Chambana Sun

Local communities in Illinois are marking National 4-H Week from October 5 to 11, highlighting the role of 4-H youth across the country. The 4-H program, which began as an afterschool initiative focused on agricultural skills, has grown into Illinois’ largest out-of-school youth development organization. It is administered by University of Illinois Extension and aims to help young people build career and life skills that prepare them for the future.

Perry Harlow, a Grundy County 4-H alumnus and current Young Leader program coordinator for Illinois Farm Bureau, shared his experience with the program. "4-H didn’t just teach me skills," Harlow said. "It forged the courage to stand alone for what I believe in, a strength that has become my compass in every professional challenge I face. The confidence to be the lone voice of integrity in a room full of doubt is the greatest career asset 4-H ever gave me, and it’s the one that defines my leadership every single day."

Harlow joined the Highland Ag 4-H Club at age eight and participated in various projects during his eleven years as a member, including public speaking, leadership, cooking, photography, sheep, cattle, and rabbits. As he advanced through the program, he took on leadership roles at county and regional levels.

His experience with civic engagement led him to work on Capitol Hill with governmental advocacy groups before returning to Illinois as a coordinator for young leaders at Illinois Farm Bureau.

Emilia Elabed, an Illinois Extension 4-H youth development educator, commented on Harlow’s journey: "This is what 'Beyond Ready' means," she said. "For Perry, 4-H empowered him to be 'Beyond Ready' for his future career, giving him the confidence to speak out on issues that matter, and building skills that now allows him to be a role model for young people today."

Harlow’s story is featured in a recent video demonstrating how 4-H impacts youth as it continues its mission of empowering young people.

Elabed added: "To me, 'Beyond Ready' means helping youth build the skills and confidence they need not just for the next step in life, but for whatever opportunities or challenges come their way. It’s about making sure they can think critically, adapt, and lead in their own way. It’s about being empowered to take on the future with resilience and a sense of purpose."

Further information about local programs can be found at go.illinois.edu/about4hgkw.