4-H

4-H
Founded	1902
Type	Youth organization
Focus	"Engaging youth to reach their fullest potential; while advancing the field of youth development."
Location	United States;
Method	Youth clubs, camps, and educational programs
Membership	6 million

4Hcows

University of Florida African American Home Demonstration Agents 1933

4-H Club Member Storing Food Grown in Her Garden Rockbridge County Virginia

Newspaper clipping of 4-H club members attending convention, Georgia, 1950 - DPLA - 5bccb7da1776857a3280ab8aa2f795a5-021

Oldham County, TX, 4-H emblem IMG 4911

4-H is a youth organization in the United States that aims to engage youth in reaching their fullest potential while advancing the field of youth development. The name represents four personal development areas of focus for the organization: head, heart, hands, and health.

History[edit | edit source]

4-H began in the early 20th century as a way to provide rural youth with practical and hands-on learning experiences. The first 4-H clubs were formed in 1902, and the organization has since grown to include millions of members across the United States. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) played a significant role in the development and expansion of 4-H programs.

Mission and Values[edit | edit source]

The mission of 4-H is to empower young people with the skills they need to lead for a lifetime. The organization emphasizes the importance of learning by doing, and its programs are designed to foster leadership, citizenship, and life skills.

The four H's stand for:

Head: Managing, thinking
Heart: Relating, caring
Hands: Giving, working
Health: Being, living

Programs[edit | edit source]

4-H offers a variety of programs and activities that cater to the interests and needs of its members. These include:

4-H clubs: Local groups where members meet regularly to work on projects and participate in activities.
4-H camps: Residential and day camps that provide outdoor education and recreational opportunities.
4-H projects: Hands-on learning experiences in areas such as agriculture, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as well as arts and crafts, cooking, and animal husbandry.
4-H fairs: Events where members can showcase their projects and compete for awards.

Membership[edit | edit source]

4-H is open to youth ages 5 to 19. Membership is typically organized through local clubs, which are often coordinated by county extension offices affiliated with land-grant universities. Adult volunteers, including parents and community members, play a crucial role in supporting and mentoring 4-H members.

Impact[edit | edit source]

4-H has a long history of positively impacting the lives of young people. Research has shown that 4-H members are more likely to excel in school, pursue higher education, and become active and engaged citizens. The organization also helps youth develop important life skills such as leadership, communication, and problem-solving.