About 4-H
About 4-H
For over 100 years, 4-H has provided positive youth development programs in the community. 4-H is currently the largest youth-serving organization in the United States and has more than 6 million youth members who participate in programs in almost every county across the nation. Central to 4-H is an emphasis on a resiliency-based approach to youth programming using positive youth development as a framework.
Why choose 4-H?
The work 4-H does in the community has positively impacted youth development. For example, California 4-H alumni were 1.8 times more likely to graduate with a bachelor’s degree compared to the general population. Also, California 4-H alumni were more satisfied with their mental and emotional health (76%) compared to the general population (57%).
Research has found that 4-H members are
- 1.7 times as likely to plan to take courses or pursue a career in science, engineering or technology
- 1.9 times more likely to earn higher grades in school
- 2 times more likely to engage in after-school science, engineering or computer technology programs
- 2 times more likely to have higher civic identity and engagement
- 3.4 times more likely to actively contribute to their communities
4-H Vision
A world in which youth and adults learn, grow, and work together as catalysts for positive change.
4-H Mission & Mission Areas
|
Mission The University of California 4-H Youth Development Program engages youth in reaching their fullest potential while advancing the field of youth development. |
Primary Mission Areas
Our hands-on projects fall under four primary areas. We provide meaningful opportunities for youth and adults to work together to create sustainable community change.
|
4-H Motto and Creed
| Motto | Creed |
|
“To Make the Best Better.”
|
I believe in 4-H Club work for the opportunity it will give me to become a useful citizen. I believe in the training of my HEAD for the power it will give me to think, plan and to reason. I believe in the training of my HEART for the nobleness it will give me to be kind, sympathetic and true. I believe in the training of my HANDS for the ability it will give me to be helpful, skillful, and useful. I believe in the training of my HEALTH for the strength it will give me to enjoy life, to resist disease, and to work efficiently. I believe in my country, my state, and my community and in my responsibility for their development. In all these things I believe, and am willing to dedicate my efforts to their fulfillment. |
4-H Emblem
The official emblem is green with white H's - the 4-H colors. The white symbolizes purity. The green represents nature's most common color and is emblematic of youth, life and growth. The 4-H flag consists of a green, four-leaf, stemmed clover on a white background. The clover has a letter “H” in white or metallic gold on each leaf. The H’s stand for Head, Heart, Hands and Health.
The 4-H emblem symbolizes the aim and desired results of effective learning for each individual.
HEAD - Problem solving: ability to sort out complex problems.
HEART - Emotional development: developing good attitudes toward work and learning; developing acceptance and appreciation of other people.
HANDS - Skills development: ability to do, skill in doing and habit of doing.
HEALTH - Physical development: understanding and appreciating a growing and changing body.