What is 4-H?

4-H Youth Development is part of Kentucky Cooperative Extension. Kentucky 4-H believes in providing positive youth development experiences that allow all youth to experience belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity.  

The four H's represent the idea of Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. These are the values members work on through fun and engaging programs.

Head   Managing, Thinking

Heart   Relating, Caring

Hands   Giving, Working

Health   Being, Living

How does 4-H benefit youth?

4-H’ers, regardless of their background, socioeconomic status, race, or gender, benefit from their participation in Kentucky 4-H. Positive youth development studies have affirmed that compared to other youth, young people involved in 4-H are:

• Four times more likely to contribute to their communities. 

• Two times more likely to be civically active.

• Two times more likely to make healthier lifestyle choices.

• Two times more likely to participate in Science, Engineering, and Computer Technology programs during out-of-school time. 
• 4-H girls are two times more likely (Grade 10) and nearly three times more likely (Grade 12) to participate in science programs than girls in other out-of-school activities.