What is 4-H?
4‑H is a Community for all Kids
In 4‑H, we believe in the power of young people. We see that every child has valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world around us.
What is 4‑H?
4‑H is delivered by Cooperative Extension—a community of more than 100 public universities across the nation that provides experiences where young people learn by doing. For more than 100 years, 4‑H has welcomed young people of all beliefs and backgrounds, giving kids a voice to express who they are and how they make their lives and communities better.
Through life-changing 4-H programs, nearly six million kids and teens are learning the skills and abilities to be resilient, adaptable and ready for work and life.
We believe in:
- all young people’s potential;
- developing young people who are empowered, confident, hard-working, determined, responsible and compassionate—seeing a world beyond themselves so that they have the life-long skills to succeed in college and career;
- every child is valuable and deserves the support and freedom to choose their own path;
- the power of America’s leading public universities;
- the practice of positive youth development (PYD)* by creating positive learning experiences;
- caring and trusted adult mentors who cultivate positive relationships with youth;
- creating safe environments; and
- meeting young people wherever they are.
National reach, local programs for kids
In 4‑H programs, kids and teens complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and civic engagement in a positive environment where they receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles. Kids experience 4‑H in every county and parish in the country through in-school and after-school programs, school and community clubs and 4‑H camps.
4‑H’s reach and depth are unmatched, reaching kids in every corner of America – from urban neighborhoods to suburban schoolyards to rural farming communities. Our network of 500,000 volunteers and more than 3,000 4-H professionals provides caring and supportive mentoring to all 6 million 4H’ers—helping them grow into engaged individuals who are hungry to learn, open to new experiences and ready to take on the world.
4-H'ers are...
- 2x more likely to feel positive about their wellbeing;
- 3x more likely to feel competent;
- 2x more likely to make healthier choices;
- 2x more likely to participate in out-of-school-time science programs; and
- 4x more likely to make a positive contribution to their communities.