Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)

Since its beginnings, 4-H has emphasized the importance of science, technology, engineering and math to improve everyday life.  The history of 4-H is rooted in the concept of bringing new science and technology to the citizens by involving and engaging youth. As the youth development program of the Cooperative Extension system, 4-H is uniquely able to utilize the resources of the 106 land grant colleges and universities to prepare the next generation of scientists, engineers and techonology experts.

Through a wide variety of projects, young people can enhance their understanding of science and apply technology and engineering innovations to a wide variety of applications. From animal science, plant science, robotics, aeronautics, GPS, and water quality—there are many ways for youth to apply the latest knowledge to real world issues.

Healthy Living

The 4-H youth development program that has a long history of promoting healthy living among youth and their families. The 4-H Healthy Living Mission Mandate engages youth and families through access and opportunities to achieve optimal physical, social, and emotional well-being.   As the official youth development program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 4-H has a historic commitment to nutrition and healthy lifestyles since 1902.  After all, one of the four H's is Health!  Through this priority area, 4-H provides youth and families with the access and opportunities to achieve optimal physical, social and emotional well-being.  Nutrition, physical activity, wise choices and other strategies all contribute to healthy living.  As concerns about obesity and lack of physical activity grow, 4-H has selected this area as a way to bring increased focus on ways to improve human health and well-being.

Citizenship and Leadership

For more than 105 years, 4-H members have actively engaged in addressing many of these and other challenges. However, now is the time for the 4-H Youth Development program to renew its commitment to citizenship as an integral and important component of the organization to ensure a lifetime of contribution as youth enter adulthood. From the 4-H Citizenship Ceremony at National 4-H Conference to the Citizenship Improvement Study to international exchanges to the formal establishment of the 4-H Citizenship Mission Mandate, citizenship has played an important role in shaping the 4-H Youth Development program. More recently, through the 4-H National Headquarters Programs of Distinction, individual programs have been identified that demonstrate excellence in citizenship.

Connecting Youth with the Outdoors

4-H has a strong tradition of connecting youth with the natural world— resident and day camps, wildlife education, water conservation, outdoor adventure, forestry, fishing, ATV safety, shooting sports, and many other projects that teach young people about our natural world. While the previous programs have been successful, new strategies and approaches must be developed that will appeal to today's and future generations of young people that are creative, innovative, and interactive. 4-H is putting increased priority on connecting youth with the outdoors through several new initiatives.