OGLESBY - Do you ever wonder who or what 4-H is? Illinois 4-H is part of a University of Illinois Extension program that is offered in concert with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. Illinois 4-H is a leader within the nationwide network of 4-H programs, which reaches 6 million youth.

Illinois 4-H creates learning opportunities for youth that are enriched by access to people, research and resources at the University of Illinois, as well as the nationwide network of land-grant universities and colleges. Illinois 4-H is the largest out-of-school youth organization in Illinois, challenging youth to “learn by doing” with fun, hands-on activities that teach skills for living.

Illinois 4-H members range in age from 8 to 18. Youth who are 5 to 7 years of age may join 4-H as Cloverbud members. The Illinois 4-H year begins annually on Sept. 1. Age is determined by the youth’s age on Sept. 1. University of Illinois Extension provides 4-H youth development programs in every county in Illinois. Illinois 4-H impacts the lives of youth through sustained learning clubs, groups and programs. Nearly 200,000 youth affiliations were formed through Illinois 4-H programs and clubs in 2017.

Illinois 4-H is tax-assisted. The combined efforts of the county, state, and federal governments have permitted 4-H to play a special and vital role in the lives of America’s young people for more than 100 years. Foundations, grants, and modest 4-H program fees also support 4-H in Illinois.

Illinois 4-H is based on science, education and fact. The resources of the University of Illinois, the state’s land-grant University, are used for the development and implementation of 4-H projects and programs.

In 1914, the Smith-Lever Act was passed in Congress authorizing a University Extension program in each state’s land-grant University. The Extension Service was provided with funds for disseminating useful and practical information on agriculture, home economics, and related subjects to persons not attending college. Extension personnel soon found that one effective way to reach rural men and women was through work with their children. Thus, 4-H soon became an integral part of University of Illinois Extension programming.

University of Illinois Extension’s statement, “Extending Knowledge, Changing Lives,” acknowledges the importance of extending research-based knowledge of the University to people in all areas of the state to help solve problems and improve the lives of families, businesses, and communities.

Regardless of who you are and the interests you bring, there is a 4-H program where you belong and feel welcomed. 4-H is the place to help youth channel their many gifts and to set and achieve personal goals. Not everyone finds their way to 4-H through the same door. Some start by joining a club. Others are introduced to 4-H through a joint program with another youth-serving organization. And others may start their 4-H journey through an experience at 4-H camp or one of a dozen other conferences.

Illinois 4-H youth development programs provide opportunities for the whole family to grow together. Boys and girls attend the same club events, and families are encouraged to be an active part of the club.

For more information, call University of Illinois Extension – Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, Putnam Unit Office at (815) 224-0889. Extension offices are located in Princeton, Ottawa, Henry and in Oglesby on the IVCC campus.