USDA NIFA is building the next generation of leaders through 4-H. Housed at NIFA, 4-H serves as a model both nationally and globally for youth development programs.
For more than 120 years, 4-H, USDA’s youth development outreach program, has been delivered by the Land-grant University System’s Cooperative Extension Service nationwide. Today, millions of young people across the country participate in 4-H through a variety of projects ranging from showing livestock and vegetable gardening to building robots and flying drones. Youths participate in events and activities through clubs, in school-based and after-school programs, and as individual members.
As an organization, 4-H supports active learning where young people gain knowledge, understanding, skills, and new habits through hands-on experiences. Learning is progressive, with experiences building on each other over time. For its participants, 4-H connects them to a larger world and provides opportunities for them to use what they have learned to improve their own lives, their families’ lives and their communities.
4-H's Mission
The core mission of 4-H is to guide young people in leadership development, career and life skills, and civic engagement grounded in agriculture and natural resources. 4-H also supports programs related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as well as healthy living. USDA NIFA is committed to providing strong guidance to ensure that 4-H delivers on its mission.
4-H’s Organizational Structure
The 4-H organization rests on a unique structure that brings together federal, state, local and private partners. Funding for 4-H is provided at the Federal level by USDA NIFA as well as funding support from State and Local Governments. Other Federal agencies may provide funding to support certain specific 4-H programs. Finally, private partners including the National 4-H Council, state and local 4-H foundations and other organizations may provide funding support as well.
National 4-H Headquarters
As 4-H National Headquarters, NIFA is responsible for the organization and administration of 4-H at the National level. NIFA promotes youth development by working with Extension and partners to help young people to develop as leaders.
Learn about 4-H Headquarters4-H Fosters Curiosity
Youths ask questions and investigate the answers. Learning experiences are fun, explore youth interests, and build upon their prior knowledge.
4-H Nurtures Growth
Young people develop a growth mindset, approaching challenges with the intent to learn and the belief that they can develop deeper understanding and strengthen skills. 4-H is a safe space to not know all the answers, to fail, and to learn from failure.
4-H Encourages Action
Real-world issues and challenges drive learning activities. Young people can demonstrate their learning through a public product, portfolio or action. They can apply their new understanding to new situations and to community service and action through progressive learning opportunities. Through 4-H, young people build their skills as change agents.
4-H National Conference
Known as “the Secretary’s Conference,” the National 4-H Conference is USDA’s flagship youth development opportunity. Since 1927, National Conference has brought together hundreds of 4-H'ers to the nation’s capital.
The National 4-H Conference brings together young people, volunteer leaders, county and state Extension staff, Land-grant University faculty and administrators, as well as state and federal government officials from across the United States and its territories. During the Conference, youth delegates become familiar with the government and future career opportunities and share their voice with federal agencies and congressional committees.
The 4-H name, emblem and pledge are core elements of the 4-H identity and brand.
