Posted: March 10, 2025
Governor Josh Shapiro has issued a proclamation recognizing March 16-22 as Pennsylvania 4-H Week and praising 4-H for its commitment to the future of Pennsylvania agriculture.
"More than a century after its founding in Pennsylvania, 4-H remains an investment in youth, spurring members and their families to make worthwhile contributions to Pennsylvanians and our nation," the proclamation notes.
The term "4-H" often calls to mind youngsters showing calves and sheep at a county fair. But agriculture is only part of what makes up 4-H, Penn State Extension 4-H administrators said.
With a focus on hands-on learning, 4-H members can explore technology, civic engagement, healthy living, fashion design, cooking, environmental stewardship, forestry and wildlife, entomology, community service, and other subjects. 4-H is the state’s largest youth development organization, with clubs in rural communities, small towns, suburbs, and big cities.
"The program addresses issues facing youth wherever they live and challenges them to learn by doing while building self-esteem, leadership skills, and critical thinking," according to the proclamation.
A nationwide total of nearly 6 million children and teens, ages 8 to 18, take part in 4-H. In Pennsylvania, 4-H reaches more than 200,000 youth in all 67 counties and includes a network of more than 3,000 adult volunteers.
"By empowering members to make the best better, 4-H effectively shapes the youth of today into the leaders of tomorrow," the governor's proclamation concludes.
Communities and 4-H members across the state will celebrate Pennsylvania 4-H Week and promote the organization through special activities March 16-22.
Administered in Pennsylvania by Penn State Extension, 4-H is a nonformal educational youth-development program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that helps young people develop knowledge and skills to become capable, caring, and contributing citizens. To find your local program, visit the Penn State Extension 4-H website.
