4-H Eligibility & Enrollment
4‑H is open to all youth between the ages 5 and 18, regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, political beliefs, and marital or family status as determined by the following eligibility age criteria.
4‑H age is determined by the age of a member at 11:59 p.m. on December 31 of the current 4‑H year (October 1 through September 30).
Cloverbuds - 4‑H age 5 to 7
Youth must be five years old on or before December 31 of the current 4‑H year to enroll. Youth in this age range may only enroll in the non-competitive Cloverbuds project in which they explore 4‑H through various small group learning experiences.
Juniors - 4‑H age 8 to 10
Youth in this age range may enroll in the projects, events, and activities open to junior members.
Intermediates - 4‑H age 11 to 13
Youth in this age range may enroll in the projects, events, and activities open to intermediate members.
Seniors - 4‑H age 14 to 18
Youth in this age range may enroll in the projects, events, and activities open to senior members. Youth cannot have passed their nineteenth birthday on December 31 of the current 4‑H year.
Participants with Special Needs/Disabilities
4‑H programs can be designed to consider the needs of participants with special needs/disabilities. Families should request accommodations by contacting their county-based 4-H youth development professional.
The 4‑H youth development professionals and volunteers will work with the families on a case-by-case basis to provide a positive youth development experience.
Enrollment Requirement
Youth participating in a series of 4‑H experiences must be enrolled in a 4‑H club in the 4‑H membership management system prior to participating. (Arizona 4‑H does not permit independent membership.)
Youth who are not enrolled may not participate in 4‑H competitions or any overnight activities including camps, conferences, etc.
Enrollment Period
4‑H Year: The Arizona 4‑H program year is October 1 through September 30.
New Member Enrollment*: New youth members may enroll in 4‑H at any time but ideally should enroll between October 1 and December 31.
Returning Member Enrollment*: Members who were enrolled in 4‑H the previous year should reenroll between October 1 and December 31.
Adult Engagement: Volunteers must be enrolled and active in the 4‑H membership management system in order to participate as a volunteer.
*Events, such as the county fair and certain project areas may have specific enrollment deadlines set by the county or external organizations that must be met for participation.