4-H, the largest youth development program in the nation, is calling on all alumni to raise their hands to help bring 4-H to 10 million youth by 2025. Currently 4-H empowers nearly six million young people in every county across America, including nearly 69,000 4-H’ers in Minnesota.

For more than 100 years, the 4-H impact on young people has been immeasurable. “Having experienced our programs first-hand, our alumni know best what a positive impact 4-H had on them growing up. This is why we’re reaching out to alumni to support the next generation of true leaders,” said Dorothy Freeman, Minnesota 4-H state director.

“Whether they’re running Fortune 100 companies, performing to sold-out crowds, leading community programs or volunteering to empower local youth, 4‑H alumni are the epitome of true leadership,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO, National 4‑H Council. “Our remarkable alumni now have the perfect opportunity to pay it forward, ensuring that the next generation has the opportunity to benefit from the 4‑H experience.”

As part of the Raise Your Hand call to action through June 30, 4-H is asking the millions of 4‑H alumni across the nation, including 4-H alumni in Minnesota, to ‘Raise Your Hand’ and pay it forward. Help 4-H provide the hands-on learning that empowers youth across America.

Raising your hand is easy – alumni can go online to www.4-H.org/raiseyourhand and fill in just a few details. Each alumni who raises their hand is a vote towards a $20,000, $10,000 or $5,000 award for your alumni state. Alumni can then call attention to the power of 4-H by tweeting, posting and sharing their #4HGrown experience. Tag fellow alumni to encourage them to raise their hand too!

“4-H gives kids the opportunity to learn by doing, to grow from not only the encouragements brought by success, but also through challenges and failures. These skills will help them to handle whatever life may throw their way,” explains Jennifer Nettles, Grammy-award winning musician, actress and 4‑H national spokesperson.