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HARTINGTON — From fairgrounds to classrooms, 4-H youth in Cedar County are proving they’re not just ready for the future – they’re Beyond Ready.
During National 4-H Week, celebrated Oct. 5–11, 2025, 4-H members and volunteers will celebrate how 4-H equips young people with the skills, confidence, and resilience to lead in a world full of opportunity and change.
This is the power of 4-H, where a new generation of young people are becoming ready to lead, ready to serve, ready to build, and ready to conquer. For over 120 years, 4-H has empowered millions of youth to build their futures and to pave a path forward.
National data shows that 4-H members are four times more likely to contribute to their communities, twice as likely to make healthier choices, and two times more likely to pursue STEM careers when compared to their peers. In Nebraska, 4-H reaches nearly one in three age-eligible youth -- over 140,000 young people annually -- with programs that build leadership, critical thinking, collaboration and resilience.
As America’s largest youth development organization, 4-H empowers six million young people nationwide with hands-on learning experiences through clubs, camps, school programs and community events. Through the Beyond Ready initiative, 4-H will help prepare 10 million youth for work and life by 2030. In Cedar County, 4-H provides opportunities for youth to develop public speaking skills, serve through club community service projects, raise livestock, participate in shooting sports and so much more. “Here in Cedar County, 4-H allows youth to discover their potential, build confidence through hands-on learning and grow into leaders who make a lasting impact in their communities,” said Megan Hanefeldt, Cedar County 4-H Educator. “We are incredibly proud of our 4-H members and look forward to showcasing their work each and every year at the Cedar County Fair.”
During National 4-H Week, our nearly 300 4-H members, alumni, volunteers, and supporters will wear green, participate in community service projects, and share their stories on social media using #4HBeyondReady and #National4HWeek.
To learn more about local 4-H programs or get involved, contact Megan Hanefeldt – Cedar County 4-H Educator at the Cedar County Extension Office or visit cedar.unl.edu
