Structure

The 4-H Youth Development Program is administered by a cooperating group of government agencies - the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the University of California, and county governments.

United States Department of Agriculture

The 4-H Name and Emblem is a federal mark, protected by 18 U.S.C. 707, and is entrusted by Congress to the Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture. The Secretary has delegated responsibility for the proper use of the 4-H Name and Emblem to the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and, within NIFA, responsibility resides in the 4-H National Headquarters. The 4-H National Headquarters advances knowledge for agriculture, the environment, human health and well-being, and communities by creating opportunities for youth. The 4-H National Headquarters provides strategic program direction, stimulation of the youth development research agenda, and enhanced resource development.

University of California

The University of California was founded as a land grant institution in the 1860s. Today, through its public service programs and industry partnerships, the UC system disseminates research results and translates scientific discoveries into practical knowledge and innovations.

The Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) is a statewide network of University of California researchers and educators dedicated to the creation, development and application of knowledge in agricultural, natural and human resources. ANR academics are located at UC Davis, UC Berkeley, UC Riverside and in County-based Cooperative Extension offices.

California 4-H Youth Development Program

The 4-H Youth Development Program is the youth education component of UC ANR Cooperative Extension. The 4-H Youth Development program's dual mission is to engage youth in reaching their fullest potential while advancing the field of youth development.

The California State 4-H Office, based on the UC Davis campus, provides administrative support to county offices and coordinates statewide 4-H projects and activities.

Fifty-four county 4-H Cooperative Extension offices support the 4-H mission in communities. 4-H Youth Development Advisors work with specialists, faculty, and community members to develop applied research and educational programs. 4-H Program Representatives plan, implement and deliver 4-H educational programs.

Learn more about California's 4-H structure here.