Written by: Karen L. Baker, M.Ed., 4-H Youth Development Agent and Unit Coordinator – Virginia Cooperative Extension
Communities grow stronger when their youth are empowered to shape the future. For military-connected teens, however, that empowerment can be challenging to achieve. Frequent relocations, school transitions, and family deployments often disrupt their social and emotional well-being, creating barriers to connection and personal growth (Extension Foundation, 2014).
That’s why the partnership and collaboration between 4-H and the Department of Defense (DOD) is vital. Together, they provide military-connected youth with stable, supportive environments grounded in Positive Youth Development (PYD) (U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, 2025). These programs are designed to uplift, empower, and connect young people through consistent opportunities to grow, no matter where they live.
4-H, the nation’s largest youth development organization, works alongside the DOD to deliver programs that are specifically tailored to the military lifestyle. Whether on installations, in local communities, or through virtual platforms, 4-H offers a sense of stability, helping youth build resilience, form friendships, and develop leadership skills that serve them throughout life.
At the center of this approach is the 4-H Thriving Model, which describes how youth grow and flourish when they experience high-quality developmental settings. This model emphasizes the importance of positive relationships, engagement, and intentional learning, which are all critical for military youth navigating frequent change. When these elements are present, youth are more likely to thrive, demonstrating academic motivation, emotional competence, and a hopeful outlook for the future (4‑H PLWG Standing Committee on Positive Youth Development, 2025).
The Essential Elements of 4-H—Belonging, Independence, Mastery, and Generosity closely align with the unique needs of military-connected youth (U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, 2011).
- Belonging creates a safe space where youth feel accepted in new environments.
- Independence empowers them to make decisions and build confidence.
- Mastery supports the development of knowledge and skills over time.
- Generosity gives youth a chance to contribute and give back to others.
To further support personal and professional growth, 4-H also integrates tools like Beyond Ready, a readiness framework that prepares youth for success in school, career, and life. Beyond Ready emphasizes real-world skills such as self-awareness, adaptability, and communication, all crucial for teens who often face uncertainty and change (National 4‑H Council, n.d.). Paired with the 4-H Life Skills Model, which builds competencies like goal setting, teamwork, and responsible citizenship, youth gain both the mindset and the tools to succeed (Hendricks, P.A., 1998).
For military service professionals and community leaders, the 4-H and DOD partnership offers a research-backed, strategic way to support military families. By embedding youth development principles into local programs, we’re creating opportunities that help young people thrive through every transition. Together, we are building stronger, more resilient military-connected youth, not only to face challenges but to lead with confidence wherever life takes them in the present or future.
For service providers dedicated to supporting military families—especially in the area of adolescent well-being—OneOp’s Military Family Readiness Academy offers valuable professional development. The Academy | Military-Connected Youth Well-Being series provides practical tools and insights to help foster positive youth development, with a focus on the unique challenges faced by adolescents in active-duty military families. Key topics include navigating transitions, building inclusive programs, and strengthening protective factors for military-connected teens.
If you missed this year’s Academy, sessions are available on demand at: https://oneop.org/series/2025academy/
References:
4‑H PLWG Standing Committee on Positive Youth Development. (2025). About the 4‑H Thriving Model. Helping Youth Thrive. https://helping-youth-thrive.extension.org/home/
Extension Foundation. (2014, January 14). Building the 4‑H military‑connected youth logic model.
Hendricks, P. A., (1998). Developing Youth Curriculum Using the Targeting Life Skills Model: Incorporating developmentally appropriate learning opportunities to assess impact of like skill development. Iowa State University.
National 4‑H Council. (n.d.). Beyond Ready. 4‑H. Retrieved August 22, 2025, from https://4-h.org/beyond-ready/
U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture. (2011, November). Essential elements of 4‑H (4‑H National Headquarters Fact Sheet). https://www.nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/resource/Essential%20Elements%20of%204-H%20v.2011.pdf
U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture. (2025, September 5). Youth & 4‑H military grant programs. USDA NIFA. https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/programs/4-h-positive-youth-development/4-h-access-equity-opportunity/military-youth-programs
White, David & Williver, Todd & Andress, Shannon & Stuhr, Tammy. (2020). Dr. Patricia A. Hendricks and the Targeting Life Skills Model: An Oral History. Journal of Extension, 58(6), Article 10. http://doi.org/10.34068/joe.58.06.10
Photo Credit: Xavier Lorenzo | Adobe Stock 593538059
