Welcome to 4-H! 4-H is for all youth, no matter whether they live in cities, towns, rural areas; no matter what their race, religion, gender, or disability. It's part of the University of Illinois, so programs are based on University research about youth and learning.

4-H Today is for parents as well as youth. In many homes the whole family participates in 4-H activities. Parents can be part of 4-H by sharing their skills and interests with youth,by becoming a volunteer 4-H leader.

The youth development education program of the University of Illinois' Extension, Rock Island County helps youth learn skills for living.

Youth development is the process by which young people grow mentally, physically, socially, and emotionally. The 4-H education program influences this growth and development by helping youth decide to act in ways that are socially acceptable and desirable. To make these decisions, youth need to learn skills for living that enhance their competency, coping, and contributory skills. The 4-H education program, based on university research, assists youth to learn by providing an informal learning structure through which they can establish learning goals, acquire knowledge, practice skills, develop new attitudes, and learn to apply these skills to new situations.

4-H youth development education program influences the growth and development of young people so they might become self-directing, productive, and contributing members of society, today and our future society.

4-H GOALS

• Allow youth and adults to work together to design programs that teach skills for living
• Enhance family relationships
• Provide exciting "learn-by-doing" opportunities for young people to learn about contemporary issues that are important to them
• Reach youth in their own neighborhoods, with delivery methods suited to their needs
• Influence youth public policy and engage youth in significant decision making
• Encourage children to set and attain their own goals
• Turn youth groups into "life skills laboratories" that help youth learn and practice skills they need now and will continue to need for the rest of their lives
• Treat youth as valued resources and involve them in planning, implementing, and evaluating their own programs
• Encourage groups of adult and youth volunteers to take on a variety of community roles based on skills and knowledge they have to offer.