State 4-H Office

Blog Posts

Whitetail buck in flight
Read article: Sparking youth to embrace the outdoor lifestyle: Connecting the dots
Sparking youth to embrace the outdoor lifestyle: Connecting the dots
Illinois 4-H, built on the powerful philosophy of “Learn by Doing,” is on a mission to rekindle young people’s connection to nature through hands-on...
Youth sitting and drawing on the sidewalk with chalk
Read article: Immersive ways to experience art this summer
Immersive ways to experience art this summer
This summer, don’t just look at art, experience it! Whether it’s walking through bustling art fairs, repurposing summer treasures, of creating art...
fawn in a weed patch.
Read article: Tough love in the wild: Lessons from the white-tail doe
Tough love in the wild: Lessons from the white-tail doe
Tough love is hard to give and even harder to receive. But for the white-tailed doe that gives birth to twin fawns each May in Illinois, discipline...
A leader plane leading other planes.
Read article: 10 Ways to Empower Teen Leaders in 4-H
10 Ways to Empower Teen Leaders in 4-H
Retaining teens in 4-H isn’t just about keeping them busy, it’s about giving them purpose, agency, and support. When we help young people take...

News Releases

before and after photos of Perry Harlow when he first started 4-H and now
Local youth are 'Beyond Ready' this National 4-H Week
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – This week, Oct. 5-11, local communities are celebrating National 4-H Week to bring awareness and recognition of 4-H youth across the country.  The 4-H program began as an afterschool opportunity to help young people build...
Ellis Rogers poses in a tree setting.
Illinois 4-H’er selected as runner up for national 4-H award
Dahinda, Ill. – National 4-H Council has named Ellis Rogers of Knox County a national runner up for the 2025 4-H Youth in Action Award. Rogers, 18, is recognized for her achievements and leadership in equine science. Ellis is a 10-year member of the Williamsfield Town and...
Top winners pose with banners.
Superior Young Dairy Producer Award marks 30 Years of scholarships
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The 2025 Superior Young Dairy Producer Award (SYDPA) program was held Aug. 16 at the Illinois State Fair. Twelve 4-H dairy project members from across Illinois competed in the event, which promotes youth development, career preparation, and personal growth through increased...

Staff