America faces a future of intense global competition with a startling shortage of scientists. In fact, only 18 percent of U.S. high school seniors are proficient in science (NAEP 2005) and a mere 5 percent of current U.S. college graduates earn science, engineering, or technology degrees compared to 66 percent in Japan and 59 percent in China.

To address increased demand for science and technology professionals,       4-H set out to reach a bold goal of engaging one million new young people in science programs by 2013 - and we've met it. Learn how 4-H is helping to develop one million new scientists in this short video.

Currently, 4-H Science programs reach more than 5 million youth with hands-on learning experiences to ensure global competitiveness and prepare the next generation of science, engineering, and technology leaders.

4-H’s approach is comprehensive and holistic—from agriculture to climate change to alternative energy—youth are learning about highly relevant complex systems and issues that will ensure their contributions to their communities today and their success as global leaders tomorrow.

4-H National Youth Science Day

4-H National Youth Science Day is the premiere national rallying event for year-round 4-H Science programming, bringing together youth, volunteers and educators from the nation's 111 land-grant colleges and universities to simultaneously complete the National Science Experiment

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Environmental Science and Alternative Energy

There's no better way to increase a child’s interest in science than by getting out in the field and learning about the earth's resources first-hand. 4-H's Environmental Science and Alternative Energy programs get youth involved in studying alternative energy, water conservation and the impact of humans on the environment.
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Engineering and Technology

The work of scientists and engineers impacts our daily life on so many levels, but sometimes it’s hard to isolate just how those professionals contribute to programs we watch on television or items we see in stores. 4-H uses its Filmmaking Studio and Workshop and Robotics programs to help youth understand just how important an interest in science, engineering and mathematics is to advancing our society’s access to new technology. The programs provide a unique opportunity for 4-H members to interact with the community through volunteer activities and avenues for the club to engage new mentors who are local industry experts.
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Plant and Animal Science

The next generation of scientists and engineers isn’t just going to be working with microchips and clean energy. It’s going to be helping farmers grow crops and raise animals safely and efficiently. 4-H makes plant and animal science exciting and engaging with its programs in veterinary science, guides for raising dogs and horses and an innovative partnership with Winning Investigative Network for Great Science (W.I.N.G.S.) which encourages 4-H’ers to become ‘citizen scientists’ who collect important data on the population of butterflies around the country.
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Science Curriculum

State 4-H programs within the Cooperative Extension System, 4-H National Headquarters at USDA, and National 4-H Council provide leadership for the development of National 4-H Curriculum. This partnership provides the knowledge, resources, and management necessary to develop and market quality youth curriculum.

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