Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in 4-H
For more than 100 years, 4‑H has been the nation’s leading youth organization to welcome young people of all beliefs and backgrounds, giving youth voice to express who they are and how they make their lives and communities better.
Equity and 4-H
Access, equity, diversity, and inclusion are essential elements of 4-H’s goals related to positive youth development and organizational sustainability. For more than 20 years, 4-H has been intentional in building an organization and culture of belonging by actively inviting the contributions and participation of all youth.
As a system, Cooperative Extension believes that diverse perspectives, values, and beliefs help generate better ideas to solve the complex problems of a changing—and increasingly diverse—world.

4-H Extension's Commitment to Social Justice
Cooperative Extension has a variety of system-wide entities, embedded within 4-H with the sole purpose of advancing the critical work of access, equity, and inclusion. Each group has proven to be a valuable resource within the organization.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Taskforce
This 4-H Extension system initiative focuses on understanding implicit bias, cultural competency, social justice development, and youth development.

Access Equity and Belonging Committee
This committee aims to increase the capacity of 4-H and the Cooperative Extension System to create a more inclusive organizational culture.

Diversity and Inclusion Working Team
National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals (NAE4-HYD) bridges the gap for diverse groups and seeks to create an environment for inclusion and quality learning for all 4-H'ers.
4-H's Investment in Equity
4-H is committed to connecting all youth to the skills, resources, and experiences needed to succeed in life through our partnerships with leading corporations.

Workforce Development
Through workforce development, we’re empowering youth with tangible and relevant skills most needed in a demanding and ever-changing work environment.

Health Equity
Through our partnerships, more youth will have access to food programs and nutrition education as they seek to cement a future not limited by poor health.

Capacity Building
Our partners have been instrumental in helping advance inclusive, equitable, and sustainable programming for America’s youth.
Youth Voice
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 believe that young people are agents of change and are using that voice to drive change in communities across America.
Professional Development
The True Leaders in Equity Institute consists of 4-H youth and adult teams supported by Extension directors and state 4-H program leaders who come together to share how equity, access, and belonging can empower youth to find their voices so they can create system change in their local communities.
State Spotlights
Get inspired by featured programs developed by Cooperative Extension.
4-H Latino Youth Outreach: Best Practices Toolkit
Juntos 4-H
Soccer & 4-H @ Home! Summer Program for All Youth Issues
The 4-H Youth Futures Conference
Resources
Explore the resources below to learn more about 4-H’s commitment to social justice and advancing the critical work of access, equity, and inclusion.
National 4-H Council Equity Toolkit
4-H Social Justice Youth Development: Guide for Youth Development Professionals
Safe Space
2021 4-H Equity Strategic Plan

True Leaders: Culture, Power and Justice Curriculum
Rooted in a social justice youth development framework, this curriculum helps youth explore their identities, new cultures, different perspectives, and the histories that have shaped power and privilege within our communities.

Talent Is Everywhere, Opportunity Is Not.
Donate to the FOURWARD Fund to help 4‑H provide #Opportunity4All kids, no matter their circumstances.
Let's Close the Opportunity Gap. Together.
Learn how 4-H is listening to young people, learning from our allies, and investing in positive youth development to eliminate the opportunity gap for all kids.
