4-H CELEBRATES | 100 years

4-H is celebrating its centennial in 2002 with a renewed emphasis on youth empowerment and communication. Information on the history of 4-H and centennial activities is available at www.4hcentennial.org.
4-H is: a youth development and education program of the Cooperative Extension Service for youths ages 8-19. Its mission is to create supportive environments for culturally diverse youth and adults to help them reach their fullest potential.
Motto: To make the best better.
Slogan: Learn by doing.
Colors: Green and white. White symbolizes purity and high ideals. Green symbolizes springtime, life and youth.
Pledge: "I pledge my Head to clear thinking, my Heart to greater loyalty, my Hands to larger service and my Health to better living, for my club, my community, my country and my world."
History: In the late 1890s and into the early 1900s, 4-H programs began throughout the country as Boys And Girls Clubs to provide young people with agricultural education. Most states organized clubs outside of schools with parents serving as volunteer leaders and educators providing appropriate educational materials.
No one individual is credited with starting 4-H. It was founded by the collective efforts of several individuals over the course of a few years.
In 1907, the three-leaf clover symbol standing for Head, Heart and Hands was developed. The fourth clover representing first "hustle" then "health" was added later.
By 1912, there were 73,000 boys and 23,000 girls enrolled in Boys and Girls Clubs.
During the 1920s, 4-H spread to Europe. The 4-H name and clover emblem were patented in 1924.
During the 1930s, soil conservation, tractors, engineering, electricity and agricultural production were 4-H projects for boys. 4-H projects for girls were clothing, home management, food and nutrition and other home economics projects.
As 4-H celebrates 100 years, more than 6.8 million youths in all 3,067 counties of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and territories are involved in 4-H through the Cooperative Extension system.
After the events of Sept. 11, a nationwide 4-H survey showed youths view respect and tolerance for others as the greatest need of their communities.
For more information on local 4-H programs, contact:
Ohio State University Extension
Columbiana County: (330) 424-7291
Mahoning County: (330) 533-5539
Trumbull County: (330) 675-2595
Penn State University Extension
Lawrence County: (724)654-8370
Mercer County: (724) 662-3141