What is 4-H?

4-H is a community for all kids! 4-H believes in the power of young people. 4-H recognizes that every child has valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world. 4-H is America’s largest youth development organization—empowering nearly six million young people across the U.S. with the skills to lead for a lifetime.

4-H is delivered by Extension – a community of more than 100 public universities across the nation that provides experiences for young people to 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. Youth have the opportunity to experience 4-H in every county and parish in the country – through in-school and after-school programs, school and community clubs, military programs and 4-H camps.

4-H is designed to meet the interests of the youth. It helps youth discover and develop life skills, and set personal goals. Involvement in project areas gives members the help needed to improve specific skills and explore new ones. Activities within clubs also introduce members to the importance of helping others through community service. 4-H is family oriented in that children and parents are encouraged to work together on projects and activities. 4-H is also enjoyable and an excellent opportunity to meet other families in the area.

The 4-H program in Colorado combines the efforts of youth and families, volunteer leaders, Colorado State University, Colorado State University Extension, county and state government and the US Department of Agriculture.

Why 4-H?

4-H provides an opportunity for young people to belong – to be a part of a group (club), to learn new things and do fun things together. 4-H enables youth to:

• Learn new skills, gain knowledge and develop positive attitudes.
• Develop and use their creative talents.
• Learn to make informed decisions and solve problems.
• Develop a feeling of self-worth, while respecting the rights and privileges of others.

For more than 10 years, 4‑H has partnered with Tufts University to study the effectiveness of its youth development programs. This first of its kind research study found that 4‑H’s unique hands-on approach gives kids the opportunity to learn by doing and build life skills. 4‑H Study of Positive Youth Development is a longitudinal study that began in 2002 and was repeated annually for eight years, surveying more than 7,000 adolescents from diverse backgrounds across 42 U.S. states. They discovered that kids (especially girls) involved in 4-H programs are:

What is a 4-H Club?

A 4-H club is a group of youth with similar interests. Groups meet to learn a new skill in a 4-H project area and have fun. They can be neighbors, friends and family members. The club determines when, where and how often they will meet and what projects they will work on.

4-H Participant Overview: What do 4-Her’s do?

• 4-H Clubs: Youth will learn how to use parliamentary procedure, the value of committees in order to accomplish work and cooperative skills through social interactions with club members.
• 4-H Events, Camps, and Conferences: There are many camps, conferences and events that 4-H members may apply for and attend. These opportunities are located around the state or across state borders.
• Community Service Project: Each 4-H member completes community service, in the name of 4-H, in order to become more civically involved in their community.