What is 4-H?

4-H is the non-formal educational youth development program of the University of Florida IFAS (Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences) and Florida Extension. 4-H is the nation's LARGEST youth development program and the only one that is university based.

The purpose of 4-H is to help youth become productive members of society. By developing life skills, youth learn practical solutions to problems they will face throughout their life. 4-H membership is open to boys and girls ages 5-18 without regard to sex, disability, race, nationality, or ethnicity.

4-H offers flexible programming to meet youth needs by emphasizing skill building processes and effective outcomes through activities that promote positive values, social responsibility, and lifelong learning. Young people involved in 4-H have the opportunity to:

• Develop as an individual
• Learn life skills related to projects
• Make new friends
• Work with adult volunteers
• Develop pride as they learn by doing
• Develop leadership skills, including the ability to speak before a group
• Explore projects that may lead to future careers