Program Areas

Leadership & Personal Development

4‑H is an innovator in developing youth leadership and decision-making skills to prepare young people for the future. Our civic engagement programs engage youth in programs, organizations, and communities where they share a voice, influence, and decision-making authority. 4‑H civic engagement programs equip young people with confidence and leadership skills to be leaders today and tomorrow.

Community Action

4‑H members contribute hundreds of thousands of hours back to their community every year. Service is a hallmark of all 4‑H programs, teaching youth about the importance of giving back, improving our communities and developing innovative solutions to solve problems, large or small. 4‑H’ers learn skills such as teamwork, critical thinking, community engagement and build a sense of compassion. confidence and pride.

Communication & Expressive Arts

From filmmaking to photography, our communication arts programs and curricula emphasize artistic expression and communication. 4‑H’s visual arts programs include both print and digital media so youth have the opportunity to use the latest technology. Our theater programs teach communication skills, creative thinking, improvisation and writing.

Featured Civic Engagement Programs

Rural Youth Development

Through the USDA Rural Youth Development (RYD) Grant Program, National 4-H Council collaborates with more than 100 public universities to provide programs tailored to the needs of rural youth. The RYD program goals include empowering rural communities to involve youth as partners in decision-making and governance, improve the quality of after-school programs in rural communities and provide professional staff and volunteer development.
Learn More

Featured Civic Engagement Events

CWF

Citizenship Washington Focus

For more than 50 years, thousands of high school youth from all across the country have traveled to Washington, DC each summer to partake in the preeminent 4-H civic engagement and leadership experience— Citizenship Washington Focus.
Learn about CWF
LWF

Leadership Washington Focus

Each summer, hundreds of middle school youth from all across the country travel to Washington, DC to partake in a 4-H civic engagement and leadership experience tailored for younger students — Leadership Washington Focus.
Learn About LWF

Featured Civic Engagement Supporter

Farm Credit

Farm Credit understands the importance of youth and building their skills to become the informed consumers and leaders Farm Credit needs. National 4‑H Council and Farm Credit are working to help hundreds of 4‑H members associated with historically black and Native American colleges and universities engage in life-changing leadership conferences and experiences. Farm Credit funding is made possible by the more than 1,000 directors and employees of Farm Credit banks and institutions across America.

Inspire Kids to Do

Download the 4‑H Inspire Kids to Do Activity Guide with 60 fun, inspirational activities to help your kids grow into True Leaders.

These activities in agriculture, STEM, community service, healthy living and more will help kids gain the skills they need to be successful in life—and have fun along the way.  

Download Activity Guide

Find Your Local 4-H to Join

Ready to join or just looking to learn more about 4‑H programs in your area?

Find your local 4‑H