What is 4-H?
4-H is a youth development organization that was established in rural America over 120 years ago. In its infancy, 4-H focused on connecting youth in small communities, where they would work together to develop educational, practical, hands-on skills. These small clubs and communities mainly revolved around agriculture, animals, horticulture, and family and consumer science. In the early twentieth century, 4-H and the land-grant universities (LGUs) became synonymous through extension after the universities partnered with the USDA under the Smith-Lever Act in 1914.
Over the years, 4-H has expanded its reach into urban areas after the 1960s. 4-H continued to grow in other states, nationally, and even internationally. Now, 4-H is America’s largest youth development organization—empowering nearly six million young people in rural and urban areas to explore leadership, civic engagement, STEM, agriculture, arts, and more.
4-H creates opportunities for young people (ages 5-18) to build positive relationships and develop the skills needed to become responsible, productive citizens through a hands-on learning approach. It is an amazing organization dedicated to making the best better.
How does 4-H fit into Mecklenburg County?
4-H is a great resource and a safe space for youth, families, and other organizations to utilize and explore all it has to offer. With a research-based, university-backed curriculum and agents, 4-H invites youth from all backgrounds to take action through empowered, hands-on learning, innovative programs, and opportunities at the county, regional, state, and national levels.
The Mecklenburg County 4-H program is gradually growing and seeking more youth, families, and partnering organizations to engage with throughout the county. These efforts include hosting more consistent monthly workshops, starting new clubs, expanding clubs, and organizing countywide, regional, state, and even national events and conferences.
Ways to get involved in 4-H
Youth ages 5 to 18 can enroll as 4-H members, which includes independent at-large membership or joining or starting a 4-H club with other youth and adult volunteers. There is no enrollment fee, and you can complete enrollment online through 4-H Online.
Adults over 19 can enroll as 4-H volunteers; adults over 21 can enroll as club leaders or level 1 volunteers. There is also no enrollment fee for registering as a volunteer or club leader. To see the requirements and differences between volunteer types, please visit our 4-H volunteer page to learn more about how to get involved.
If you are part of another organization, school, or site interested in partnering with or hosting 4-H events, activities, and clubs, please contact your local 4-H Agent and visit our Partner with 4-H page.
Contact Us
4-H is here to help youth and families thrive, make community connections, and grow personally and professionally. Please connect with us to see how we can best serve the youth in our community.