4-H Essential Elements
Essential Elements of 4-H Youth Development Programs

4-H intentionally designs successful youth development programs and services around specific ingredients. Those ingredients are called the Essential Elements.

Each of the eight Essential Elements is vital to the positive development of youth. When 4-H professionals and volunteer leaders intentionally focus on these elements, youth derive long-term benefit from their 4-H membership.

Read the Essential Elements Fact Sheet.
Download the Essential Elements Flyer.

Essential Elements: Key Ingredients for Program Success Curriculum

This peer-reviewed training curriculum helps youth workers and leaders understand each of the eight elements and how to incorporate them in on-going 4-H programs.

The training curriculum consists of 10 modules. Each module can be taught as a stand-alone session of one hour or combined together for a 10-12 hour course.

Essential Elements: Key Ingredients For Program Success Curriculum
(full training curriculum and appendices)

 

 
 
Using the Curriculum for a Training of Trainers

pizzasliceEssential Elements: Key Ingredients for Program Success is easy to use and comprehensive. Each of the teaching modules can stand-alone, but for ‘training-of-trainers’ instructors will want to know more.

Check out the Essential Elements Appendices for the following items.

  • Appetizers - the details that make the training of Essential Elements successful and “tasty”
  • Toppings - resources that enhance the “flavor” of each module
  • Extra Toppings – information for the instructor who wants a “deep dish” experience through deeper understanding of issues associated with Essential Elements work
Additional Information

If you have questions about the development of the curriculum or the work of the National Essential Elements Team contact team members.

 

For information about 4-H Essential Elements Team and training opportunities, contact:
Pam Garza
National 4-H Council
pgarza@fourhcouncil.edu

For more information about Key Ingredients for Program Success
training curriculum contact:
Nancy Schaff
National 4-H Council
nschaff@fourhcouncil.edu