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For more than 100 years, 4-H has empowered youth ages 9-19 to learn new skills, pursue their passions, and create a sense of belonging that will set them on the path to be skilled, engaged, and compassionate citizens and leaders. 4-H is an informal, practical, "learn-by-doing" educational program for youth that emphasizes experiential learning, community, healthy living, generosity and citizenship, and leadership.
With many clubs, projects, school and community programs, leadership conferences, and more, there is something for everyone in the Jackson County 4-H program!
What is 4-H?
With more than 6 million members, 4-H is the largest out-of-school youth program in the United States. 4-H empowers young people with hands-on learning experiences to help them grow and thrive. By creating a safe and welcoming environment, young people develop the skills needed to make a positive impact on the world around them.
4-H is a Community for Everyone
For more than 100 years, 4‑H has welcomed young people of all beliefs and backgrounds, giving kids a voice to express who they are and how they make their lives and communities better. Through life-changing 4‑H programs, nearly six million kids have taken on critical societal issues, such as addressing community health inequities, engaging in civil discourse and advocating for equity and inclusion for all.
Here in Jackson County, we serve over 500 youth members directly through club programming, and thousands more through outreach and school activities. Youth come from rural and urban areas; some from families who have been in 4-H for generations, while many are brand new to the program. We rely on hundreds of local volunteers, some of whom are family members of youth involved wanting to learn alongside their children, while others are community members who have skills they wish to pass on. 4-H is managed by Oregon State University Extension, which aims to provide community education and resources, and partners with many local organizations.
4-H'ers Make a Difference in Their Communities! Now more than ever, kids and teens are taking the lead to improve their communities and inspire generations of today and tomorrow.
4-H Alumni Share How 4-H Impacted Their Lives! Alumni go on to do great things, be it in politics, activism, the arts, science, or any number of ways. Hear their stories and connect.
4-H Focus Areas
Science and Inquiry
Science is interwoven into 4-H learning experiences through hands-on, inquiry-based opportunities that build knowledge, skills, and resources and apply them across multiple settings. Youth are encouraged to problem solve and to use critical thinking to develop innovative solutions to current and future problems.
Citizenship and Leadership
Citizenship is interwoven into learning experiences through opportunities to engage with the community through service and partnerships, club leader responsibilities, club democratic decision-making, state and national retreats and conferences, and mentoring with volunteers
The 4-H Impact
4-H is managed by land-grant universities (OSU in Oregon), which means our programs use groundbreaking, research-based strategies to engage youth. Decades of research proves that youth involved in 4-H are more likely to report:
- Healthy habits
- High self esteem & sense of belonging
- Better school performance
- Interest in science careers
- Participation in community service
- Leadership skills
- Cooperation & respect for diversity
Positive Youth Development
4-H is about more than just learning a new skill and earning a ribbon at fair: youth who participate in 4-H develop life-long abilities and self-awareness that prepare them to be self-motivated, responsible, empathetic, mentally and physically healthy, able to set and reach goals, and connected to their community and a greater purpose in life. 4-H programming is based on positive youth development approach that recognizes all youth have interests, abilities and strengths that can be enhanced by participation in 4-H programs. Research from Oregon State University suggests that participating in high quality 4-H programs helps youth thrive, and thriving youth achieve important developmental outcomes such as: academic motivation and success, social competence and high personal standards.
Learn more about 4-H Vision & Mission