Leadership
4‑H is led by a unique private-public partnership of universities, federal and local government agencies, foundations and professional associations. These partners work together to provide rich educational content and curriculum, resources in cutting-edge technology, insight into the latest national issues and innovative thought-leadership.
National 4‑H Council
National 4‑H Council is the private sector, non-profit supporter of 4‑H National Headquarters located at the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). 4‑H programs are implemented by the nation's 100+ land-grant colleges and universities and the Cooperative Extension System through 3,000 local offices across the country. Established in 1976 through the merger of the National 4‑H Foundation and the National 4‑H Service Committee, National 4‑H Council provides support to 4‑H at all levels* - national, state and local - in their work to build stronger 4‑H programs and distribute national financial support to benefit the nation's youth. Other revenue generators include the National 4‑H Supply Service (SHOP 4-H), which is operated by National 4‑H Council.
Cooperative Extension
The Cooperative Extension System is a nationwide, non-credit educational network. Each U.S. state and territory has a state office at its land-grant university and a network of local or regional offices. These offices are staffed by experts who provide useful, practical, and research-based information to agricultural producers, small-business owners, youth, consumers, and others in rural areas and communities of all sizes. Youth development educators from the nation's 100+ land-grant universities and the Cooperative Extension System use cutting-edge research to support volunteers and communities in providing youth with rich, educational, hands-on learning programs and activities. This network provides 4‑H youth with the positive environments they need to become fearless leaders.
USDA-NIFA, division of youth and 4‑H
The United States Department of Agriculture - National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA) is proud to be the federal partner of the national 4‑H program in collaboration with Land-grant Universities, the Cooperative Extension System and National 4‑H Council.
National Association of Extension 4‑H Youth Development Professionals
The National Association of Extension 4‑H Youth Development Professionals (NAE4-HYDP) is the premiere professional association for today's network of more than 4,000 youth development educators. NAE4‑HYDP provides professional development opportunities through conferences, workshops and virtual seminars, supports professionals with an inclusive and supportive network of educational leaders and integrates scholarship, research and practice to keep today's youth development professionals connected to the latest best practices.
