What is 4-H?

4 H is the largest youth development organization in the United States. In Florida, more than 230,000 youth take part in a nationwide program that serves over 6.5 million young people. Florida 4-H is part of UF IFAS Extension at the University of Florida and offers hands-on learning experiences that help youth build skills for life.

History

The roots of 4 H began over 100 years ago when educators started focusing on the needs of young people. They used nature study to help make learning about agriculture more hands on and engaging. Early boys and girls clubs were formed in schools and churches to support youth learning and growth. Read more

What Do the 4-H's Stand For?

Head: Learning to think, learn, and make good choices
Heart: Building care, respect, and positive attitudes
Hands: Developing skills through doing and helping others
Health: Learning healthy habits for a growing 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 respectfully. The emblem represents a standard of quality in youth development that 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 supposed to be displayed by referencing 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 youth ages 5 to 18 as of September 1 of the current program year. Youth from all backgrounds and interests are welcome. Programs are offered through clubs, school enrichment, short term projects, camps, and leadership activities.

4-H Programs

4 H has three main program areas called mission mandates: science, citizenship, and healthy living. These areas form the foundation of all 4 H programs. They help youth build leadership skills, improve quality of life, and learn new skills that prepare them for today’s world.

Programming is delivered through:

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

4-H Impact

4-H is a youth development program with direct access to new technology 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 and higher engagement at school
Are nearly two times more likely to plan to go to college
Are more likely to pursue future studies or careers 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 necessary knowledge and skills to be responsible, productive citizens. To accomplish this mission 4-H accesses the expertise and resources of the University of Florida and a nationwide network of Cooperative Extension Service faculty and staff.

New to 4-H? Start by looking at our local 4-H Clubs!