USDA NIFA’s Division of Youth and 4-H is home to the 4-H National Headquarters.
4-H National Headquarters (4-H HQ) helps strengthen and promote youth development by working with Extension and other partners to support research, education and program development that provides the tools young people need to develop as leaders, become responsible citizens and grow as agents of positive community change. By promoting high-quality youth leadership development, 4-H HQ helps youths meet the challenges of today’s world and prepare to lead tomorrow.
4-H HQ provides leadership and administration at the National level as well as ensuring that the 4-H program adheres to all Federal regulations. Additionally, it develops collaborations within USDA, other Federal partners, Land-grant Universities (LGUs), and community partners, including National 4-H Council, to support 4-H across the country.
The 4-H program is designed to engage youth in intentional, experiential, and inquiry-based learning. To achieve this, 4-H HQ focuses on three key objectives: access and opportunity, learning, and program quality and accountability.
Access and Opportunity
While 4-H is free to join and offered in a variety of formats, 4-H HQ is committed to developing strategies to expand young people’s ability to find and participate in a 4-H program that meets their interests and provides them with opportunities to build responsibility, community awareness, and character development.
Learning
NIFA professionals at 4-H HQ lead, inform, and educate 4-H and other LGU professionals about learning principles, resources, methods, and delivery techniques that they can incorporate into their 4-H programs.
Program Quality and Accountability
Both program quality and accountability comprise the final key objective of 4-H HQ. NIFA professionals identify best practices, establish standards, and provide resources for 4-H. Additionally, they collaborate with Extension to help implement these practices and standards in state 4-H programs.
Access and Opportunity are critically important objectives of the 4-H Program. These objectives ensure all youths have the opportunity to participate in the 4-H program.
Learning is at the heart of 4-H. Discover how National 4-H Headquarters supports all facets of learning within 4-H.
To Make The Best Better! 4-H Headquarters establishes standards of excellence for 4-H and youth programs through Program Quality and Accountability (PQA) efforts. These efforts support the development of resources and best practices for 4-H and youth development programs.