WHAT IS 4-H?
4-H is America’s largest youth development organization—empowering nearly six million young people with the skills to lead for a lifetime.

4-H is delivered by Cooperative Extension—a community of more than 100 public universities across the nation that provides 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 have taken on critical societal issues, such as addressing community health inequities, engaging in civil discourse and advocating for equity and inclusion for all.

4-H IS A COMMUNITY FOR ALL KIDS
In 4-H, we believe in the power of young people. We see that every child has valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world around us.

We believe in:

• all young people’s potential;
• developing young people who are empowered, confident, hard-working, determined, responsible and compassionate—seeing a world beyond themselves so that they have the life-long skills to succeed in college and career,
• ensuring access and equity for all,
• the power of America’s leading public universities,
• the practice of positive youth development (PYD)* by creating positive learning experiences,
• caring and trusted adult mentors who cultivate positive relationships with youth,
• creating safe, diverse and inclusive environments, and
• meeting young people wherever they are.

WORKING AT NATIONAL 4-H COUNCIL

National 4-H Council’s mission is to expand opportunities for all of America’s youth through increased investment and participation in 4-H positive youth development.

For over 100 years, 4-H has empowered young people with the skills they need to be proactive forces in their communities. Through our life-changing programs, 4-H’ers take on critical societal issues, including closing the digital divide, engaging in civil discourse, tackling the climate crisis and advocating for equity and inclusion for all. We welcome young people of all beliefs and backgrounds, giving kids and teens a voice to express who they are and how they make their lives and communities better.

If you believe that every child has the potential to positively impact the world around them, then Council is the place for you!

Diversity, equity and inclusion
Council has been intentional in building an organization and culture of belonging, which is why we encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, races, faiths, sexual orientations, gender expressions and abilities to join the 4-H family. By supporting and honoring diverse perspectives, values and beliefs, we foster an inclusive environment where we can work together to address the complex challenges facing our children.