4-H Youth Programs

The mission of the 4-H Team is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where every young person feels valued and has equal access to opportunities for learning and personal development.

In 4-H, you get to decide what topics and projects interest you most. You make 4-H what you want it to be. Work on many projects or focus on one or two. Choose what events sound fun to you, and do them. In 4-H, you have an important role in making your community a better place to live, but you don’t have to do it alone. As a club, you’ll figure out what’s needed most in your neighborhood and find ways to help.

In 4-H, you’re part of a family working together. At club meetings, you’ll learn how to get along with others as you build your skills and help your community. In 4-H, you’ll meet adults who care about you and want to help you succeed. 4-H matches you with mentors who will coach you in areas like problem-solving, communicating, and teamwork. 4-H introduces you to potential careers and then gives you the training to get the career you want.In 4-H, you get to decide what topics and projects interest you most. You make 4-H what you want it to be. Work on many projects or focus on one or two. Choose what events sound fun to you, and do them. In 4-H, you have an important role in making your community a better place to live, but you don’t have to do it alone. As a club, you’ll figure out what’s needed most in your neighborhood and find ways to help

The University of Illinois Extension provides educators who are committed to creating hands-on learning experiences for students. If you would like to request a 4-H program at your site, please complete the form indicating your program preferences and preferred dates. Please remember that each group must have a minimum of five participants.

Due to the high volume of requests we receive, we kindly ask that you submit your requests at least six weeks in advance to facilitate effective scheduling for our staff and volunteers.

      To better accommodate groups, we may limit each organization to two programs per calendar year.
       PLEASE NOTE: April-July dates are very popular; therefore, please try to book months in advance.   

As a 4-H volunteer, you can share your skills and experience to help transform a new generation of confident, young leaders. This is your chance to make a change, to be the spark that inspires a generation. Do you have a passion, skill, or talent that you would like to share with young people? You can make a difference in the lives of young people by teaching them skills that they can use the rest of their lives.

Illinois 4-H volunteers are empowering and preparing youth for success as 4-H members provide service to others and their community. Today’s 4-H youth are engaged in learning activities as they are practicing skills employers want; growing and distributing food to communities in need; stewarding the natural resources; making a difference in local, state, national, and global issues; and influencing positive choices for healthy living. None of that would be possible without our volunteers.