Abstract
Extension professionals can play a significant role in building positive psychology in youth
programs. The psychology research clearly demonstrates the significant impact of positive
psychology. In addition to subject matter related to 4-H and Youth Development, Extension
professionals can utilize positive psychology best practices to enhance human capacity,
ultimately leading to a greater quality of life. This article explains the three pillars of positive
psychology and provides tools that can be used with youth to enhance their 4-H experience.
These simple, creative tools do not take a great deal of time to implement, but the impact could
be life long.