Who We Are

Missouri 4-H is creating environments in which young people are valued, contributing members of their community.

4-H programs empower youth to reach their full potential while working and learning in partnership with caring adults. 

4-H is for ALL youth in both rural and urban settings. 

4-H is one of the largest youth organizations in the United States. 

4-H youth programming results in competent, capable, caring, contributing youth.

Facts about Missouri 4-H

• Mission Statement (PDF)
• History (PDF)
• Missouri 4-H Logic Model (PDF)
• Missouri 4-H Fact Sheet (PDF)
• Cost Benefit Analysis (PDF)

Missouri 4-H Today

• 105,463 youth between the ages of 5 and 18 participated in a 4-H education program in 2004
• 27,712 are members of a community 4-H club
• 51% were female, 49% male
• 12% were farm youth; the majority live in small towns, suburbs, and cities
• 15% were minority youths
• One out of every ten Missouri youth were touched by 4-H

Partners

• Nearly 11,000 teens and adults volunteer in Missouri; their devoted time was valued at $39.3 million in 2004
• In 2004, the Missouri 4-H Foundation raised $770,000 from private sources, member fees and investment income to support Missouri 4-H programs. The Foundation also provided 44 college scholarships, totaling more than $35,000

4-H Tomorrow
The synergy of effective past and present programs, dedicated volunteers, and spirited youth will only continue to enforce our vision of a world in which both youth and adults learn, grow, and work together as catalysts for positive change.

Program Highlights
4-H serves youth through a variety of methods including organized clubs, school-enrichment groups, special interest groups, individual study programs, camps, after school programs, and much more.

The following is just a sampling of the many programs that are available in Missouri.

Organized 4-H Clubs - Our traditional 4-H clubs are hands on group experiences for youth that focus on group participation, projects and leadership development.

Operation: Military Kids - A collaborative effort between Missouri 4-H, Missouri National Guard and other state government agencies, provides support to children and youth of families that are impacted by the Global War on Terrorism.

Youth Futures: College Within Reach Conference - Held on the University of Missouri and Lincoln University campuses, the conference helps 60 youth each year, with financial need, learn what they need to do to attend college, where to find financial and other resource assistance, and who to consult with for help regarding college.

Americorps*VISTA- a program that helps communities with entrepreneurship, including youth entrepreneurship and youth engagement.

Missouri Shooting Sports - One of the largest and fastest growing programs of Missouri 4-H.  Youth have fun as they learn proper use and safety of firearms.

For more, see State Programs, Events and Projects