How 4-H is Making an Impact

Positive youth development is the cornerstone of 4-H. Our programs in science, agriculture, the environment, healthy lifestyles, and citizenship give youth the skills they need to thrive and succeed throughout their lives.

4-H is creating a workforce prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Our programs develop young people who:

are competent, confident, and caring leaders
are making a positive impact in their communities
have positive relationships with peers and adults

4-H programs create big impacts for California youth. A longitudinal study conducted by the Tufts University Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development found that, compared to non-4-H youth, young people who participate in 4-H programs:

were 25% more likely to contribute to their families and communities.

had higher grades and higher expectations to go to college, particularly in the fields of science, engineering, and computer technology.

were 1.5 times more likely to be at the highest levels of positive youth development.

were 41% less likely to engage in risk behaviors such as tobacco use, alcohol use, and bullying.

In addition, girls who participated in 4-H were much more involved in science, engineering, and computer technology programs than their non-4-H counterparts.

See how 4-H has made a real difference in the
lives of these young people and their communities:

San Bernardino 4-H club makes a positive difference in the lives of military children

4-H helps over 200 teachers and volunteers to improve their skills as science educators

4-H introduces more than 80 young people to careers in Veterinary Medicine

California 4-H delivers the “Power of the Wind” curriculum trainings on alternative energy sources

420 youth learn about leadership at California 4-H conference