What is 4-H?
4-H is the Cooperative Extension Program’s dynamic and educational program for youth. 4-H has about 6 million youth members across the United States.
In 4-H, young people complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture, and civic engagement, in a positive environment where they receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles. Young people experience 4-H in every county in the country!
It is FREE to be a 4-H member and many programs offered are free or low cost and scholarships are available.
View more about the National 4-H Council!
4-H Member Guide
Click here to access our 4-H member guide to learn more about all 4-H has to offer!
What Do the Four H’s Stand For?
- Head – managing, thinking
- Heart – developing friendships, relating, caring
- Hands – volunteering, giving
- Health – healthy living, taking care of yourself and the planet
Who Can Be in 4-H?
- Anyone ages 5-18
- 4-H age is determined by youth age as of January 1st of the current year
How Much Does it Cost to Be in 4-H?
There is no fee to enroll as a 4-H member! There are only costs associated with certain 4-H projects and programs.What can I do with 4-H?
STEM
4‑H science programs provide 4‑H youth the opportunity to learn about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) through fun, hands-on activities and projects.
LEARN MOREAgriculture
4-H Agriculture programs provide youth with opportunities to learn about raising livestock, growing food and local food systems.
LEARN MOREHealthy Living
4‑H healthy living programs help 4‑H youth learn how to lead lives that balance physical, mental, and emotional health.
LEARN MORECivic Engagement
4‑H civic engagement programs empower young people to be well-informed citizens who are actively engaged in their communities and the world.
LEARN MOREWhy should I participate in 4-H?
4-H Provides youth with hands-on experiences which are rooted in research-based information. 4-H is the youth development program of Cooperative Extension – a community of more than 100 public universities and 3,000 local offices. Programs are delivered by more than 3,500 4‑H professionals and more than 500,000 volunteers. Learn more about 4-H Youth Development Research.4-H has a rich history of being a leader in positive youth development for more than a century. The tie with land- grant universities and the U.S. Department of Agriculture assures a research and science base to the program. Local, state, and national partners look to 4-H for advice in positive youth development.
4‑H’s hands-on approach is proven through extensive research to grow life skills like confidence, independence, resilience and compassion through stages and developed through experiences, not instruction.
The result? Kids who are empowered with the skills to lead for a lifetime. Learn more about the history of 4-H.How Do I Get Started?
Complete enrollment in 4HOnline; pick a project; sign up for a workshop; or stop by the N.C. Cooperative Extension of Buncombe County office to talk with Jordan English, 4-H Extension Agent, about your interests!Enrollment in North Carolina 4-H is FREE!
Want more information about the Buncombe County 4-H Program?
Please click on the link below to complete a short survey to help us to better help you with getting connected through our Buncombe County 4-H program. Once you complete the form with your family's specific interests, we will contact you to talk about how your family can get involved.
