4-H Youth Development

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 interest programs are all ways youth across Indiana can be involved with the 4-H program.

Find your local 4-H PROGRAM 

Contact Us

Purdue Extension 4-H Youth Development
in4h@purdue.edu
615 West State Street
West Lafayette, IN 47906
765.494.8435

4h member Cloee Kunstek at computer

Hackathon helping others

The hackathon required students ages 12 to 18 to study a problem and propose a real-world solution.

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4h member Madelyn Zimmerman in field with cattle

Indiana 4-H’er leads nationally

Madelyn Zimmerman is the 2021 4-H Youth in Action Pillar Award for Agriculture winner.

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From my experience in 4-H I have learned communication skills and how to work with many types of people. This has taught me a lot of self-confidence and brought me out of my shell. I've also been taught self-discipline and been able to manage time better to get things done in a timely fashion.

- Greene County 4-H Member

What is 4-H? How do I join?

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!

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Upcoming 4-H Events