About 4-H
4-H is an organization for youth, ages 5-19, that promotes hands-on learning and is based on parent and
volunteer participation. 4-H welcomes all youth (and adult volunteers) from all backgrounds in all locales
(rural and urban) regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy,
physical or mental disability, medical condition, ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship,
or status as a covered veteran.
The United States 4-H program is run through county Cooperative Extension offices, the Oklahoma State
University, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and a variety of volunteer councils and
foundations at the county, state, and national levels.
4-H has many different programs including after-school programs, horse groups, camping, and 4-H Clubs.
The common theme is youth learning and growing in citizenship, leadership, and life skills.
How Can I Join?
To learn more about 4-H or find a club in your area contact your local Cooperative Extension 4-H Office:
or Call 580-228-2332
4-H is an organization for youth, ages 5-19, that promotes hands-on learning and is based on parent and
volunteer participation. 4-H welcomes all youth (and adult volunteers) from all backgrounds in all locales
(rural and urban) regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy,
physical or mental disability, medical condition, ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship,
or status as a covered veteran.
The United States 4-H program is run through county Cooperative Extension offices, the Oklahoma State
University, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and a variety of volunteer councils and
foundations at the county, state, and national levels.
4-H has many different programs including after-school programs, horse groups, camping, and 4-H Clubs.
The common theme is youth learning and growing in citizenship, leadership, and life skills.
How Can I Join?
To learn more about 4-H or find a club in your area contact your local Cooperative Extension 4-H Office:
or Call 580-228-2332
4-H History
By 1900, several schools had established clubs for boys and girls. In 1902, A. B. Graham, an Ohio school
superintendent, organized a boys' and girls' club with a home project based on corn. This became the first
"4-H" club.
The first 4-H emblem was a three-leaf clover introduced by O. H. Benson some time between 1907 and
1908. The clover was used on placards, posters, badges, and canning labels. In 1908, pins with the
clover emblem were introduced. The H's signified Head, Heart, and Hands.
A four-leaf clover design with H's appeared around 1908. In 1911, Benson cited the need for four H's
rather than three, suggesting that they stand for Head, Heart, Hands, and Hustle. The present 4-H design
was adopted when O.B. Martin, who was directing club work in the South, suggested that the 4-H's stand
for Head, Heart, Hands, and Health.
Otis Hall, State 4-H leader in Kansas, wrote the original 4-H pledge. When the Executive Committee of the
Land-Grant College Association requested R. A. Pearson, president of Iowa State College, and Dr. A. C.
True of the Federal extension Service to write a pledge for 4-H, they submitted a pledge substantially
written by Hall.
With the passage of the Smith-Lever Act by Congress in 1914, all Cooperative Extension work, including
boys' and girls' clubs, became an official function of the United States Department of Agriculture. The act
was amended and then consolidated in 1953. Discussion on the floors of both houses of Congress on
May 21, 1953 concerning the intent clearly established that Cooperative Extension was to continue
conducted 4-H work. The Smith-Lever Act and subsequent amendments state that "Cooperative
Agricultural Extension work shall consist of the giving of instruction and practical demonstrations in
agriculture and home economics and subjects relating thereto to persons not attending or resident in said
colleges in the several communities..."
By 1900, several schools had established clubs for boys and girls. In 1902, A. B. Graham, an Ohio school
superintendent, organized a boys' and girls' club with a home project based on corn. This became the first
"4-H" club.
The first 4-H emblem was a three-leaf clover introduced by O. H. Benson some time between 1907 and
1908. The clover was used on placards, posters, badges, and canning labels. In 1908, pins with the
clover emblem were introduced. The H's signified Head, Heart, and Hands.
A four-leaf clover design with H's appeared around 1908. In 1911, Benson cited the need for four H's
rather than three, suggesting that they stand for Head, Heart, Hands, and Hustle. The present 4-H design
was adopted when O.B. Martin, who was directing club work in the South, suggested that the 4-H's stand
for Head, Heart, Hands, and Health.
Otis Hall, State 4-H leader in Kansas, wrote the original 4-H pledge. When the Executive Committee of the
Land-Grant College Association requested R. A. Pearson, president of Iowa State College, and Dr. A. C.
True of the Federal extension Service to write a pledge for 4-H, they submitted a pledge substantially
written by Hall.
With the passage of the Smith-Lever Act by Congress in 1914, all Cooperative Extension work, including
boys' and girls' clubs, became an official function of the United States Department of Agriculture. The act
was amended and then consolidated in 1953. Discussion on the floors of both houses of Congress on
May 21, 1953 concerning the intent clearly established that Cooperative Extension was to continue
conducted 4-H work. The Smith-Lever Act and subsequent amendments state that "Cooperative
Agricultural Extension work shall consist of the giving of instruction and practical demonstrations in
agriculture and home economics and subjects relating thereto to persons not attending or resident in said
colleges in the several communities..."
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