UConn 4-H is preparing youth to be Beyond Ready
UConn 4-H is the youth development program of UConn Extension. As part of the University of Connecticut, 4-H has access to research-based, age-appropriate information needed to help youth reach their full potential. The mission of 4-H is to assist all youth ages 5-18 in acquiring knowledge, developing leadership and life skills while forming attitudes that will enable them to become self-directing, productive and contributing members of their families and communities.
4-H started in 1902 and we've been offering programs in Connecticut for over 120 years. Our 4-H alumni are found around the world, leading organizations in the boardroom, proficiently managing agricultural operations, and as civil servants in our local and state government.
UConn 4-H uses the thriving model in our Extension youth development programs, and these align with all of the strategic initiatives in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources. These include climate adaptation and resilience; promoting diversity, equity and inclusion; enhancing health and well-being; ensuring sustainable agriculture and food systems; and fostering sustainable landscapes at the urban-rural interface.
USDA
The legislation establishing the land-grant system, the Department of Agriculture, and the subsequent legislation establishing the Cooperative Extension Service, have proven to be some of the most significant legislation passed in improving the quality of life in the United States. The Smith-Lever Act of 1914 created the federal-state-local partnership between USDA, the Cooperative Extension Service, the land-grant university system and local governments. The Smith-Lever Act also nationalized 4-H youth development programs and by 1924, 4-H clubs were formed across the country and the 4-H Name and Emblem was adopted.
The 4-H Name & Emblem are intended to represent the ideals of the program with its focus on Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. Today, it is one of the best-known and most valued images emblematic of more than a century of 4-H achievement. As a federal mark, the 4-H Name and Emblem are protected by 18 USC 707. The United States Congress has legislated responsibility for the proper management of the 4-H Name and Emblem to the Secretary of Agriculture. The Secretary of Agriculture has delegated that authority to the Division of Youth & 4-H within NIFA . The Division of Youth & 4-H houses the 4-H National Headquarters, which provides programmatic leadership to the 4-H youth development program at the federal level.
NIFA
4-H National Headquarters provides national program leadership to identify, develop and manage high quality youth development programs, through the extension land-grant system for 4-H. NIFA provides federal funding to the system and, through program leadership, helps Cooperative Extension System and land-grant universities take research-based knowledge and expertise to identify and address current issues/problems facing youth in rural, suburban and urban communities.
Cooperative Extension System
The Cooperative Extension System is a nationwide, non-credit educational network. Each U.S. state and territory has a state office at its land-grant university and a network of local or regional offices. Youth development educators use cutting-edge research to support volunteers and communities in providing youth with rich, educational, hands-on learning programs and activities. 4-H programs are implemented and managed directly by the state and local Cooperative Extension offices of the 114 land-grant colleges and universities across the country.
National 4-H Council
National 4-H Council is the private sector, non-profit partner of 4-H at all levels - national, state and local. Established in 1976 through the merger of the National 4-H Foundation and the National 4-H Service Committee, National 4-H Council works to build stronger 4-H programs through national fundraising support, marketing and brand management. National 4-H Council also oversees the operation of the National 4-H Youth Conference Center and the National 4-H Supply Service, the authorized agent for promotional items bearing the 4-H Name and Emblem.