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Onondaga County 4-H Overview
4-H takes Cornell University to the youth of New York State




PURPOSE
The purpose of the Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development System is to enable youth to develop knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and behaviors to be competent, caring adults.

MEMBERSHIP
4-H is available to all youth, ages 8-19, regardless of gender, race, color, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation or marital statues may join 4-H. Adult volunteer leaders come from all walks of life. They serve on boards of directors, and advisory committees in addition to carrying out their responsibilities as club leaders, special interest group instructors, etc. More information on Enrollment Click Here.

FOUNDED:
Congress passed the Smith Lever Act in 1914. This provided for a National Cooperative Extension Service giving each state a land grant university. Cornell University is New York State's land grant university. Under it, the "boys" and "girls" "club work" became 4-H.

WORLD SCOPE:
4-H is international, with more than 80 countries having 4-H or organizations modeled after 4-H programs. 4-H and its counterpart programs have sought to promote international understanding and a feeling of "oneness" among people globally. 4-H is a world leader in developing youth to become productive citizens and catalysts for positive change to meet the needs of a diverse and changing society. 4-H Clubs are also on US Military bases throughout the world.