Preparing Youth for Success

4-H is a non-formal educational, youth development program offered to individuals age 5 and in kindergarten to age 19. Ohio 4-H youth development reaches more than 240,000 youth each year – helping kids “learn by doing” through hands-on activities.

All 4-H programs focus on active involvement and quality experiences which stimulate lifelong learning of values and skills. 4-H members learn valuable lessons in leadership, communication and collaboration while increasing their knowledge in math, science, technology and a variety of other topics.

4-H creates fun while learning in a variety of ways. Kids can participate in 4-H through community clubs, camps, in-school and after-school activities, and summer programs. They increase their self-confidence and personal life skills while learning about specific subjects - anything from animals or computers to public speaking, cooking, art, gardening and environmental sciences!

In Mahoning County over 1,000 youth participate in 50 clubs, which are run by 200 trained and screened volunteers. Annually, club members choose which of the many Ohio 4-H projects they'll participate in. Projects offered each year are outlined in the Ohio 4-H Family Guide, which you can link to on the left side menu. Despite what many in the public believe, you do not have to live on a farm or raise animals to be a productive 4-Her. Many of our youth do not participate in any animal projects, and many of our youth members come from Youngstown and the surrounding suburbs, where you are unlikely to see a livestock animal!

You can also learn more about all OSU Extension 4-H youth development programs at http://ohio4h.org.

Special Needs Accommodations

Accommodations can be made for youth with disabilities through our Winning 4-H Plan. Visit https://ohio4h.org/about/join-4-h#winning-plan for more information and to download the request form.

Extension has been helping all Ohioans build better lives, better businesses and better communities since 1914.