Four-H (4-H)

Founded in 1902, 4-H is the world's largest educational program for young people based on democratic principles, and it is the only youth development program that ties both public and private resources to the single purpose of supporting the positive and successful development of youth. The philosophy of “learning by doing” drives the work of nearly 7 million 4-H youth and more than 600,000 4-H volunteers in all 50 states, Guam, Puerto Rico, and military installations worldwide. The 4-H program provides innovative, fun programs ranging from robotics and biotechnology to skateboarding and agriculture. As the only youth program with direct access to technological advances in agriculture, life sciences, human development, social sciences, and related areas through land grant university research, 4-H youth development helps young people become mature, competent adults capable of participation and leadership in their communities and entry into the workforce.

The core capabilities of 4-H reflect strong expertise that 4-H youth development has to offer and also suggest changes to accomplish the National 4-H Strategic Plan. Not all are unique to 4-H, but the unique synergy of these capabilities makes the organization different and special in the communities it serves. The organization believes the following capabilities add exceptional value to 4-H youth development programs:

• Exceptional human capacity: Contributing, empowered youth; dedicated, supportive families; highly educated professional staff; talented, enthusiastic volunteer base.
• Strategic resource development partnerships: Public-private collaboration; funded at three distinct levels: local, state, federal; alumni and community support.
• High-quality educational programs: based in youth development research; customized for each community, personalized for each individual; experiential learning.
• Nationwide community-focused network: based in the land grant university system; in every county; variety of delivery models; decentralized, shared-leadership model.

The 4-H youth development mission specifies that 4-H empowers youth to reach their full potential working and learning in partnership with caring adults. In turn, the 4-H youth development vision is of “a world in which youth and adults learn, grow and work together as catalysts for positive change.”

The 4-H youth development values include the following:

• We, the youth and adults of the 4-H movement, value youth as powerful members of society, youth and adults as caring partners, learning as a lifelong commitment, diversity and social conscience, doing our best and making it better.

Therefore:

• We believe that youth are powerful members of society, with the ability to contribute significantly to their communities, to create positive change, and to imagine new possibilities and directions.
• We believe that youth are equal and caring partners, bringing unique energy, knowledge, and perspective to the work they do—they are keepers of the vision.
• We believe that relationships with caring adults are essential for youth to achieve their potential because of the guidance, respect, knowledge, and wisdom adults can share.
• We believe that learning is a lifelong commitment for citizens of a democracy, enhancing self-determination, independent thinking, and self-esteem, and that learning by doing promotes practical skills, confidence, and experience for both youth and adults.
• We believe that a social conscience is built on service and volunteerism, that a commitment to diversity depends on embracing and respecting

  ...