Iowa 4-H Youth Development is the premier youth development program of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Providing research-based education to K-12 youth, Iowa 4-H focuses on Healthy Living, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), Leadership and Civic Engagement, and Communication and the Arts. Iowa 4-H builds upon more than a century of experience in positive youth development partnering with youth to help them find their passion. For more information, please visit the Iowa 4-H website.
Many publications and resources related to 4-H are available in the Extension Store
What is 4-H?
4-H is the youth development outreach of the land grant universities, the Cooperative Extension System and USDA. It is made up of a community of young people across America who are learning life skills and are supported in this development process by caring adult leaders. 4-H'ers are actively involved in educational projects that are fun and that use quality curriculum incorporating the most current research and knowledge available through the land grant university system.
4-H youth:
- Have fun
- Meet new people
- Learn and do new things
- Gain life skills
- Build self-confidence
- Practice responsibility
- Set and achieve goals
- Receive recognition for their efforts and accomplishments
Clover Kids (K-3rd grades):
- Focus on doing
- Is non-competitive
- Teaches life skills for grades K-3rd
- Small groups
Traditional 4-H Clubs (4th-12th grades):
- Focus on goal setting and working toward goals
- Participants keep records of their progress toward goals
- Teaches life skills for grades 4th-12th
- Larger on-going groups
Upcoming Deadlines & Events
Mar 1 - Dairy Quiz Bowl, 7-9 pm, Extension Office
Mar 8 - Dairy Quiz Bowl, 7-9 pm, Extension Office
Mar 9 - 4-H Omelet Brunch Set-up, 9 am-noon, Dance Pavilion, Fairgrounds
Mar 10 - 4-H Omelet Brunch Fundraiser, 9 am to 1 pm, Dance Pavilion, Fairgrounds
Mar 14 - YDC Meeting, 7:30 pm, Extension Office
Mar 15 - Dairy Quiz Bowl, 7-9 pm, Extension Office
Mar 17 - '25 Citizenship Meeting, 1:30 pm, Extension Office
Mar 17-23 - Citizenship Trip to Washington DC
Mar 17 - Dairy Judging Workout, 7 pm, Fairgrounds
Mar 22 - Dairy Quiz Bowl, 7-9 pm, Extension Office
Mar 23 - Babysitting Basics/CPR/First Aid, 9 am-3 pm, NFVCC Youth Center, Elgin
Mar 25 - Leader Meeting, 7 pm, Extension Office
Mar 29 - Dairy Quiz Bowl, 7-9 pm, Extension Office
Mar 30 - Swine Weigh-in, 8-10 am, Fairgrounds