The power of 4-H
Every day, young people in every corner of Minnesota discover their spark through 4-H.
What 4-H is
4-H is a hands-on learning program for youth in grades kindergarten through one year post-high school. Youth choose a project that’s interesting to them and explore it with peers and caring adults.
Our reach across Minnesota
As the state’s largest youth development organization, 4-H reached 58,000 young people in 2025. With staff and volunteer support, we are building stronger communities in all 87 counties of the state.
Growing into new communities
Minnesota youth stay in 4-H for an average of seven years — twice the national average — because they find something irreplaceable here. Two-thirds are first-generation 4-H'ers, meaning we're welcoming families who've never experienced 4‑H before.
What 4-H'ers do
Today's 4-H programs are strong, responsive to changing times and inspired by students’ interests. Youth engage in:
- STEM and agricultural education
- Entrepreneurship and leadership development
- Performing arts, public speaking and communication
- Food science, nutrition and culinary arts
- Media production and technology
- Outdoor exploration and safety education
- Community service and civic engagement
Projects and purpose
4-H provides project-based learning opportunities. From animal science to creative arts, there's something for everyone.
A 4-H'er chooses something that interests them and dives in to explore and learn more, taking their project learning beyond the Minnesota State Fair.
4-H's lasting impact
When asked about 4-H, people often mention fair ribbons or alumni speak of cherished memories. But 4-H's true power lies in the transformative relationships that shape young lives.
More than a program, 4-H is a journey that builds character, confidence, and community — inspiring youth to discover not just what they can do, but who they can become. The impact is profound and measurable.
Compared to their peers, 4-H'ers are:
2x more likely to aspire to leadership roles
3x more likely to engage in community service
2x more likely to report living with purpose
Tufts University longitudinal study of Positive Youth Development, 2021
This is the essence of 4-H: self-directed discovery supported by caring mentors. Young people choose their paths, set their goals and learn to overcome obstacles.
Read the 2025 Minnesota 4-H impact report to learn more about what's happening within the University of Minnesota Extension Department of Youth Development and Minnesota 4-H.
4-H paved the way
Aidan Oldenburg, environmental scientist and U.S. Olympian | Blue Earth County 4‑H
"The opportunity to perform in front of people in 4-H helps you get comfortable with it. The only way to learn how to focus under pressure is to practice putting yourself under pressure."
Learn more about 4-H's impact on Aidan Oldenburg.
Alise Sjostrom, president at Redhead Creamery LLC | Stearns County 4‑H
"Many times in my 4-H dairy project years, I had a good animal that just refused to cooperate when it came time for the show. Those experiences helped me get tougher. My mom taught me it's not about the show, but to learn something."
Learn more about 4-H's impact on Alise Sjostrom.
Moriah Flanagan, senior microbiologist at SDSU | Rock County 4‑H
"Every year in the goat quiz bowl, there was a question about what bacteria causes caseous lymphadenitis. Now, I get goat abscess swabs in my lab and identify Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. That's such a full-circle moment for me."
Learn more about 4-H's impact on Moriah Flanagan.
Lanette Shaffer Werner, chief innovation, technology & quality officer at General Mills | Isanti County 4‑H
"When I was in 4-H advanced foods and nutrition, I did a project on the impact of food on brain biochemistry — my first foray into food science."
Kimberlee Bell, U.S. foreign service officer for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) | Scott County 4‑H
"My experience as a Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador gave me so much confidence. It really led to everything that happened in my life thereafter."
Learn more about 4-H's impact on Kimberlee Bell.
Kara Weeks, film costuming
"I can safely say I wouldn't be doing what I do without Arts-In," says Kara Weeks, whose sewing skills led her to a 20-year career in costume and wardrobe across Georgia, Boston, Seattle and Atlanta. Her credits include Hidden Figures, Stranger Things, The Walking Dead and more.
"I wouldn't be working in film in Atlanta without my long friendship with Vern Malone, who was also in costumes during my first year in Arts-In."
Antonio Becker, National 4-H Youth In Action Award winner | Morrison County 4‑H
"In 4-H, I found my passion for poultry — now I'm studying poultry production in college. 4-H is inclusive for all youth, no matter their interest.”
Learn more about 4-H's impact on Antonio Becker.