National Collegiate 4-H
       
   

How can Collegiate 4-H Serve the 4-H Program?

When it comes to programs and activities that are done by Collegiate 4-Hers, they are as varied and diverse as the 50 state 4-H programs. Collegiate 4-H clubs base their programs on the interests of club members and existing 4-H event opportunities at the county and state level. If you contact them about a potential opportunity to work with 4-H youth, you are likely to receive some of the most dedicated individuals, you’ve met!

We’re passionate about 4-H and I’m sure that after you spend some time with us, you’ll realize you are too!

This page is a work in progress. To submit content for this page, e-mail the Web Team.
Here are just a few of the things that some Collegiate 4-H clubs have done in the past:

4-H Host Weekends- Offering a college campus experience to high school 4-Hers

UC Davis, University of Georgia, and West Virginia University clubs invite high school 4-Hers to their campuses for a 3-4 day event of experiencing campus life, learning about admissions and financial aid, campus tours, and attending classes with Collegiate 4-H members. If you’re looking for a contact to show you around campus, contact the campus’s collegiate 4-H club.  Read more on the Collegiate 4-H Message Boards.

Scholarships

A few Collegiate 4-H clubs are able to provide scholarships to incoming freshman who are 4-H alumni or even active members of their club.

Special Programming for Youth

Collegiate 4-H at Ohio State hosts Plowboy Prom after the annual Ohio 4-H Volunteer Conference. This event brings 4-H alumni and 4-H members together for a large 4-H dance.

Collegiate 4-H at UC Davis is involved with the California State 4-H Field Day (state 4-H event that involves more than 450 4-H members and features the State 4-H Presentation Day, Fashion Revue, Horticulture Contest, and more Project Judging events) by creating activities for youth to participate in during the day when they aren’t being judged. These activities included UC Davis campus tours, crafts, and outdoor recreation games.

Mentors

Mentoring younger 4-H members in their university’s community is commonly done by Collegiate 4-H members

Summer Assistants

Many Collegiate 4-Hers have ties to their home counties and work in their county extension office, county or state fair, or as a program assistant at the National 4-H Center over the summer.

4-H Advocacy

Education

Conference Workshops

Many Collegiate 4-H clubs provide workshops on many topics at their state conference or

4-H Officer Training

Many Collegiate 4-H clubs including Purdue University and Ohio State University travel to nearby counties to provide officer training workshops to counties’ 4-Hers.

Leadership Retreats

Collegiate 4-H at Ohio State hosts Carving New Ideas a weekend motivational, leadership workshop for high school youth held at Camp Ohio every December.

State and National 4-H Conference Support

Western 4-H Roundup, a national 4-H livestock event, relies heavily on Collegiate 4-H members to provide leadership and guidance. In California and Texas, various Collegiate 4-H members serve on their State Conference planning committees and assist as conference staff. National 4-H Conference enlists nearby Collegiate 4-H clubs such as the Ohio State University and West Virginia University to facilitate Roundtable Discussions during the conference.

4-H Project Judging

Several Collegiate 4-H clubs volunteer in counties as 4-H project judges. Many Collegiate 4-H members

State 4-H Committee and State 4-H Foundation members

Collegiate 4-Hers from California serve on the State 4-H Policy Committee and also on the State 4-H Program Committee. Several Collegiate 4-H members in Ohio serve on the Ohio 4-H Teen Council.

Future 4-H Volunteers

As many of us were 4-H members as youth, we have a few years before we have the opportunity to settle into a community where we can be active 4-H volunteers. Collegiate 4-H provides a safe environment and collaborative experience towards advancing into a productive 4-H volunteer while still "green" and fresh out of the program. It can sometimes be viewed as a natural bridge towards becoming a 4-H volunteer. In many states, Collegiate 4-H members are required to register as adult 4-H volunteers/leaders.

Community Service

Collegiate 4-H is involved in more than the 4-H community. Many clubs participate in community service for charities that they care about.

Camaraderie

Volunteering is a great way to get acquainted with other like-minded individuals who have the passion and dedication to improve lives through action.