Ready then. Ready now. Ready for anything.  

Celebrate National 4-H Week!

Nebraska 4-H is building a ready generation in a world of change. Today’s youth are growing up in a unique moment where the world is rapidly changing – life following a pandemic, and artificial intelligence are just a few factors affecting mental health, confidence, and the ability to find contentment in life. 

Since its beginning more than 120 years ago, 4-H has become the nation’s largest youth development organization. Nationally, 4-H serves over 6 million youth, ages 5-19, in rural, urban, and suburban communities in every state across the nation. In Nebraska, 4-H reaches one out of three who are age-eligible.  Young people need positive youth development experiences more now than ever. 4-H equips youth with skills for the future while meeting them where they are today. 4-H provides opportunities and experiences that shape young people into their full, authentic selves, enabling them to shine both now and in the future.  

The citizens of our state have helped shape the educational priorities for the Nebraska 4-H program. These programs incorporate quality learning experiences and science literacy, which are delivered through clubs, camps, school enrichment, afterschool, and special interest opportunities. Everything offered by Nebraska 4-H Youth Development is built around positive youth development (https://4h.unl.edu/pyd) as a way of preparing young people who are engaged, healthy, productive, and beyond ready for their future. 

Engaged, Healthy, and Productive Youth 

4-H embraces diversity in people, careers, and perspectives. Every child is valuable and deserves the support and freedom to choose their own path. 4-H believes in the potential of all youth and strives to let their talents flourish. 

Nebraska 4-H fosters youths’ commitment to their communities and growing future leaders. Through community development programs, youth develop and exercise leadership skills, gain a greater awareness of their civic responsibilities, and participate in service projects. They also provide youth voice to community decision bodies and are engaged, well-informed citizens who are active in their local and global communities.   

4-H has proven to instill confidence and resiliency. Dedicated to empowering youth in both body and mind, we rely on scientifically-backed studies and programming that drive youth forward so they can be prepared for anything.  

Nebraska 4-H educates youth about making healthy and safe decisions in their daily lives. Through healthy living programs, youth gain knowledge and develop skills for making healthy and safe decisions in their daily lives, acquire an understanding of what positive relationships look like, practice healthy and safe decision-making, and exhibit increased resiliency.  

4-H equips youth with skills for the future while meeting them where they are today. Through 4-H, opportunities and experiences are offered that shape youth into their full, authentic selves, enabling them to shine both now and in the future. Through College and Career Success programs, 4-H youth develop the knowledge, skills, and mindsets through experiential learning opportunities to explore potential postsecondary education and career options. Nebraska 4-H prepares youth to make informed decisions about their careers and college paths. Programs assist young people with developing skills that will lead to greater persistence in college and employability.  

To learn more about how you can get involved, visit 4h.unl.edu.