Preparing Youth for Success

4-H is a non-formal educational, youth development program offered to individuals age 5 and in kindergarten to age 19. Ohio 4-H youth development reaches more than 240,000 youth each year – helping kids “learn by doing” through hands-on activities.

All 4-H programs focus on active involvement and quality experiences which stimulate lifelong learning of values and skills. 4-H members learn valuable lessons in leadership, communication and collaboration while increasing their knowledge in math, science, technology and a variety of other topics.

4-H creates fun while learning in a variety of ways. Kids can participate in 4-H through community clubs, camps, in-school and after-school activities, and summer programs. They increase their self-confidence and personal life skills while learning about specific subjects - anything from animals or computers to public speaking, cooking, art, gardening and environmental sciences, just to name a few project topics.

Welcome to the Portage County Youth Development Program!  If you'd like to join or learn more about our 4-H program, give us a call at 330-296-6432 or email 4-H Educator Jesseca Housel at housel.15@osu.edu, and explore our website for more information. You can also view the list of 4-H Clubs, locations, and what projects they focus on to understand which club would best fit your needs. Please do not hesitate to call us for any questions!

You can also learn more about all OSU Extension 4-H youth development programs at http://ohio4h.org.

Special Needs Accommdations

Accommodations can be made for youth with disabilities through our Winning 4-H Plan. Visit https://ohio4h.org/about/join-4-h#winning-plan for more information and to download the request form.

Extension has been helping all Ohioans build better lives, better businesses and better communities since 1914.