Georgia 4-H

What is Georgia 4-H?

Georgia 4-H helps youth to acquire knowledge, develop life skills and form attitudes that will enable them to become self-directive and productive members of society. The program sets the stage for youth and adults to learn, grow and work together as catalysts for positive change.

Mission

Georgia 4-H has a mission to assist youth in acquiring knowledge, developing life skills and forming attitudes that will enable them to become self-directing, productive and contributing members of society. This mission is accomplished through hands-on learning experiences and a focus on agricultural and environmental issues, agriculture awareness, leadership, communication skills, foods and nutrition, health, energy conservation and citizenship.

Georgia 4-H is all about exploring and discovering, encouraging and challenging. As a program of the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Cooperative Extension System, 4-H is part of the nationwide Extension network.

Members of 4-H are known for sharing their research-based knowledge and technology with others where they live and work. Georgia 4-H combines federal, state, and local expertise and resources.

Environmental Education

Environmental education programs are administered by UGA Cooperative Extension at six 4-H centers across the state.

These programs offer teachers and students a combination of resources in the forms of nature and equipment to aid in the learning process. Programs can be customized to meet specific objectives as requested by visiting schools.

Program Objectives

  • To develop an awareness, knowledge and appreciation for the natural environment
  • To cultivate curiosity, critical reasoning and evaluation skills
  • To develop positive relationships between students and their teachers
  • To make the school program more meaningful by applying knowledge and skills required in the classroom to real-life situations
  • To provide experiences in scientific processes, such as observing, measuring, classifying, etc.
  • To develop self-confidence and physical fitness
  • To develop an appreciation for the local and natural history of an area

4-H Youth Development News

Bleckley County 4-H'ers (left to right) Benjamin Agnew, Rebekah Crosby and Maggie Powell work together on the team assessment portion of 4-H Wildlife Judging. CAES News
Bleckley County 4-H takes top honors at Georgia Wildlife Judging Contest
The senior 4-H team from Bleckley County took home first place at the Georgia 4-H State Wildlife Judging Contest held April 27 at Rock Eagle 4-H Center. Team members Rebekah Crosby, Benjamin Agnew and Maggie Powell earned the prestigious title of Georgia Master 4-H’ers.
Volunteers are critical to the UGA Cooperative Extension mission to facilitate youth development, agriculture and natural resources, and family and consumer sciences programming at the county, district and state levels. Master Gardener Extension Volunteers (above) work with community members in pollinator garden. CAES News
Volunteers keep UGA Extension connected to communities
In addition to its experts throughout the state, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension is powered by thousands of volunteers who give generously to extend program impact and reach in support of UGA Extension missions. Throughout National Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 20-26, UGA Extension will host special events that highlight the volunteers who have donated their time to facilitate 4-H, Master Gardener, and Family and Consumer Sciences programming.
Georgia 4-H'ers and Georgia 4-H leaders were welcomed to the Georgia State Capitol on Feb. 25 by state representatives and senators, who posed with the group on the Oglethorpe steps. CAES News
Georgia 4-H’ers connect with civic process during 2025 4-H Day at the Capitol
Leadership came to life for the largest-ever Georgia 4-H Day at the Capitol delegation in Atlanta as 4-H’ers engaged with the civic process. Elected officials joined nearly 800 youth, staff, volunteers and supporters on Feb. 25 to celebrate the impact of 4-H in Georgia. State Sen. Larry Walker and Georgia Rep. Rick Jasperse served as legislative hosts for the 4-H delegation. County 4-H groups explored and toured the Capitol building, and many 4-H leaders arranged direct meetings with senators and representatives from their districts. Georgia’s current slate of elected officials includes many 4-H alumni, parents and supporters who welcomed students to the place where government comes to life.