What is 4-H?

In 4-H, young people across America learn leadership, citizenship and other life skills to help them reach their full potential, all under the guidance of caring adults. In Ohio 4-H, offered through Ohio State University Extension, children can join clubs, participate in school and after-school activities, and go to camp. ohio4h.org

To find an Ohio 4-H club in your county, contact your local OSU Extension county office. Cloverbud eligibility begins when a child is enrolled in kindergarten and is 5 years old as of Jan. 1 of the current year. Cloverbud participation ends when a child is eligible for competitive events, 4-H projects and other older youth activities, which is age 8 and in third grade as of Jan. 1 of the current year. A youth’s 4-H eligibility ends Dec. 31 the year he or she turns 19. ohio4h.org/about/join-4-h

Members practice hands-on learning based on science. Projects range from robotics and cooking to livestock management and photography. Through project work, 4-H members learn important life skills. ohio4h.org/about

Because of the skills learned in 4-H, members are 1.9 times more likely to get better grades, four times more likely to give back to their communities, two times more likely to make healthier choices, and two times more likely to participate in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) activities. 4-h.org/parents/benefits

Ava Lonneman, a 4-H member from Suffield, Ohio, earned a national award for introducing STEM concepts in a fun way to students in her area. cfaes.osu.edu/news/articles/ohio-4-h-member-wins-national-award-for-stem-work