About 4-H

What is 4-H?

4-H is America’s largest youth development organization—empowering nearly six million young people with the skills to go beyond the expected. To be Beyond Ready.

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.

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.

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.

4-H Way

4‑H empowers young people with the skills to lead for a lifetime. It’s a research-based experience that includes a mentor, a hands-on project and a meaningful leadership opportunity.

4-H Community

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

4-H Programming

Based on their interests and guided by adult mentors, youth develop their own pathway in 4‑H. They select from a broad menu of local 4‑H projects. There are hands-on, learn-by-doing, opportunities for everyone.

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, diverse and inclusive 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 community clubs, in-school and after-school programs, and 4‑H camps.

For more 4-H organization information visit:

National level: 4-H https://4-h.org/

State level: University of California 4-H Youth Development Program https://4h.ucanr.edu/

County level: Alameda County 4-H Program https://4halameda.ucanr.edu/

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