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History of 4-H

Since 4‑H began more than 100 years ago, it has become the nation’s largest youth development organization. The 4‑H idea is simple: help young people and their families gain the skills needed to be proactive forces in their communities and develop ideas for a more innovative economy.

Late 1800’s: Making Connections

In the late 1800’s, researchers discovered adults in the farming community did not readily accept new agricultural developments on university campuses, but found that young people were open to new thinking and would experiment with new ideas and share their experiences with adults. In this way, rural youth programs introduced new agriculture technology to communities.

The idea of practical and “hands-on” learning came from the desire to connect public school education to country life. Building community clubs to help solve agricultural challenges was a first step toward youth learning more about the industries in their community.

1902: Youth Clubs are Formed

A. B. Graham started a youth program in Clark County, Ohio, in 1902, which is considered the birth of 4‑H in the United States. The first club was called “The Tomato Club” or the “Corn Growing Club”. T.A. Erickson of Douglas County, Minnesota, started local agricultural after-school clubs and fairs that same year. Jessie Field Shambaugh developed the clover pin with an H on each leaf in 1910, and by 1912 they were called 4‑H clubs.

4‑H Today

Today, 4‑H serves youth in rural, urban, and suburban communities in every state across the nation. 4‑H’ers are tackling the nation’s top issues, from global food security, climate change and sustainable energy to childhood obesity and food safety. 4‑H out-of-school programming, in-school enrichment programs, clubs and camps also offer a wide variety of STEM opportunities – from agricultural and animal sciences to rocketry, robotics, environmental protection and computer science – to improve the nation’s ability to compete in key scientific fields and take on the leading challenges of the 21st century.

4‑H is a Community for all Kids

In 4‑H, we believe in the power of young people. We see that every child has valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world around us.

What is 4‑H?

4‑H is delivered by Cooperative Extension—a community of more than 100 public universities across the nation that provides experiences where young people learn by doing. For more than 100 years, 4‑H has welcomed young people of all beliefs and backgrounds, giving kids a voice to express who they are and how they make their lives and communities better.

Through life-changing 4‑H programs, nearly six million kids and teens have taken on critical societal issues, such as addressing community health inequities, engaging in civil discourse and advocating for equity and inclusion for all.

We Believe In:

• All young people’s potential;

• Developing young people who are empowered, confident, hard-working, determined, responsible and compassionate—seeing a world beyond themselves so that they have the life-long skills to succeed in college and career,

• Ensuring access and equity for all,

• The power of America’s leading public universities,

• The practice of positive youth development (PYD)* by creating positive learning experiences,

• Caring and trusted adult mentors who cultivate positive relationships with youth,

• Creating safe, diverse and inclusive environments, and

meeting young people wherever they are.

Montana4h.org

Who can join?

Both children and adults can participate in 4-H through different roles.

Montana 4-H membership is based on a child’s age as of October 1 of the current project year.

Eligibility for Cloverbuds begins when a child is 5 years old on or before October 1 of the current project year.

Eligibility for 4-H projects and competitive events begins when a child is age 8 on or before October 1 of the current project year.

Youth who are 8 years old on or before October 1 may join 4-H as a 4-H member and enroll in project(s) listed in the 4-H Clover except for Shooting Sports and some horse projects. To enroll in Shooting Sports, youth must be 10 on or before October 1. The Colt to Maturity and Green Horse projects require that youth be 11 on or before October 1 and meet other project requirements as stated in the project manual. Other project specific exceptions may occur. Therefore, families are encouraged to read project descriptions in the 4-H Clover Project Guide.

4-H enrollment is completed through the member’s primary county of residence. Youth are encouraged to enroll with the extension office in their home county.

Youth who are 19 years old on or before October 1 are ineligible to re-enroll in 4-H unless still in high school.

Working with youth in the Montana Extension 4-H youth development program is a privilege and an honor. Volunteers and Extension staff are expected to be positive role models. At the same time, youth are expected to abide by established rules of conduct for 4-H events, activities, and general membership. The youth “Code of Conduct” outlines specific expectations for participation, as viewed in ZSuite upon enrollment.