4-H Youth Development: Overview
Young people become confident, mature adults ready for success in today’s challenging world through 4-H, the only youth development program with a direct connection to technological advances from research conducted at state land-grant universities. Studies show that the more than 6.5 million youth participating in 4-H do better in school, are more motivated to help others, feel safe to try new things, achieve a sense of self-esteem, and develop lasting friendships.
Boys and girls of all races and ethnic backgrounds in urban, suburban and rural communities across America and on U.S. military installations worldwide participate in 4-H experiences. 4-H programs are offered through school-based, after-school and camp settings and community clubs.
Our Focus
The fundamental 4-H ideal of practical, “learn by doing” experiences encourages youth to experiment, innovate and think independently. BHS 4-H has four primary program areas: science, geograpy, engineering and technology; healthy living; and citizenship. Youth learn leadership, citizenship and life skills through more than 1,000 projects with topics as varied as rocketry, GPS mapping, DNA analysis, public speaking, photography, nutrition and community service.
Positive Youth Development
Educators at 106 land-grant universities operate 4-H programs in every state and U.S. territory, alongside trained youth and adult volunteers. Learning opportunities are designed around four essential elements necessary for positive youth development. 4-H offers youth supervised independence, a sense of belonging with a positive group, a spirit of generosity toward others and a wide variety of opportunities to master life challenges.
BHS 4-H is operated and supported by a shared leadership of public and private partners including National 4-H Headquarters; USDA within the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service; Cooperative Extension educators at land-grant universities; National 4-H Council; 4-H associations and foundations; and volunteers.
An American Institution
The 4-H youth development movement began more than 100 years ago. It evolved from rural youth programs created by land-grant college and university researchers and the United States Department of Agriculture to introduce new technology to what was then a country of primarily rural communities. As our nation’s economic and demographic profiles become more diverse, 4-H adapts and expands to meet the needs of all youth.
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OUR 4-H MISSION:
4-H empowers youth to reach their full potential, working and
learning in partnership with caring adults.
OUR 4-H PLEDGE:
"I pledge...my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty,
my hands to larger service and my health to better living for my club,
my community, my country and my world."
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