4-H empowers youth to reach their full potential working and learning in partnership with caring adults. 4-H youth programs provide opportunities for youth to develop skills they can use now and throughout their life. Iowa 4-H builds upon a century of experience as it fosters positive youth development that is based on the needs and strengths of youth, their families, and communities.

Webster County 4-H has 14 clubs located around the county with numerous project areas. Learn more about topics ranging from aerospace, dogs, rabbits, photography, technology, horses, and clothing, to name a few. 4-H'ers can attend camps, go on trips and attend conferences on the Iowa State University campus.

Athletics for Education and Success (AFES) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that strives to help the youth and families of Fort Dodge and Webster County by providing hope and motivation for them. We aim to do this by any means necessary, giving the youth and parents the power to decide what they need, want and what may help them be successful. We offer our youth after-school programs, sports teams, mentoring groups, drum line groups, educational and cultural opportunities and much more. In addition to providing exceptional programming, we provide our youth with a sense of belonging and the determination to succeed.

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is one of the nation’s largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations. The BSA provides a program for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and develops personal fitness.

Scouting focuses on character development, spiritual growth, good citizenship, sportsmanship and fitness, family understanding, respectful relationships, personal achievement, friendly service, fun and adventure and it also prepares boys for being a contributing member of his community.

Dodger Academy provides a safe after school program for Fort Dodge Elementary students supporting working families, emphasizing improvement of reading and math skills and encouraging student success.

Faiferlick Martial Arts is a mixed martial arts gym that offers a variety of classes to students in Fort Dodge, IA and the surrounding counties within an 80 mile radius. We are a highly respected and family friendly facility that teaches our students physical, intellectual, emotional and social skills. Between our Self Defense, MMA, Taekwondo, and Jiu Jitsu classes– there’s something for you!

Owner Justin Faiferlick has over 35 years of martial arts instruction. He opened Faiferlick Martial Arts to better serve the community and provide one place that offers a variety of martial arts classes. After it opened its doors in 2014, Faiferlick Martial Arts received the Rookie of the Year Award from the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance. It has also received the “It Gets Better Dodge Youth Award.” We are proud to serve the community and give everyone a safe place to practice.

Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa serves nearly 14,000 girls and more than 4,000 adults. Their goal is to empower girls and provide them with the leadership skills they need to develop their full individual potential. Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa is comprised of 70 counties, including 67 in central and western Iowa, one county in Nebraska and two counties in South Dakota. Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. To volunteer, reconnect, donate, or join, visit www.girlscoutsiowa.org.

Independent, nonprofit, youth empowerment advocacy organization. Anti-bullying and suicide prevention advocates. Peer support for youth, self-esteem and confidence management for youth and support for families. Resources and referrals.

Trinity Regional Medical Center is the North Central Iowa Chapter sponsor for the National Council on Youth Leadership (NCYL) and is dedicated to recognizing, encouraging and developing the leadership skills of youth.

Each spring, high school juniors from the Fort Dodge area are nominated for leadership they have shown in school, religious organizations or their community. The nominees must have been elected to a leadership position and have at least a B average to be eligible. All eligible nominees are invited to attend a leadership seminar in the spring where they take part in workshops on team-building, self-esteem and other leadership concepts. Students receive recognition through media coverage, a traveling photographic display and a recognition/award ceremony. In September, a Youth Salute is held with scholarship winners announced and "Youth Leaders of the Year" selected.

Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid (adult) is a virtual training course designed to give members of the public key skills in mental health literacy and the ability to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. It is the gold standard of learning how to help others in distress. Learn more:

Mental Health First Aid

Stress on the Farm:

This 40-minute program, geared toward the agriculture community, includes information on the body’s response to stress, signs of stress, strategies to cope with stress, how to help others, and where to find resources. Now available virtually. Learn more:

Farm and Ranch Well Being and Mental Health

Iowa Concern Resources for Mental Health

Covid Recovery Iowa