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  • About 4-H Header

  • Who We Are

    4-H prepares young people to step up to the challenges in their community and the world. Using research-based programming around positive youth development, 4-H youth get the hands-on real world experience they need to become leaders.

    Through America’s 109 land-grant universities and its Cooperative Extension System, 4-H reaches every corner of our nation—from urban neighborhoods to suburban schoolyards to rural farming communities. With a network of more than 6 million youth, 540,000 volunteers, 3,500 professionals, and more than 60 million alumni, 4-H helps shape youth to move our country and the world forward in ways that no other youth organization can.
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    History

    The 4-H movement began around the start of the 20th Century and revolutionized how science was taught outside the classroom -- through practical, hands-on programs and experiences. 4-H was also one of the first organizations in America that taught young people leadership skills and how to positively impact their communities.
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    Research

    Research shows that 4-H plays a special and vital role in the lives of young people. 4-H youth achieve higher marks in school, are more likely to attend college and contribute to their communities at higher rates than their peers. These findings are part of a landmark study from the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development (PYD).
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    Leadership

    4-H leadership builds on the strength of state and local youth development professionals from our 109 land-grant universities and its Cooperative Extension System in partnership with 4-H National Headquarters at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
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    Partners

    The valuable work of 4-H is enhanced by partners from leading corporations, foundations, and organizations that have made a commitment to America’s youth. Together we are developing cutting-edge opportunities and providing high-quality experiences for youth to learn practical, real-world skills that will prepare them for the challenges of today and tomorrow.
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    Media Room

    Read about 4-H in the news, download press releases and FAQ, and watch our latest PSAs
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  • 4-H Mission

    4-H empowers youth to reach their full potential, working and learning in partnership with caring adults.

    4-H Vision

    A world in which youth and adults learn, grow and work together as catalysts for positive change.

    The 4-Hs

    Head, Heart, Hands, and Health are the four Hs in 4-H, and they are the four values members work on through fun and engaging programs.

    • Head - Managing, Thinking
    • Heart - Relating, Caring
    • Hands - Giving, Working
    • Health - Being, Living
    The 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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