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4-H & Youth

About 4-H

In 4‑H, we believe in the power of young people. We see that every child has valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world around us. We are America’s largest youth development organization—empowering nearly six million young people across the U.S. with the skills to lead for a lifetime.

4‑H is a Community

4‑H is delivered by Cooperative Extension—a community of more than 100 public universities across the nation that provides experiences where young people learn by doing. Kids complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and citizenship, in a positive environment where they receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles. Kids experience 4‑H in every county and parish in the country—through in-school and after-school programs, school and community clubs and 4‑H camps.

What are the four Hs?

The four Hs stand for Head, Heart, Hands, and Health, and they are the four values members work on through fun and engaging programs.

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.

4-H Weekly Updates

Stay up-to-date with our 4-H email updates! Contact Kristin at klf37@cornell.edu to join the listserv.

Contact

Kristin Ruggiero
4-H Resource Educator
klf37@cornell.edu
(845) 429-7085 x 103

Last updated July 30, 2026

Youth

4-H Programs focus on….

  1. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
  2. Agriculture and Animal Science
  3. Civic Engagement and Leadership
  4. Healthy Living

4-H Values - 4-H:

  • Reflects the principles of positive youth development, experiential learning, and the importance of having fun.
  • Encourages family involvement and support by connecting families to their communities and to one another.
  • Promotes the development of skills that help youth succeed in higher education, their chosen career path, and as members of their families and communities.

Events

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How is the program delivered?

Clubs, school enrichment, after-school, and camps allow 4-H to offer an experience that is not offered in the classroom. It follows the experiential learning model, which allows students to do, reflect, then apply what they’ve learned. Effective programs bring classroom lessons to life, supplement curriculum, offer resources to teachers, as well as provide diverse experiences that allow for essential skill-building.