Why 4-H?
Impact of Georgia 4-H
With all of the many youth programs available in Houston, why should you choose 4-H?
Lifelong Learning
Georgia 4-H provides youth the opportunity to explore and develop their personal interests whatever the area - music, science, agriculture, food science, and more! We have something for everyone! 4-H'ers are challenged to become independent, lifelong learners in a supportive and encouraging environment. You can see the variety of programs we offer on our Programs by Interest page.
4-H'ers who show great proficiency and excellence in their chosen area of 4-H work can earn the status of Master 4-H'er, the highest honor bestowed by Georgia 4-H. This designation is for youth who have worked to truly master an area of interest and excel at the state-level of 4-H competitions.
Growing True Leaders
4-H encourages and supports youth to
become active leaders and citizens in their local community. Leadership
opportunities increase as youth transition from elementary, middle, and
high school. Leadership programs include local 4-H club officers,
district and state 4-H officers, and the Leadership in Action program in
which youth are challenged to identify a need in their community and
lead the development of a response to address that issue.
Preparing for the Future
College Scholarships
- Each year, the Georgia 4-H Foundation awards thousands of dollars in college scholarships through the Georgia 4-H Achievement Scholarship Program. Scholarships are awarded in a variety of areas and all active high school senior 4-H'ers are eligible to apply. Over $30,000 in scholarships were awarded in 2021. To learn more about the Georgia 4-H Achievement Scholarship program, please visit the Georgia 4-H Foundation website or contact Sam Price, Houston County 4-H Agent.
College Internships and Jobs
- The Georgia 4-H Washington Internship Program is an exclusive opportunity for a college-age 4-H'er or former 4-H member to intern in the Senator's Office, continuing the long tradition of a Georgia 4-H intern serving Georgia's senior senator. To learn more about the Georgia 4-H Washington Internship, please visit the Georgia 4-H website.
- Georgia 4-H has a longstanding and celebrated summer camping program. College-age 4-H'ers serve as our summer camp counselors. For many this is the culmination of their 4-H career. You can learn more about our camping programs on our Summer Camp page.
- Citizenship Washington Focus is an annual 4-H citizenship program held in Washington, D.C. This preeminent national 4-H program is staffed by collegiate-aged 4-H'ers who work as program assistants each summer. More information about Citizenship Washington Focus is available on the National 4-H Council website.
Lifelong Friendships
The relationships developed in 4-H last a lifetime! Many former 4-H'ers maintain their friendships developed in 4-H into adulthood and remain active supporters of 4-H programs across Georgia.
Tufts University 4-H Youth Development Research
For more than 10 years, National 4-H Council has partnered with Tufts University to study the effectiveness of 4-H youth development programs. This longitudinal study began in 2002 and has surveyed over 7,000 youth from diverse backgrounds across 42 states. According to this study, 4-H'ers are:
- Four times more likely to give back to their communities
- Twice as likely to make healthier choices
- Twice as likely to participate in STEM activities
You can find more information on this research, as well as the complete Tufts University report, here.
The Power of 4-H
Learn more about the power of 4-H through the stories highlighting several Georgia 4-H'ers below.