Welcome to 4-H Youth Development

Head, Heart, Hands, Health.  Growing Youth who Thrive.

4-H helps young people to reach their full potential as competent, confident, leaders of character who contribute and are connected to their communities.  4-H serves youth throughout California in urban, suburban and rural communities.

In 4-H, youth design and participate in their own programs and activities. This unique learn-by-doing model teaches essential skills that youth will use  throughout their lives, such as identifying sparks, desiring knowledge, setting goals, self-reflection, adapting to new situations, communicating, and responding to the needs of others.

Our Mission

The University of California 4-H Youth Development Program engages youth in reaching their fullest potential while advancing the field of youth development. 

Core Values

The University of California 4-H Youth Development Program provides a wide variety of enrichment activities with the ultimate goal of giving youth the skills they need to thrive and succeed throughout their lives. The focus of all 4-H programs is positive youth development through activities in science literacy, healthy living, and citizenship.  All 4-H programs are accessible and open to all youth.  For more information about 4-H Core Values, visit Chapter 1: Mission and Direction in the 4-H Youth Development Program.

Read more about the California 4-H Mission and Direction (2003).