What Is 4-H?

4-H Is A Community

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. Kids complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and citizenship, 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.

Head, Heart, Hands and Health

Head, Heart, Hands, and Health are the four Hs in 4-H, and they are the four values members work on through fun and engaging programs.

4-H Pledge

I pledge my head to clearer thinking,

My heart to greater loyalty,

My hands to larger service,

and my health to better living,

for my club, my community, my country, and my world.

4-H Community

4-H reaches almost six million young people through our community of 100 public universities. Programs are delivered by 3,500 4-H professionals and 500,000 volunteers. Young people experience 4-H through school and community clubs, in-school and afterschool programs and 4-H camps.

Types of 4-H Programs

4-H programs are available through local 4-H clubs, 4-H camps, in-school and after-school programs. With the support of adult mentors, youth select from a menu of hands-on project ideas to complete. 4-H programs are available for children ages 8-18. 4-H Cloverbud programs are available for children ages 5-7.

4-H Programming

4-H programs are grounded in the belief that kids learn best by doing. Kids complete hands-on projects in areas like science, health, agriculture and citizenship, in a positive environment where they receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles. Kids can concentrate on one focus area or they can try a variety of programs throughout their 4-H experience.

Regardless of the project area, all 4-H programs include mentoring and career readiness as core elements.

4-H programs are available in every county and parish in the U.S. Your local 4-H office is your best resource to find out which programs are available in your area and how you can enroll your child.

STEM & Agriculture

4-H science programs provide 4-H youth the opportunity to learn about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) through fun, hands-on activities and projects.

Healthy Living

4-H healthy living programs help 4-H youth learn how to lead lives that balance physical, mental, and emotional health.

Citizenship

4-H citizenship programs empower young people to be well-informed citizens who are actively engaged in their communities and the world.