What is the relationship between the University of California and 4-H?

The 4-H Youth Development Program is administered by the University of California. Staff of 4-H are employed by the University of California, approved volunteers act as agents of the University of California, and offices are part of the University of California Cooperative Extension system.

University of California Mission of Public Service

"The distinctive mission of the University is to serve society as a center of higher learning, providing long-term societal benefits through transmitting advanced knowledge, discovering new knowledge, and functioning as an active working repository of organized knowledge. That obligation, more specifically, includes undergraduate education, graduate and professional education, research, and other kinds of public service, which are shaped and bounded by the central pervasive mission of discovering and advancing knowledge." — from the University of California Academic Plan, 1974-1978

The University of California provides public service, which dates back to UC's origins as a land grant institution in the 1860s. Today, through its public service programs and industry partnerships, UC disseminates research results and translates scientific discoveries into practical knowledge and technological innovations that benefit California and the nation.

University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources

The Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) is unit reporting directly to the University of California Office of the President (UCOP). ANR is a statewide network of researchers and educators dedicated to creating, developing and delivering knowledge and practical information in agriculture, natural and human resources. ANR comprises the Agriculture Experiment Station, Cooperative Extension and statewide programs. Our campus-based (UC Davis, UC Berkeley and UC Riverside) and county-based units bring UC to every community in the state.

UC Cooperative Extension advisors work and live in local communities, bringing research innovations and practical solutions from UC to address real-world problems facing Californians. UC Cooperative Extension's flagship program for young people is the century-old 4-H Youth Development program.

ANR is funding by a combination of public and private sources: 54% state government, 25.5% federal government, 20.5% county government and private sector (foundations, grants, etc.).

4-H's Place within the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources

The 4-H Youth Development Program (4-H YDP) is the youth education component of the University of California's Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources Cooperative Extension. UC Cooperative Extension provides research and education support to youth development programs throughout California. In cooperation with other youth development organizations, 4-H YDP is working to meet the non-formal educational needs of all youth enrolled in kindergarten, or 5 years of age, through age 19.

Learning can take place in homes, schools, camps, spiritual centers, outdoor settings, gymnasiums, and other community parks and buildings. The cooperative working arrangement among federal, state, and county entities to deliver Cooperative Extension programs is in accord with the intent of federal and state legislation.

The State 4-H Office, based on the UC Davis campus, provides administrative and communication support to county offices and coordinates statewide 4-H projects and activities. Fifty-four county offices provide support to 4-H volunteers in the delivery of 4-H programming while also advancing the field of youth development.

UC 4-H Youth Development Advisors work with specialists, faculty, and community members to develop applied research and education programs in response to the needs of youth, family, and the community within a county and statewide. Advisors function as consultants, facilitators, educators, and researchers and are accessible to and supportive of the formal and non-formal education community.

Organizational Chart (PDF)