Making A Difference For Life Through 4H

MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR LIFE THROUGH 4-H
Writer: Toby L. Lepley, t-lepley@tamu.edu, 979-845-1212
Contact: County Extension Offi ce
For more than 103 years, the 4-H Program of Texas has been engaging youth in acti viti es that help
develop skills for a lifeti me. These skills range from communicati on to community service and from goal
setti ng to leadership. Regardless of the skill learned, the benefi ts gathered from a young person parti cipati ng in
the 4-H Program is priceless.
The 4-H Program is nati onwide youth development program that has more than 6.5 million youth
involved in it annually. Administered in Texas by the AgriLife Extension Service of the Texas A&M System,
4-H serves youth in all 254 counti es in the state through a network of 250 County Extension Offi ces. 4-H is
managed jointly by both a professional and volunteer staff . Texas 4-H, the largest 4-H program in the country,
has more than 550,000 youth members and more than 35,000 volunteers working together to deliver the
more than 95 projects, opportuniti es, and events off ered annually through the program.
4-H is unique in that it off ers experiences to the most urban young person and youth in rural areas by
providing the opportunity to parti cipate in community 4-H clubs, learning experiences in school classrooms,
day and overnight camps, and other special interest opportuniti es. Texas 4-H also serves the sons and
daugthers of our military personnel through the 4-H Military Program located throughout the state, primarily
on military bases.
Youth members can parti cipate in a variety of projects in the areas of technology, human sciences,
animals and household pets, science and engineering, natural resources, and wildlife. Beyond the excitement
of learning something new through a project, youth have the opportunity to parti cipate in leadership
conferences, travel the world, become involved in their community through service, and meet new friends
in a safe and comfortable setti ng. A young person’s experiences in 4-H makes a diff erence for a lifeti me by
allowing them to grow and appreciate the importance of being a good citi zen, a strong leader, and a person of
character.
If you would like to learn more about 4-H, or have a family member join 4-H, contact your local County
Extension Offi ce or visit the Texas 4-H and Youth Development website at: htt p://texas4-h.tamu.edu.