About 4-H

4-H began over 100 years ago, and has since grown into the largest youth development program in the nation. 4-H prepares young people to be leaders in their community and around the world through hands-on experiences ​alongside their peers and caring adults. Backed by a network of more than 6 million youth, 540,000 adult volunteers, 3,500 professionals, and more than 60 million alumni; 4-H delivers research-based programming around positive youth development. 4-H is delivered through America's 109 land-grant universities and the Cooperative Extension Service—reaching every corner of our nation. In Indiana, 4-H can be found in all 92 counties as delivered through Purdue Extension. Community clubs, afterschool programs, school enrichment, camps/workshops, and special programs are all ways youth across Indiana can be involved with the 4-H program.

​Indiana 4-H Mission: 

The Indiana 4-H Youth Development mission is to provide real-life educational opportunities that develop young people who will have a positive impact in their communities and the world. 

Indiana 4-H Vision: 

Indiana 4-H Youth Development s​trives to be the premier, community-based program empowering young people to reach their full potential.

"I love helping the kids g​et the full benefits from the 4-H program. 4-H has influenced my life in so many ways including watching the children grow in their understanding of their role in the community and their role as an individual and friend. It also helps remind myself of the responsibility I carry as an individual even as an adult."

- Indiana 4-H Volunteer

Who Can Join?

Youth Members and adult volunteers

4-H can be found in all different types of communities including urban neighborhoods, suburban schoolyards, and rural communities. 4-H is open to all youth in grades 3-12 (Mini 4-H is offered to grades K-2 in most counties) without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, or disability. 4-H is for everyone!

4-H relies heavily on responsible adult volunteers in order to provide a positive experience for our youth. All volunteers must undergo a background check in order to be involved in our program. Volunteer positions vary, depending on what is needed in each particular county. Some of our volunteers provide leadership for local 4-H clubs, while others contribute their expertise on a given topic.

Join 4-H Today

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