4-H Program Overview
4-H is a national youth organization. It is a non-formal educational youth development program conducted in California by the University of California Cooperative Extension as authorized by federal and state statutes. In each county, the local Extension staff (County Director, 4-H Youth Advisor, 4 H Program Representative) have the authority to administer the program in accordance with University and Extension policy.
Learn-by-doing in an atmosphere where learning is fun is a basic philosophy of 4-H, and the program provides a wide variety of enrichment activities. Members belong to a community club, and take part in club, county, state and national events. Members may explore their own special interests by participating in "projects", where learn-by-doing takes place. Within the project, 4-H members find things to learn, to do, to make, and to explore. Dozens and dozens of projects are offered, ranging from aerospace to zoology.
The goals of 4-H are to help young people
- Develop initiative and assume responsibility;
- Develop leadership and be of service to others;
- Develop the ability to live and work cooperatively with others;
- Acquire knowledge and skills and explore careers;
- Choose from alternatives and plan satisfying lives; and
- Develop positive self-images.