4-H is the Cooperative Extension System’s dynamic, nonformal, educational program for today’s young people. The program partners the cooperative efforts of youth, volunteer leaders, state land-grant universities, state and local governments, 4-H Foundations, and the Cooperative State Research, Educational and Extension Service of the US Department of Agriculture. Nebraska 4-H is comprised of youth, ages 5-19, and adults. Adults are involved as volunteers working with youth as leaders or on committees and boards providing the framework for 4-H. More than 400 Extension staff across the state serve as primary contacts for the more than 135,000 youth and 20,000 volunteers.

All partners are working across the country to assist youth in developing knowledge, skills and attitudes that will enable them to become productive and contributing members of society. 4-H impacts youth from all ethnic, racial, and socio-economic backgrounds who live in rural, suburban, and urban communities.

4-H is one of the largest youth organizations in the United States with more than 7 million participants and more than 610,595 youth and adult volunteers working directly and indirectly with youth. Universally recognized by its four-leaf clover emblem, 4-H serves youth through a variety of methods including organized clubs, school-enrichment groups, special interest groups, individual study programs, camps, school-age child care programs, and instructional television programs. To date, more than 45 million people are 4-H alumni.

4-H has spread internationally through the International 4-H Youth Exchange (IFYE) program. This is an in-depth learning experience in which 4-H alumni and other young adults live with host families in other countries to increase global awareness, develop independent study interests, and improve language skills. Programs vary from country to country, with some emphasizing an agricultural work experience, volunteering at an adult training center, or working with a local youth development program similar to 4-H.