, Dubuque County

Dubuque County 4-H is a program that is part of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Dubuque County. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Dubuque County puts the university's resources to work in the county by providing research-based, educational programming to all Dubuque County citizens. We offer a wide array of youth educational programming through the traditional 4-H club program and our K-12 educational outreach programs. We are also able to provide professional development to other youth serving organizations. We aim to provide a place where every child has an opportunity to develop into community leaders.

4-H learning experiences are based on the principles and practices of positive youth development. Positive youth development views young people as vital resources with assets and potentials to be developed rather than as problems to be managed. Youth-driven 4-H experiences provide youth access to safe learning environments; challenging experiences that build skills, competencies, and resiliency to address life's challenges and to actively contribute to society; and partnerships with caring adults to help meet youths' basic needs of belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity. 4-H staff and volunteers intentionally address youths' basic needs by integrating eight essential elements within 4-H youth development experiences: caring adults, safe environments, mastery, service, self-determination, inclusiveness, futuristic, and engagement.

Testimonials

"We, the youth and adults of the 4-H movement, value: Youth as powerful members of society, Youth and adults as caring partners, Learning as a lifelong commitment, Diversity and social conscience, Doing our best and making it better"