What is 4-H?
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 are America's largest youth development organization - empowering nearly six million young people across the U.S. and 140,000 across Nebraska with the skills to lead for a lifetime. Nebraska 4-H prepares young people for successful futures. Educational programs place a strong emphasis on life skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, social skills, communication, responsibility, citizenship, and leadership.
4-H began in the early 1900's as Corn Clubs for boys and Canning Clubs for girls. Although the program has changed a lot through the years, it has always been a program designed to help children become productive members of their communities.
4-H is a national organization delivered by Cooperative Extension–a community of more than 100 public universities across the nation that provides experiences where young people learn by doing. Youth complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and citizenship, in a positive environment where they receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles. Kids experience 4-H in every county and parish in the country.
Nebraska 4-H Mission
To provide Nebraska youth with positive youth development opportunities that prepare them to become healthy, capable, and ready to engage in school, work, and life.
Nebraska 4-H Vision
Inspire Nebraskans and their communities. Develop a robust, diverse population of well-prepared, innovative and productive youth that are contributing tot he sustained success and growth of the entire state.
4-H Pledge
I pledge my HEAD to clearer thinking;
my HEART to greater loyalty;
my HANDS to larger service;
and my HEALTH to better living for my club, my community, my country and my world.
4-H Motto
"To Make the Best Better"
4-H Emblem & Colors
The 4-H Emblem is a 4 leaf clover with the letter "H" on each leaf. The "H" stands for Head, Heart, Hands, & Health. The 4-H colors are green & white; green symbolizes nature's most common color and represents life, springtime, and youth, while whit symbolizes purity and high idea.
View the 4-H Name and Emblem Use Handbook
Ways to Participate in 4-H
Nebraska 4-H, youth ages 5-18 can participate in 4-H through:
- Camps - 4-H overnight and day camps offer recreational, educational, and even career exploration opportunities. Enrollment is not required for participation. 10,000 youth in Nebraska participate in 4-H camp programs each year.
- Clubs - 4-H clubs are an organized group that meets regularly to focus on a series of educational experiences. Official enrollment is required. 25,000 youth in Nebraska participate in 4-H club programs each year.
- School Enrichment - School enrichment programs offer non-formal, hands-on educational experiences in classrooms in support of the school curriculum. Enrollment is not required. 80,000 youth in Nebraska participate in 4-H school enrichment programs each year.
- Afterschool - Afterschool programs meet between 3-6 PM to offer youth a safe, fun, and educational experience through hands-on activities and 4-H curriculum. Enrollment is not required unless the afterschool program is also an official 4-H club. 50,000 youth in Nebraska participate in 4-H afterschool programs each year.
- Special Interest Programs - Special interest programs include short-term experiences, such as workshops or clinics, as well as experiences focused on a single topic or interest. Special interest programs are not part of a school enrichment curriculum and are not restricted to 4-H members. 80,000 youth in Nebraska participate in 4-H special interest programs each year.
Additionally, youth may enroll in 4-H as:
- Clover Kids - Clover Kids are youth between the ages of 5 and 7. Clover Kids may participate in 4-H through a variety of delivery modes, such as clubs and camps. As an enrolled member, Clover Kids may also exhibit at county fairs.
- Independent Members - Youth who choose not to be involved in a formal 4-H club may still join 4-H as independent members. These youth have the opportunity to participate in their county fair, the Nebraska State Fair, and additional statewide events and events.
Nebraska 4-H Program Priorities
Youth are growing and emerging into adulthood during an ever-changing, uncertain, complex and ambiguous time. Youth need developmentally appropriate opportunities to prepare them to navigate their futures.
The mission of Nebraska 4-H is to provide Nebraska youth with positive youth development opportunities that prepare them to become healthy, capable, and ready to engage in school, work, and life. Core values of Nebraska 4-H include being uniquely local, collaborative, relevant, accountable, research based, inclusive, responsive, and innovate. Educational experiences offered through Nebraska 4-H focus upon the following priorities:
Nebraska 4-H Program Framework
These programs incorporating quality learning experiences and science literacy are delivered through clubs, camps, school, enrichment, afterschool, special interest opportunities, and virtual delivery. Everything offered by Nebraska 4-H Youth Development is built around Positive Youth Development.
