Every summer, the 4-H Building comes alive
In the 4-H Building, you can find:
- Young people carrying projects built in barns, basements and backyards
- Volunteers guiding youth members through judging
- Parents watching with pride
But a space that once symbolized possibility now shows its age. Crowded corners hide remarkable 4-H projects, and exhibit halls built for another era limit what today’s youth can create and showcase.
What hasn’t changed is the spark that fills the air, that drive of young people ready to learn, lead and belong.
4-H provides project-based learning opportunities. From animal science to creative arts, there's something for everyone.
The 4-H Building is a space where youth can take their project learning beyond and into the future.
4-H starts with projects, but it doesn’t end there
From robotics to an engineering career
A 4-H’er builds a robot, then programs sensors alongside an engineer, then learns how to explain their process to an expert judge. She realizes: I could design these, study this — or this could even become my career.
From sewing to finding their voice
A 4-H’er sews a suit, then models it with confidence on a stage with great lighting in front of a crowd. He discusses fashion with a designer, then understands: I can create things that matter. I have a voice.
From raising a lamb to agriculture technology exploration
A 4-H’er raises a lamb, learning responsibility — along with studying feed efficiency data with an agricultural scientist. Then explores precision agriculture technology, and sees: Agriculture is full of innovation. This could be my future.
From rat rod trucks to welding career
Sidney Leonard watched her brothers and cousins build “rat rods” in their garage. She decided to try it, learning to weld alongside her dad, a 4-H alum.
She built her own rat rod truck for the Minnesota State Fair, where she earned the 4-H Award of Excellence.
That project sparked a career path. Using scholarships and money she earned from her state fair poultry project, Sidney attended the Missouri Welding Institute and graduated in February 2025.
Now at just 19, she’s a traveling professional pipe welder who has already worked in six states.
Positive peer influence deepens learning
In 4-H, youth see their peers fully engaged in their own learning.
When a teen watches another teen completely absorbed in perfecting a recipe, learning about lake water quality or rehearsing a performance, something clicks: It’s okay to be passionate. I’m not the only one who cares.
Here, curiosity accelerates
Within the walls of the 4-H Building, and beyond, youth find a sense of belonging in a community that motivates them to research, create, engage and share their expanding skills and knowledge.
Youth dive deep into what they choose, at their own pace, surrounded by peers who share their spark and mentors who fan the flame.
The transformative power of project learning
Transformation happens when youth have access to:
- 4-H volunteers who connect projects to possibilities
- Spaces that signal high expectations
- Experiences that build confidence
- Connections with passionate peers
- Technology that enables modern learning
Together, these elements help youth discover their potential and confidently grow into it.
Now is the moment to match their potential and give them a space with room to grow.