There’s a youth development organization in your community that helps young people gain citizenship, leadership, and life skills . . .

It’s called 4-H.

The 4-H Youth Development Program is in every county in California. You will recognize 4-H by its green clover. What you may not know is that 4-H is for everybody, for all young people in California, whether they’re in small towns, big cities, or anything in between. Today, 4-H is 130,000 young people learning, achieving, and giving back to their communities, supported by 20,000 caring and enthusiastic adult volunteers.

4-H is a place where young people are given many opportunities to build confidence, learn responsibility, and develop skills that will last them a lifetime. It’s a place where youth make friends and share interests, ranging from building robots to raising rabbits, from designing web pages to landscape design. It’s a place where youth work together to make a positive difference in their community, and adult volunteers make a powerful difference in the lives of young people. Get involved in the 4-H community and make a lasting difference!

LEARNING TOGETHER . . .
The 4-H Youth Development Program is open to all youth, ages 9 –19. In some counties, additional programs for “primary” members allow youth to join 4-H beginning at age 5!

BUILDING IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIPS . . .
With a youth to adult volunteer ratio of 6:1, young people have the opportunity to develop a strong, positive relationship with a caring adult. Research suggests that this may be one of the most important factors for positive youth development.

UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP . . .
Because of the unique partnership between USDA, University of California, and county governments, private funds raised for 4-H go directly to support programs for youth.

4-H Brochure (PDF)

How do youth participate in 4-H?

4-H is an organization for youth, ages 5-19, that promotes hands-on learning and is based on parent and volunteer participation. 4-H welcomes all youth (and adult volunteers) from all backgrounds in all locales (rural and urban).

What types of projects can youth participate in?

4-H Clubs offer a variety of projects each year, lead by an adult 4-H volunteer.

How Can I Join?

4-H Information (in PDF format)
"Welcome to 4-H"
"4-H Members Guide"
"The 4-H Experience"

4-H Philosophy

• Essential Elements of Youth Development: 4-H members find an environment for young people to develop a sense of Belonging, Mastery, Independence, and Generosity.
   
• Citizenship, Leadership, and Life Skills Development: All 4-H projects and activities are designed to lead to the development of citizenship, leadership, and life skills.  No matter the subject of the project, at least one of these skills areas is part of what members are learning.
   
• Learn-by-Doing: 4-H projects use the learn-by-doing (experiential) approach where 4-H members do the activity and reflect.
   
• Youth-Adult Partnerships: 4-H emphasizes youth decision making guided by caring adults.  In 4-H Clubs, committees, projects and other activities, youth and adults will form partnerships for shared decision-making.

4-H Motto

To make the best better

4-H Pledge (in California)

As a True 4-H Member, I pledge
My head to clear thinking
My heart to greater loyalty
My hands to larger service
My health to better living
For my club, my community, my country, and my world.
(4-H Pledge in various languages)