Adolescence is hard. Understanding your adolescent doesn’t have to be.
The middle school years are a critical time for youth and their families. The skills and behaviors that tweens and young teens learn in early adolescence can set them up for a lifetime of success or start them down a dangerous path. North Carolina 4-H’s Empowering Youth and Families Program (EYFP) helps middle school youth and their caregivers choose to thrive.
Hear It From Us:
Watch this short video to learn about EYFP and hear what participants had to say.

Research shows what stands in our way - and EYFP tackles how to fix it.
EYFP families learn how to recognize differences between behavior and emotion, and how to respond appropriately to each. Over 10 weekly sessions, youth, and caregivers:
- Learn and practice new communication skills based on brain science and youth development research.
- Learn how to set clear, reasonable expectations and hold each other accountable for meeting them.
- Network with other local families and local community leaders.
- Plan, organize, and host a community-wide event to promote healthy living in their home counties.
- Enjoy having fun, playing games, and bonding!
Participating in your local EYFP cohort prepares the youth in your care for a successful future by growing stronger, healthier, and more resilient family relationships today.
After completing our program,
TOGETHER, LET’S MAKE A CHANGE
Get Involved
Families & Caregivers
Ready to start your journey with us? Speak with your local county program assistant to begin.
Partners & Funders
Want to learn more about our program or want to partner with us? Feel free to read more and connect with us.
Check this out!
To reach beyond local communities, this program also develops and delivers on-demand web-based content accessible worldwide. Click here to access our webinars.
Animated short features designed for middle school youth, focusing on prevention topics will be released beginning in Spring 2023.
Stay tuned for blog posts and video recaps on what EYFP is doing in our local communities.