Shasta County 4-H

Shasta County 4-H has been around forever, or so it seems.  The University of California encouraged forming agricultural youth clubs in rural communities as early as 1912 & in 1928 the title 4-H began to appear in reports of their work.  

In Shasta County the 4-H program goes back to 1919, and today we have 17 clubs with 600+ members.  

4-H’ers across the nation are responding to challenges every day in their

communities and their world.

With networks reaching every corner of the country, 4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization.  More than 6 million 4-H youth in urban neighborhoods, suburban schoolyards & rural farming communities stand out among their peers: building revolutionary opportunities and implementing community-wide change at an early age.  

As the youth development program of the nation’s 109 land-grant universities and the Cooperative Extension System, 4-H fosters an innovative, “learn by doing” approach with proven results.  The 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development, a longitudinal study conducted by the Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development at Tufts University, shows youth engaged with 4-H are:

• 2x more likely to report feeling competent;
• 2x more likely to feel positive about their wellbeing;
• 4x more likely to make a positive contribution to their community;
• 41% less likely to engage in risky behaviors.

Unparalleled Reach and Scope

With 540,000 volunteers, 3,500 professionals, and more than 60 million alumni, the 4-H movement supports young people from elementary school through high school with programs designed to shape future leaders and innovators.  Fueled by research-driven programming, 4-H'ers engage in hands-on learning activities in the areas of science, citizenship and healthy living.  

While the 4-H program began in the United States, it has spread to over 50 countries.  There is even a 4-H International Exchange Program covering 6 continents and 41 nations.

Leading by Example

The support of adult volunteers and mentors inspires young people in 4-H to work collaboratively, take the lead on their own projects and set and achieve goals with confidence.  

4-H’ers chart their own course, explore important issues and define their place in the world.  

4-H’ers stand up for themselves and their communities.  

Pivotal experiences build a foundation of leadership and skills for success in their future careers.  

Youth may enroll at any time during the year; however, some projects may have an enrollment deadline that must be met in order to participate in specific events.  

Explore our website to learn more or call the Shasta County 4-H office (530) 224-4900.