Illinois 4-H prepares youth to solve Illinois' problems by producing the leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, stewards, and builders we need. 4-H builds good leaders by giving them safe environments to practice all the skills needed to be successful leaders. Illinois 4-H knows that our very lives are inseparable from the health of our planet and work daily to save the world for this and future generations.

4-H is helping youth understand where their food comes from, inspiring them to pursue interests in agriculture, and creating opportunities for them to lead change as they advocate for more food-secure communities. Illinois 4-H is increasing its efforts to prepare youth with skills needed in the workforce, inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs and channeling youth to college experiences and mentors who can guide them towards a productive path.

Who can join 4-H?
4-H is the place for all Illinois kids and teens ages 8-18 where you belong and are part of the club!

Que es 4-H?

4-H es un programa para el desarrollo de la juventud del Servicio de Extensión Agrícola de La Universidad de Illinois.  

Enfocado a las necesidades, preocupaciones e intereses de la gente joven. El programa fue creado con el fin de ayudar a los jóvenes a desarrollar características positivas y las capacidades y conocimiento necesarios para llegar a ser adultos responsables y útiles a la sociedad. Los jóvenes entre las edades de 5 a 18 años provenientes de cualquier área 

geográfica, grupo étnico, o culturalpueden participar en este programa.
 

Mediante proyectos individuales, reuniones, actividades de grupo y participación en di

versos eventos, los miembros desarrollan habilidades nuevas, cultivan talentos, capacidades de liderazgo, de patriotismo y a la vez se divierten. 

Para ser miembro del 4-H los jóvenes se registran y participan en una serie de experiencias educativas bajo la

guía del personal de Extensión o de líderes voluntarios.



What do you do in a 4-H club meeting?
Meetings are so much more than just meetings! Members are given the opportunity to learn and practice decision-making in group situations. 4-H members attend their club's meetings, and their grown-ups are encouraged to come as well ... 4-H is a family affair! Members plan and carry out what they want to do as a group.

A club meeting has four parts with definite activities in each part and meetings are run using parliamentary procedure.

  • Opening: Call to order, Pledge of Allegiance and 4-H Pledge
  • Business: Roll call, secretary's report, treasurer’s report, committee reports, old business and new business
  • Education: Program, demonstrations, talks and guest speakers
  • Fun: Recreation, songs, skits, refreshments and entertainment

Is 4-H in my county?
There are 4-H clubs in all 102 counties in Illinois! <<Link to office finder>>

Did you know?  4-H members are ...
   -5x more likely to say they'll graduate from college

   -2x more likely to say they want a career in science

   -3x more likely to say they exercise and are active

   -4x more likely to say they help their communities

   -2x more likely to say they achieve academically

   -2x more likely to say they are active in school

As reported from a 10-year 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development.