4-H began in the early 1900s as a way to bring hands-on learning to young people, especially in rural communities. The four H’s — Head, Heart, Hands, and Health — represent the values that continue to guide our programs today.

Did you know that the 4-H clover emblem has been a national symbol of youth development for more than a century? The green four-leaf clover with a white “H” on each leaf represents growth, learning, and good character — fitting for St. Patrick’s Day!

The 4 H's in 4-H stand for Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. These represent the fourfold development of youth and the core values of the organization:

Head: Clearer thinking, decision-making, and critical thinking.

Heart: Greater loyalty, strong values, and empathy.

Hands: Larger service, workforce preparation, and community contribution.

Health: Better living, healthy lifestyles, and well-being.

The pledge, which reinforces these, is: "I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living, for my club, my community, my country, and my world."

4-H is delivered through the Cooperative Extension system, a partnership that includes the United States Department of Agriculture, land-grant universities like North Carolina State University, and local county governments. Here in North Carolina, 4-H is part of NC State Extension, which has served communities for over 100 years. 4-H is in all 100 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Recently, North Carolina 4-H has joined with the Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. This allows youth development under one department and deepens connections in 4-H.

As we celebrate our 4-H program, we are grateful to be part of a program with such a rich history and bright future. We are committed to growing leaders who are Beyond Ready! Ready to lead. Ready to serve. Ready to build. Ready to conquer. Here’s to growing leaders — one clover at a time!