Delaware 4-H Program

The University of Delaware 4-H program offers a youth development experience for youth ages 5-19 for over 34,000 youth
annually through a variety of delivery methods that include community clubs, afterschool programs, camps, military, school
enrichment programs and special interest groups. Nationally, 4-H reaches nearly 6 million young people while encouraging
youth to reach their full potential through working and learning in partnership with caring adults. 4-H has a rich history of
being a leader in positive youth development for more than a century, and the connection with land-grant universities and
the United States Department of Agriculture assures a research and science base to the program. Delaware 4-H programs
are supported by various federal and state funding sources as well as by many grant funded project initiatives. As a youth
development program, Delaware 4-H also values the many adults who serve as volunteers to work with our youth.

The goal of the Delaware 4-H program is to develop citizenship, leadership, responsibility and life skills of youth through a
positive youth development approach. The program incorporates the National 4-H Essential Elements that include creating
an environment where youth feel a sense of belonging, have an opportunity to master skills, practice independence, and
develop a spirit of generosity. 4-H members are involved in long-term learning experiences with peers and adult volunteers
while participating in interactive, hands-on learning and innovative opportunities as they grow and work together as
catalysts for positive change.

4-H members constantly grow, developing values through fun and engaging programs based on the experiential learning
model and the principle of "learning by doing." Youth choose topics that interest them in the three national Mission
Mandate areas of STEM, Healthy Living and Civic Engagement. In addition, 4-H is also about having fun, learning,
exploring, and discovering, as young people develop new life skills, make new friends, become leaders, and help shape their
communities.

Delaware 4-H