4-H Youth Development

"Head-Heart-Hands-Health"represents the four H's in the 4-H clover. Whether youth participate in clubs, family-science programs, or in other program settings, the 4-H Youth Development Program's mission and goals remain the same....to help youth develop to their full potential!

The 4-H Youth Development Program is the nonformal, or experiential, educational youth program, conducted by the University of California Cooperative Extension. The purpose of 4-H Youth Development is to help diverse young people discover and develop their potential and grow into competent, contributing, and caring citizens. Learn by doing activities, youth-adult partnerships, and research-based educational programs help young people enhance their leadership abilities and develop a wide range of other life skills. Four-H teaches and builds life skills including leadership, responsibility, community service, citizenship and critical thinking.

In San Luis Obispo County, approximately 1,500 youth are enrolled in local 4-H programs and nearly 400 adult volunteer leaders engage youth in varied learning experiences. There are approximately 30 4-H clubs in the county, covering almost all geographic areas.  If you're interested in joining 4-H, call the San Luis Obispo County 4-H Youth Development Program office at (805)781-5943.