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What is 4-H?

4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization. Over 230,000 members in the State of Florida help to make up the community of more than 6.5 million young people across America. 4-H is a non-formal, practical educational program for youth. Florida 4-H is the youth development program of Florida Cooperative Extension, a part of the University of Florida IFAS.

History

The roots of 4-H began at the turn of the century when progressive educators started to emphasize the needs of young people and to introduce nature study as a basis for a better agricultural education. Boys and girls clubs and leagues were established in schools and churches to meet these needs. To spark the interest of young people... read more

What do the 4 H’S stand for?

• Head
  Mental Development - Deeper knowledge and reasoning
• Heart
  Emotional Development - Developing interest, appreciation, and wholesome attitudes.
• Hands
  Skills Development - Ability to do, skill in doing, and habit of doing.
• Health
  Physical Development - Understanding and appreciating a growing and changing body.

The 4-H emblem is one of the most recognized logos in America. It has proudly represented America’s largest youth organization for decades, and should always be presented and used in a respectful way. The emblem represents a standard of quality in youth development which is experiential in nature, meaning that young people learn all kinds of things through 4-H in a hands-on way.

We encourage 4-H members, club leaders, staff and faculty to familiarize themselves with how the 4-H emblem is suppose to be displayed by referencing the “Use of the 4-H Emblem Graphic Standards” and the IFAS 4-H Branding document.

What is the 4-H Mission?

The Florida 4-H Youth Development Program uses a learn-by-doing approach and caring adults to help youth gain the knowledge and life skills they need to be productive, responsible citizens.

To achieve its mission, 4-H accesses the expertise and resources of the University of Florida and a nationwide network of Cooperative Extension Service faculty and staff.

What is the 4-H Vision?

Florida 4-H aspires to be the leading youth development program that creates positive change in youth, families, and communities.

What is the motto, the slogan, and the pledge?

• Motto:
  To Make the Best Better
• Slogan: 
  Learn By Doing
• 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 county and my world.

Who can join?

4-H is open to all youth, ages 5-18, determined as of September 1 of the current 4-H program year and open to all counties in the State of Florida. 4-H serves youth from all backgrounds and interests. It reaches both boys and girls through 4-H clubs, special – interest groups and short – term projects, school-age child care, individual and family learning and mentoring, camping and school enrichment.

What type of Programing?

There are three primary program areas, or mission mandates, – science, citizenship, and healthy living. The educational foundation of 4-H lies in these three mission mandate. These mandates reiterate the foundation purposes of Extension (e.g., community leadership, quality of life, and technology transfer) in the context of 21st century challenges and opportunities.

Programming is delivered through: 

• Clubs and Councils
• School Enrichment Programs
• County Level programs and workshops
• District, State, and National programs 

Read more...

4-H Impact

4-H is the only youth development program with direct access to technological advances from university research.

According to the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development conducted by Tufts University young people in 4-H:

• Report better grades, higher levels of academic competence, and an elevated level of engagement at school.
• Are nearly two times more likely to plan to go to college
• Are more likely to pursue future courses in a career in science, engineering, or computer technology.

The UF/IFAS Extension Florida 4-H Youth Development Program uses a learn-by-doing approach to help youth gain the knowledge and skills they need to be responsible, productive citizens.  This mission... read more

New to 4-H? 

Start by looking at our local 4-H clubs!