4-H Youth Development Programs
Contact Information
For questions regarding Kentucky State University Extension, please contact:
Tyrell Kahan, DVM, MDP, DACVPM
Associate Extension Administrator
Telephone: 502-597-6311
Email: tyrell.kahan@kysu.edu
For questions regarding Kentucky State University 4-H Youth Development Program, please contact:
Austin P. Jacobs Ph.D.
4-H Extension Associate
Email: austin.jacobs@kysu.edu
Telephone:502-597-6030
Welcome to Kentucky State University’s 4-H Youth Development Program
4-H Youth Development
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4-H Youth Development is a division of the Kentucky State University’s Cooperative Extension Program. Extension’s mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of Kentucky citizens through non-formal education for the entire family. Kentucky 4-H provides education and life skill development opportunities for youth to grow into confident, capable, and contributing members of their communities.
What we do and who we are:
4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization. More than 6 million 4-H youth in urban neighborhoods, suburban communities and rural farming communities participate in 4-H.
As the youth development program of the nation’s land-grant universities and the Cooperative Extension System, 4-H fosters a “learn by doing” approach. Activities, events, and programs are centered around three program areas: science, healthy living, and citizenship.
The 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development, a longitudinal study conducted by the Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development at Tufts University, shows youth engaged with 4-H are:
- Nearly two times more likely to get better grades in school
- Nearly two times more likely to plan to go to college
- 41 percent less likely to engage in risky behaviors
- 25 percent more likely to positively contribute to their families and communities
4-H Youth Development Programming
Kentucky State University’s Cooperative Extension Program 4-H Youth Development program strives to increase agricultural literacy among youth in Kentucky. Areas of exploration within 4-H Family Consumer Science include Culinary Programs, Textiles & Fashion, Nutrition Education, Financial Management, Entrepreneurship, Home Environment, and Child Care.
The leadership skills and experiences gained through 4-H can enhance youth’s readiness for future careers by providing valuable experiences and demonstrating leadership potential. Through 4-H leadership, youth can build a network of peers, mentors, and professionals that can provide support and guidance in their personal and professional lives. In addition to leadership skills, 4-H involvement can help youth develop important life skills such as time management, organization, and public speaking.
4-H is the largest youth development organization in the United States empowering more than six million participants with valuable life skills. 4-H provides authentic experiences for youth to practice and share new knowledge, skills and abilities. Programs meet the needs and interest of diverse youth where they can master new skills and develop a sense of belonging in a culturally relevant environment.
Ways to Participate
4-H programs are available through 4-H Clubs, 4-H in-school and after-school programs, 4-H Camps, and innovative programs at the Rosenwald Center for 4-H Youth Development. Youth complete hands-on projects in areas like STEM, agriculture, health and civic education, in a positive environment. Youth receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on leadership roles. 4-H is open to youth ages 5 to 18 and led by 4-H Volunteers.
4-H Youth Development Camps
4-H Camps provide a place for youth to explore their interests and passions, surrounded by Kentucky’s beautiful natural resources, while also experiencing campus life. Campers will engage with caring adults and teens who are committed to their success, who will ensure each youth feels safe, and that they belong. At 4-H Camp, our class leaders emphasize effort in learning rather than ability, and our campers can expect progressive, exciting lessons that are different every day. The county 4-H agents, adult and teen leaders, and camp staff are committed to helping your camper engage in new adventures while making new friends.
Kentucky State University 4-H facilitates multiple camps throughout the summer annually in various programs: Youth Innovators Empowering Agriculture (YEA), Summer Transportation Institute (STI), GIS/STEM camp, as well as others.
The mission of Kentucky State University 4-H is to improve people through intentional life-skill development. This will happen through collaboration with local, state, and national partners, research-based methods and educational programming, service-oriented practices, and long-term strategic planning.
Join Kentucky State University 4-H
For more information about 4-H programs in your county or local area, please contact us using the email address or phone number provided to the left. You may also complete the pre-enrollment/interest survey by using the link below. https://kysu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6eVQF8z5QSMDn7g
Parent and Participant Forms
Parents/guardians may download and complete the required program forms below. Please review all materials carefully and submit the forms by the posted deadlines.
Completing these forms is a crucial step in helping everyone involved in 4-H programming remain healthy and safe. By completing the forms, parents and guardians acknowledge that they are aware of any potential risks their child may encounter while participating in 4-H programming. The University also receives essential information confirming that parents or guardians have discussed appropriate behavior and expectations with their child for participation in university-sponsored events and have disclosed any relevant medical conditions or accommodations.
Kentucky State University is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and educational environment for all 4-H program participants. The camp has established health, safety, supervision, and risk management procedures designed to support participant well-being throughout the program experience.
Families must:
- Carefully review all participant forms.
- Provide complete medical information.
- Review program expectations with participants.
- Submit required documentation by deadlines.
Additional information may be shared with families prior to programing.
Upcoming Events
Required Forms (PDF)
4H Code of Conduct Agreement
4H Parent/Guardian Authorization and Release
4H Transportation and Field Trip Consent Form
4H Residential Camp Release of Liability
4H Medical Information and Authorization