4-H & Youth

About Polk County 4-H

The Polk County 4-H Youth Development Program provides opportunities for youth to develop skills that they can use now and throughout their lives. At Polk County 4-H we value:
•    Youth as powerful members of society
•    Youth and adults as caring partners
•    Learning as a lifelong commitment
•    Diversity and social conscience
•    Doing our best and making it better

Vision: Preparing Iowa’s youth to be successful, contributing members of society.

Mission: 4-H empowers youth to reach their full potential through youth-adult partnerships and research-based experiences.

The 4-H program’s vision, mission, and values emphasize the importance of youth and adults working as partners to improve the group experience as well. A positive youth-adult partnership ensures that the essential elements - belonging, independence, mastery and generosity - are being practiced in 4-H programming. Learn more about how to join-4-H, become a volunteer, or schedule 4-H programming at your community organization through the links below.

Iowa 4-H Youth Development

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.