In 4-H, members learn about topics that interest them. These are referred to as members “projects.” That could be anything from learning how to cook, build a robot, or care for the environment. One of the most important aspects of 4-H project work is that the 4-H member decides what they want to learn and do as they explore their project. This allows the project to be self-paced, and gives children important skills in setting and working toward their goals.
4-H makes learning fun! A variety of projects are offered through 4-H so members can pick the ones that most interest them. Or they can find other young people with the same interest and study that topic with the help of a volunteer that shares the same interests. 4-H projects help members to learn by doing. Projects offer hands-on ways to learn about a topic of interest.
Some projects have several levels. As members master the work at a beginning level, they are encouraged to advance to higher levels. Our Project Selection guide is available for view below and click for our Resource & Curriculum Guide and click here for a Spanish version.
Select Your Project!
Beekeeping
This project will familiarize members with the roles bees play in the eco-system, and how they can be used as a production species.
Learn MoreCivic Engagement
Be empowered and actively engaged in your community and world around you.
Learn MoreClothing Embellishment
Add decorative touches to your clothes with dye, paint, beads, and more
Learn MoreComputer Science Text-Based Programming
Discover the basic elements of programming within text-based programming languages such as Python, HTML, and C.
Learn MoreComputer Science Visual-Based Programming
Learn programming from scratch using SCRATCH and open-source sources.
Learn MoreCreative Writing
Understand multiple writing genres and work on the development of themes, plot, character, and more!
Learn MoreCrops - Corn
Learn to test corn germination, study growing degree-days, experiment with soil tilth, manage pests, calculate drying time, cross-pollinate plants, and determine harvest losses
Learn MoreCrops - Small Grains
Learn to select seed varieties, understand stages of plant development, germinate seeds, recognize and manage pests, determine pesticide risks, take soil samples, study costs and prices, and recognize disease.
Learn MoreCrops - Soybeans
Learn to select and germinate seeds, experiment with planting depth, study disease-resistant factors, explore careers related to crops and soils, and identify pests and diseases.
Learn MoreDairy Cattle
Explore the dairy industry, from raising a cow to the science behind milk production.
Learn MoreDiversity
Learn about the many forms diversity takes in daily life and the benefits of being open to new situations and people who are different from yourself.
Learn MoreElectricity
Electricity powers the world. Learn to be the master of electricity as you make the world shine.
Learn MoreeSports
Learn teamwork, communication, strategy, visual/spatial skills, and sportsmanship.
Learn MoreExploratory
Welcome to 4-H. See what 4-H has to offer you. Try out projects. Learn about activities.
Learn MoreExploring Your Environment
The earth is unique. Why? There are lots of galaxies in the universe. There are lots of solar systems in one galaxy.
Learn MoreFamily Heritage
Discover your family history as you go on a treasure hunt for information. The records you create will last a lifetime.
Learn MoreFood Preservation
Food preservation is a way to enjoy seasonal fresh-grown fruits, vegetables, and even meats, all year long!
Learn MoreFood Science
Beyond how to cook, you will learn the science behind why and how things happen in all kinds of foods
Learn MoreFoods
Explore the world of food! Cooking with tasty, hands-on experiences; from the sweet and simple to the complex and savory, and everything in between.
Learn MoreHealth
This project is all about staying healthy, keeping fit, and nurturing mental health.
Learn MoreIntercultural
We're part of a great big world. Explore new cultures from anywhere you choose.
Learn MoreInterior Design
Interior Design is a great way to learn about design, color, texture, and space.
Learn MoreLeadership
Make the best in you even better! Build your team, be a role model, and help others.
Learn MoreMaker
4-H is taking emerging technologies by storm. We've added new projects which will spark the imagination of builders, makers, and tinkerers of all ages.
Learn MoreMeat Goats
The 4-H Meat Goat project is crafted for members who are interested in learning more about raising meat goats.
Learn MorePlants & Soils
Soil gives us life and food. Find out about soil, bugs, and water and how they affect plants.
Learn MorePublic Speaking
Develop and strengthen your ability and confidence to speak in front of people!
Learn MoreRobotics
Robots are amazing machines which do surgery, build cars, and assist us with our lives.
Learn MoreShooting Sports (4 projects)
This project covers firearm safety and teaches responsible handling and use.
Learn MoreShopping in Style
How do you select clothing that enhances your body type, skin tone, and personal style?
Learn MoreSmall Engines
Take it apart and see how it works as you learn engine parts, tools of the trade, and what makes small engines work.
Learn MoreSmall Pets
Learn about a variety of small pets, such as birds, guinea pigs, iguanas, snakes or frogs.
Learn MoreSportfishing
In this project area you will learn about conservation, fish habitat and the fundamentals of catching common freshwater fish.
Learn MoreSwine
It's a stinky job, but you'll have fun caring for pigs and providing a safe source of food for the world.
Learn MoreTheatre Arts
Theatre Arts lets you be whomever you want to be ... acting, make-up, sets, puppets.
Learn MoreTractor
Tractors help power Illinois agriculture. Learn about safe handling, maintenance, and operation.
Learn MoreUnmanned Aerial Vehicles/Systems: Drones
Discover the exciting world of Drones using the Quads Away Curriculum and other multimedia resources.
Learn MoreVideo
The video project exposes youth to filmmaking, digital storytelling, and videography through workshop modules that assist youth with making their own films.
Learn MoreVisual Arts (11 projects)
Do you want to express yourself, be creative, or make an impression? Visual Arts is for you!
Learn MoreWeather
Weather affects our everyday life, from what to wear to be comfortable that day to providing water for plants and animals.
Learn MoreWildlife
Exploring, fishing, wildlife and more! If you like being outdoors, this project area is for you. Do you want to make the earth a better place to live?
Learn MoreWoodworking
Start with a piece of wood and end up with a handcrafted piece of art, household item, or item for sale.
Learn More