4-H is the youth development program of Montana State University Extension.

4-H is the nation’s largest youth development program, reaching nearly 7 million youth, ages 5-19, across the country each year.

4-H is delivered in all 56 counties and 7 reservations across Montana.

4-H is Montana’s largest out of school program reaching over 16,000 youth annually.

4-H relies on over 3,000 certified and trained volunteers to work with youth as partners in learning. These volunteers donate thousands of hours to Montana 4-H each year.

Montana 4-H has over 200 different projects with research-based curriculum for youth to choose from. The “learn by doing” approach of these projects encourages youth to experiment, grow from failure, express their ideas and become leaders.

In 2020, 4-H youth participated in:

  • 17917 Animal Related Projects
  • 6504 Outdoor Education Projects
  • 4977 Foods and Nutrition Projects
  • 3875 Leadership Development Projects
  • 3544 Plant Science Projects
  • 1607 Technology and Engineering
  • And many more smaller category projects

Through a variety of different delivery methods, including organized 4-H clubs, afterschool programs and camps 4-H teaches leadership, life skills and citizenship.

4-H is the only national youth program connected with higher education institutions through the land-grant university. 4-H is a part of the Cooperative Extension System, a partnership of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, state land-grant universities, and local county governments.

4-H makes a positive impact

4-H’s learn by doing approach has proven results. The 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development, conducted by Tufts University, shows 4-H youth are:

  • Nearly 2X more likely to get better grades in school
  • Nearly 5X more likely to graduate from college
  • Are 2X more likely to make heathy choices and 41% LESS likely to engage in risky behavior
  • 4X more likely to positively contribute to their families and communities
  • Perform better in science, engineering, technology and applied math subjects
  • Are more interested in pursuing science careers

Today as it did over 100 years ago, 4-H emphasizes the traditional values that have been part of the program since its inception. 4-H projects support the personal growth and development of members through hands-on learning where they practice life skills like communicating effectively, getting along with others, responsibility, decision-making, record-keeping and financial management.

How does 4-H differ from other youth organizations? Although many groups offer educational and leadership opportunities, 4-H’s connection with the university system ensures that all curricula and teaching methods are the most up-to-date and based on the latest research.

4-H is also different from many other of today’s youth programs because it focuses on agriculture, science, engineering and technology, healthy living and citizenship through projects like raising animals, clothing and textiles, foods and nutrition, photography and international exchange programs.

4-H is for everyone 6 to 19 years of age—no matter where they live or what their interests might be. 4-H continues to appeal to youth in today’s world because the programs offered are what kids need to thrive in adulthood.

4-H alumni tell us that 4-H has a lasting impact on their lives providing them with many of the skills needed to be successful. Skills like public speaking, service to others and how to work as a member of a team.

When you enroll in 4-H as a member or leader, you become a part of MSU and the national land-grant university system. You can even continue your 4-H career and be a collegiate 4-H’er at MSU Bozeman and Billings.

 

Talk about your local 4-H program - Be ready to talk about the following things with people in your community. 

  • Visit about anything unique to your local program.
  • Use information that tells how many people are involved or served.
  • What projects are you involved in and why?
  • What have you learned from your experiences? What are the goals you have for your project? Have you achieved them, if not, what happened, what did you learn?
  • Are you involved in community service in your clubs and county? How is it making your community better? What have you learned from their experiences?
  • How has 4-H shaped your future goals?
  • Be 100% positive and describe what 4-H has done for you?
  • Do you have project information, like pictures and record book to share?

These questions are intended to be guidelines to start you thinking about what you have to share. There may be other specific topics you want to talk about and you are encouraged to do so.