What is 4-H?
4-H is the Cooperative Extension System’s dynamic and educational program for youth. 4-H has about 6 million youth members across the United States. The name 4-H is summarized as the four-fold development of youth through the Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. In 4-H, young people complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture, and civic engagement, in a positive environment where they receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles. The group is open to youth between the ages of 5 and 18. Young people experience 4-H in every county in the country!
View more at National 4-H Council!
Program Areas:
STEM & Agriculture
4-H science programs give youth meaningful opportunities to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) through interactive, hands-on activities and projects that spark curiosity and encourage discovery. Participants engage in real-world learning experiences such as conducting experiments, designing and building projects, exploring robotics and coding, and investigating environmental and agricultural science. By learning through doing, youth develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills while gaining a deeper understanding of how STEM concepts apply to everyday life. Guided by supportive mentors and volunteers, 4-H members build confidence, creativity, and leadership while developing the knowledge and skills that prepare them for future academic and career opportunities in STEM fields.
Healthy Living
4-H Healthy Living programs empower youth to lead balanced lives by promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being through engaging, hands-on experiences and supportive mentorship. Participants explore topics such as nutrition, fitness, stress management, mindfulness, and healthy decision-making, learning practical skills they can apply in their daily lives. These programs encourage youth to set personal goals, develop positive habits, and build resilience while fostering self-confidence and leadership. By focusing on the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—4-H Healthy Living programs help young people make informed choices, navigate challenges, and cultivate lifelong wellness practices that contribute to their overall growth and success.
Civic Engagement
4-H Civic Engagement programs empower young people to become informed, active citizens who make meaningful contributions to their communities and the world around them by providing hands-on experiences in leadership, service, and social responsibility. Participants explore topics such as community service, public policy, volunteerism, advocacy, and civic problem-solving, learning how their actions can create positive change. Through collaborative projects, youth develop critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills while gaining a deeper understanding of civic processes and community needs. Guided by mentors and adult volunteers, 4-H members cultivate a sense of responsibility, empathy, and empowerment, preparing them to be engaged, thoughtful leaders who contribute to the well-being and improvement of society.
How Do I Get Started?
Ready to get involved in 4-H? Enroll through 4-HOnline 2.0, choose a project that interests you, sign up for a workshop, or stop by the Tyrrell County Cooperative Extension Center to speak with Emilou Spruill, our 4-H Youth Development Agent, about how to get started. Enrollment in North Carolina 4-H is free; however, many of our programs and workshops have an associated fee.
Contact Information
- Email:Emilou_Spruill@ncsu.edu
- Phone: (252) 796-1581
- Facebook: Tyrrell County 4-H
Nondiscrimination and Accessibility Statements
N.C. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, political affiliation and veteran status.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Extension will honor requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. Please direct accommodation requests to: Emilou Spruill, Emilou_Spruill@ncsu.edu and/or (252) 796-1581. Requests can be served more effectively if notice is provided at least 10 days before the event.
