In 4‑H, we believe in the power of young people. We see that every child has valuable strengths and real influences to improve the world around us. America’s 4‑H is delivered by Cooperative Extension—a community of more than 100 public universities across the nation that provide experiences where young people learn by doing. For more than 100 years, 4‑H has welcomed young people of all beliefs and backgrounds, giving kids a voice to express who they are and how they make their lives and communities better.
Through life-changing 4-H programs, nearly six million kids and teens are learning the skills and abilities to be resilient, adaptable and ready for work and life. The largest youth development organization–empowers nearly six million young people across the U.S. and 140,000 across Nebraska with the skills to lead for a lifetime.
It’s evident from declining test scores, plummeting mental health, and rising levels of hopelessness that America’s largest generation urgently needs help. They are growing up in tumultuous times that are steeped in uncertainty, division, and disconnection. Many of them haven’t had the chance to learn and practice foundational life skills. Their future has become a moving target, and they’re longing for a clear path ahead; for a reason to believe it’s all going to turn out okay. With our scientifically proven approach to youth development and an unparallelled national network, 4‑H is the only youth organization that can tackle this massive challenge.
National reach, local programs for kids
In 4‑H programs, kids and teens complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and civic engagement in a positive environment where they receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles. Kids experience 4‑H in every county and parish in the country through in-school and after-school programs, school and community clubs and 4‑H camps.
K-12 schools can’t do this alone. Our 4‑H educators teach youth the skills that traditional classrooms can’t always guarantee, like resilience, confidence, adaptability, leadership, and lifelong personal growth. We empower young people to conquer life’s obstacles. Our volunteers instill hope, tenacity, and positive identity in a generation that is struggling to find belonging and purpose. Our programs offer a place to learn where it’s fun to try, okay to fail, and easy to grow.
In Nebraska over half of youth age-eligible (5-18) participate in a 4-H-related program. In Nebraska, youth participate through the following: afterschool, camps, clubs, school enrichment, special interest programs (such as shooting sports) and virtual programs.
Nebraska 4-H teaches skills that will benefit youth throughout their entire life. Over 6,800 volunteers served the Nebraska 4-H program across all 93 counties in 4-H educational opportunities through school enrichment. To enroll in 4-H, go to https://v2.4honline.com.
Views from VanDeWalle 