About Illinois 4-H: Looking to the Future

Photo of 4-H Rocket Project

Our Mission

To help youth learn skills for living.

Our Vision

To be a leader in maximizing community and university resources to help youth, adults, and families reach their fullest potentials.

We will:

  • allow youth and adults to work together in family and community environments to create real life learning laboratories that help youth practice skills they need today and will continue to need the rest of their lives
  • reach youth in their own neighborhoods and communities, with unique, hands on learning strategies suited to their needs
  • address current youth issues through positive prevention programs
  • value youth as resources by involving them in significant decision making and encouraging their participation in community roles
  • promote positive adult and youth mentor relationships

Our Values

Because we value youth and their families, we believe in:

Life-long learning

  • empowers people to voluntarily help themselves and others.
  • stimulates skill development for life long living.
  • builds leadership skills for betterment of self, family and community.
  • improves the quality of life today and for future generations.
  • focuses on individuals and relationships.

Research-based education

  • responds to youth needs.
  • maximizes community assets.
  • promotes collaborations and builds partnerships.
  • fosters individual and community ownership.
  • mobilizes skills and talents of volunteers.
  • teaches life skills through hands on experience.

Diversity

  • recognizes individual uniqueness.
  • encourages participation regardless of economic, social or familial background, cultural status, religion, age, ability or gender.
  • provides multiple perspectives.
  • identifies the importance of each family regardless of its composition.
  • creates a positive environment for program involvement for all.

4-H Mission Mandates

Illinois 4-H Curriculum focus on 4-H’s three primary mission mandates: science, engineering and technology; healthy living; and citizenship.

Science Engineering and Technology

For over 100 years, 4-H has engaged young people in cutting-edge science learning, including areas such as animal science, food science, welding, electricity, and plant/crop science. More recent project areas include aerospace, robotics, geospatial technologies, computer science, and multimedia. Recognizing that the United States is falling dangerously behind other nations in developing its future workforce of scientists, engineers, and technology experts, National 4-H has committed to address our nation’s critical challenge by preparing 1 million new young people to excel in science, engineering, and technology by 2013.

Healthy Living

A core belief of 4-H is Health, as evidenced by the four H's in the 4-H clover: Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. 4-H is committed to the physical, mental and emotional health of our nation's youth so they may lead healthy and productive lives into adulthood. 4-H has become a national leader in health-related educational issues including chemical health, mental and emotional health, foods and nutrition, physical health and safety.

Leadership and Citizenship

Since its inception, 4-H has placed emphasis on the importance of young people being engaged, well-informed citizens. By connecting to their communities and leaders, youth understand their role in civic affairs and are able to expand their role in decision-making processes. It's clear that civic engagement provides the foundation that helps youth understand the big picture of life and learn the skill sets that will allow them to become wise leaders for the 21st century.