Welcome to 4-H Club Central
4-H Club Central provides a variety of resources for 4-H Club Leadership teams.
The 4-H program is the flagship youth development program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the land-grant University Extension Systems across the country. 4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization, empowering six million young people throughout the United States.
4-H serves as the model program for the practice of positive youth development by creating positive learning experiences; positive relationships for and between youth and adults; positive, safe environments; and opportunities for positive risk taking.
4-H National Headquarters is housed in the Division of Youth and 4-H at National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Additional support is provided to 4-H by National 4-H Council (a private, non-profit organization) and conducted through the land-grant university extension 4-H offices.
The 4-H program is delivered locally through clubs and groups. Clubs are the basic organizational unit of the program. There are many possible 4-H club program delivery structures. However, all 4-H club program delivery structures incorporate the four Essential Elements of Positive Youth Development .
NIFA recognizes four program delivery modes for the 4-H Club program:
Organized 4-H Community Club: Membership is open to all members of the community who meet the age requirements and club members meet as a group on a regular schedule under the direction of an adult volunteer with a planned program. Clubs typically have elected officers and a set of rules approved by membership to govern the club, or for very young groups, other developmentally appropriate structures and operating processes. Community clubs typically meet in the evenings or on weekends and offer self-chosen multiple learning experiences and activities.
Organized 4-H After School Club: Club members meet as a group on a regular schedule under the direction of an adult volunteer with a planned program. 4-H after-school clubs are organized within after-school programs administered by cooperative Extension staff or other organizations (i.e. other youth development organizations, housing authorities, faith-based groups).
Organized 4-H In-School Club: Club members meet as a group on a regular schedule under the direction of an adult volunteer with a planned program. In-school clubs meet during school hours and have officers and planned activities beyond school enrichment.
Organized Military 4-H Club: Club members meet as a group on a regular schedule under the direction of an adult volunteer with a planned program. Military 4-H clubs are organized by the armed forces, often on military installations, and are principally for military dependents.
