New York State 4-H Youth Development

New York State 4-H Youth Development is part of the 4-H youth development program of the nation’s Cooperative Extension System and the USDA. In this program, kids and teens complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture, and civic engagement in a positive environment where they receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles. Kids experience 4-H through in-school and after-school programs, school and community clubs, and 4-H camps, with enrollment in 4-H programs done through each county's Cooperative Extension Office.

• Schedule: Kids experience 4-H through in-school and after-school programs, school and community clubs, and 4-H camps

For more than 100 years, 4-H has welcomed young people of all beliefs and backgrounds. 4-H connects youth to hands-on learning opportunities that help them grow into competent, caring, contributing members of society. Through life-changing 4-H programs, nearly six million kids and teens nationwide, including nearly 170,000 young people in New York, take on critical issues such as addressing community health, engaging in civil discourse, and advocating for opportunity for all. 4-H is described as America’s largest youth development organization, empowering nearly six million young people with skills to lead for a lifetime. The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

Last updated May 29, 2026.