What is 4-H?

What is 4-H?

4-H Youth Development is part of Kentucky Cooperative Extension. Extension’s mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of Kentucky citizens through non-formal education for the entire family. Extension agents and volunteers take the results of university research and explain it in such a way that different age groups can learn and apply the information to their own lives.

4-H is a youth organization committed to building outstanding leaders with marketable skills to succeed in today’s global society. 4-H empowers youth to reach their full potential, working and learning in partnership with caring adults. Head, Heart, Hands, and Health are the four Hs in 4-H which represent the four values members work on through fun and engaging programs.

· Head - Managing, Thinking

· Heart - Relating, Caring

· Hands - Giving, Working

· Health - Being, Living

How does 4-H benefit youth?

4-H’ers, regardless of their background, socio-economic status, race or gender, benefit from their participation in Kentucky 4-H. Positive youth development studies have affirmed that compared to other youth, young people involved in 4-H are about:

· Four times more likely to contribute to their communities.

· Two times more likely to be civically active.

· Two times more likely to make healthier lifestyle choices.

· Two times more likely to participate in Science, Engineering and Computer Technology programs during out-of-school time.

· 4-H girls are two times more likely (Grade 10) and nearly three times more likely (Grade 12) to take part in science programs compared to girls in other out-of-school time activities.

Where can parents find more information about 4-H?

4-H Programs exist in all 120 counties through the University of Kentucky and Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Service. For more information, conatct Elijah Wilson at (270) 433-7700 or by email eliah.wilson@uky.edu