4-H PROGRAMS AT A GLANCE
4-H empowers young people to lead for a lifetime. Our programs in science, healthy living and civic engagement are backed by a network of 100 public universities and a robust community of 4-H volunteers and professionals. Through hands-on learning, kids build not only confidence, creativity and curiosity, but also life skills such as leadership and resiliency to help them thrive today and tomorrow.
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 civic engagement, 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 US. 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
ṖROGRAM AREAS STEM AND AGRICULTURE
4-H STEM programs provide 4-H youth the opportunity to learn about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) through fun, hands-on activities and projects. 4-H STEM and agriculture programs equip young people with the skills they need to succeed in life, and are available through local clubs, schools and grant-funded programs. Focus areas include computer science, robotics, environmental science, agri-science, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and veterinary science. Engineering & Technology
4-H programs use hands-on activities in robotics, computer science and electrical engineering to teach problem solving, creative and critical thinking, and inspire kids to explore engineering and technology.
Entrepreneurship & Financial Literacy
4-H programs weave entrepreneurship into many different subject areas, whether it’s learning the economics of raising and selling livestock or using computer science to develop new technology. 4-H’s financial literacy programs teach youth to navigate the challenges of the real world, such as understanding credit cards and interest rates and saving for retirement.
Environmental Science & Alternative Energy
4-H’s programs provide young people first-hand experience in utilizing alternative energy, conserving energy and learning how to limit humanity’s impact on our environment. Plant & Animal Science
4-H programs engage and excite young people in agricultural science topics such as veterinary science, biotechnology, raising and training animals and forestry.
HEALTHY LIVING
4-H Healthy Living programs help youth lead lives that balance physical, mental, and emotional health. Our programming empowers youth to be healthy – body and mind – with the skills to make healthy decisions and lead healthy lifestyles. Having the confidence and skills to lead healthy lifestyles not only improves overall well-being; it enables youth to tackle life’s challenges today and become leaders in their lives, careers and communities as they grow into responsible adulthood. Mind: Social and Emotional
Well-Being/
4-H’s Healthy Living programs provide youth with a better understanding of how their choices can help themselves, their families, and their communities. With programs focused on issues such as /substance abuse prevention and mental health, 4-H helps youth build a firm foundation that encourages good decision-making and strong interpersonal skills. Social-emotional health is the cornerstone to confident, caring young leaders who understand how to take care of their minds and inner being, which is key to holistic well-being.
Body: Fitness, Health, Nutrition and Safety
4-H fitness, health, nutrition, and safety programs help youth understand the importance of eating right, and being active within a safe environment. Mastering basic health principles places young people on the right track to developing healthy habits now as well as managing their longterm health.
Teen Mentorship and Leadership
4-H Healthy Living programs empower youth to be teachers by growing their leadership skills and serving as champions of health in their communities. Teens as Teachers is an experiential learning model delivering research-based information supported by adult mentors and applying skills and knowledge to initiate change in behaviors for themselves, their families and peers.
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
4-H civic engagement programs empower young people to be well-informed citizens who are actively engaged in their communities and the world. Youth learn about civic affairs, build decisionmaking skills and develop a sense of understanding and confidence in relating and connecting to other people.
Being Good Citizens
Through 4-H civic engagement programs, youth learn about civic affairs, build decision-making skills and develop a sense of understanding and confidence in relating and connecting to other people. These life skills help grow 4-H youth into true leaders.
Leadership & Personal Development
4-H is an innovator in developing youth leadership and decision-making skills to prepare young people for the future. Our civic engagement programs engage youth in programs, organizations, and communities where they share a voice, influence, and decision-making authority. 4-H civic engagement programs equip young people with confidence and leadership skills to be leaders to today and tomorrow.
Community Action
4-H members contribute hundreds of thousands of hours back to their community every year. Service is a hallmark of all 4-H programs, teaching youth about the importance of giving back, improving our communities and developing innovative solutions to solve problems, large or small. 4-H’ers learn skills such as teamwork, critical thinking, community engagement and build a sense of compassion, confidence and pride.
Communication & Expressive Arts
From filmmaking to photography, our communication arts programs and curricula emphasize artistic expression and communication. 4-H’s visual arts programs include both print and digital media so youth have the opportunity to use the latest technology. Our theater programs teach communication skills, creative thinking, improvisation and writing.
RURAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
4-H’s Rural Youth Development programs empower rural youth, giving them the skills and tools they need to strengthen and sustain their communities.
Supporting Youth in Rural Areas
Through the USDA Rural Youth Development (RYD) Grant Program, National 4-H Council collaborates with a community of more than 100 public universities to provide programs tailored to the unique needs of rural youth. The RYD program goals include empowering rural communities to involve youth as partners in decision-making and governance, improve the quality of afterschool programs in rural communities and provide professional staff and volunteer development.