Illinois 4-H

Illinois 4-H Illinois 4-H empowers and prepares youth for success. Illinois 4-H is the youth development program of University of Illinois Extension. Curious to learn more!
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Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences.

4-H grows true leaders, youth who are empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. The hands-on approach in 4-H gives young people guidance, tools and encouragement, and then puts them in the driver’s

seat to make great things happen. Independent research confirms the unparalleled impact of the 4-H experience, demonstrating that young people are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs. Head to 4h.extension.illinois.edu or email us at [email protected] to connect with a local club. Illinois 4-H social media follows the University of Illinois comment policy: https://www.uillinois.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=1324&pageId=1529761

Good luck to everyone competing at Fashion R***e today! Thank you for sharing your talents with us!
06/06/2026

Good luck to everyone competing at Fashion R***e today! Thank you for sharing your talents with us!

Ready to get hands-on with the earth on World Environment Day?Exploring, outdoor adventures, and more! If you like being...
06/05/2026

Ready to get hands-on with the earth on World Environment Day?

Exploring, outdoor adventures, and more! If you like being outdoors, these projects are for you. Do you want to make Earth a better place to live? Hiking, camping, and backpacking can lead to exciting outdoor adventures!

In 4-H, members choose projects that interest them. View our full project guide to explore more projects go.illinois.edu/ProjectSelectionGuide

Scholarship spotlight! Gardening, Agriculture & Food Access Scholarship recipient Ryan Carlson of Marshall County shared...
06/05/2026

Scholarship spotlight!

Gardening, Agriculture & Food Access Scholarship recipient Ryan Carlson of Marshall County shared, "4‑H has provided me with opportunities to grow through leadership, education, and meaningful connections with both peers and industry leaders. 4-H has introduced me to some of my closest friends through trips, teams, and project experiences. Most importantly, 4‑H has taught me what true leadership represents and has provided experiences I could not have found anywhere else."

Congratulations to Ryan and all of our award recipients!

The popular 4-H Hooks Us Together statewide fishing tournament is happening now! This year’s tourney will again be a vir...
06/04/2026

The popular 4-H Hooks Us Together statewide fishing tournament is happening now! This year’s tourney will again be a virtual event held between the dates of May 1 – July 31. Catch-measure-picture-upload…repeat!

Nearly 500 entries submitted in 2025! Enter catches here now through July 31: go.illinois.edu/4-HFishing

If you need reasonable accommodation to participate, please contact the State 4-H Office.

Congratulations to the newest members of the Youth Leadership Team, including Sydney Molander of Boone County!The Youth ...
06/04/2026

Congratulations to the newest members of the Youth Leadership Team, including Sydney Molander of Boone County!

The Youth Leadership Team takes on extensive planning and leadership roles, with teens serving on statewide committees and boards, including the Illinois 4-H Foundation Board of Directors and the Illinois Farm Bureau Youth Education Committee.

Congratulations Sydney, and stay tuned for more new YLT member spotlights!

Happy Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Month!4-H offers learning opportunities and resources that help kids make healthy food cho...
06/03/2026

Happy Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Month!

4-H offers learning opportunities and resources that help kids make healthy food choices and develop their food purchasing and preparation skills.

Through our foods projects including Food & Nutrition, Food Science, Cooking 101–401, Baking, Food Preservation, and Cake Decorating, members explore how food fuels their bodies while getting creative along the way.

View our full project guide to explore more projects go.illinois.edu/ProjectSelectionGuide

4-H CAN make a difference!The 4-H Can Make a Difference Can/Non-Perishable Food drive is back at the Illinois State Fair...
06/02/2026

4-H CAN make a difference!

The 4-H Can Make a Difference Can/Non-Perishable Food drive is back at the Illinois State Fair! Prizes will be awarded to the top three counties that bring in the most items to support local community service initiatives. We will be located inside the Orr building this year by the Illinois 4-H Youth Leadership Booth on the South Side of the building. We will be collecting on each county fair day where projects are being shown (August 14-16). We are excited to see Illinois 4-H members and supporters join together to serve others!

Congratulations to the newest members of the Youth Leadership Team, including Lydia Zanger of Adams County!The Youth Lea...
06/02/2026

Congratulations to the newest members of the Youth Leadership Team, including Lydia Zanger of Adams County!

The Youth Leadership Team takes on extensive planning and leadership roles, with teens serving on statewide committees and boards, including the Illinois 4-H Foundation Board of Directors and the Illinois Farm Bureau Youth Education Committee.

Congratulations Lydia, and stay tuned for more new YLT member spotlights!

Scholarship spotlight! Gardening, Agriculture & Food Access Scholarship recipient Faustina Krysciak of Kendall County sh...
06/01/2026

Scholarship spotlight!

Gardening, Agriculture & Food Access Scholarship recipient Faustina Krysciak of Kendall County shared, "4‑H has been the place where I learned to lead by doing, whether I was helping a younger member calm a restless goat or taking on challenges that pushed me past my comfort zone. It’s in those barns, meetings, and moments of responsibility that my passion for agriculture found its direction."

Congratulations to Faustina and all of our award recipients!

Beat the heat with the Illinois 4-H Summer Healthy Living Challenge: Cool Summer Treats! From smoothie bowls and yogurt ...
05/29/2026

Beat the heat with the Illinois 4-H Summer Healthy Living Challenge: Cool Summer Treats!

From smoothie bowls and yogurt parfaits to frozen banana snacks and homemade fruit popsicles, youth and families are invited to create a cool, healthy summer treat that requires little or no baking. Participants can adapt a favorite recipe or invent something completely new.

Competition divisions include:

• Family Division (ages 5 and up)
• Individual Division: ages 8–11
• Individual Division: ages 12–18
Two winners in each division will receive fun summer-themed prizes.

To enter, submit:
• Your recipe name and short description
• Photos of you and your creation

Entries are due by July 15 at https://go.illinois.edu/4HHealthyLivingChallenge.

Rules:
• At least one participant must be a current 4-H member
• One entry per family/youth
• Recipes must require little or no baking
Challenge runs June 15–July 15. Get creative and show us your coolest summer snack creations!

If you need reasonable accommodation to participate, please contact the State 4-H Office.

Address

801 N Country Fair Drive, Ste E
Champaign, IL
61821

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+12173330910

Website

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