4-H is the youth development program of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service that focuses on the needs, concerns and interests of youth.  Its aim is to help youth gain a positive self-concept, rational social behavior, knowledge and problem-solving capabilities through planned individual projects, meetings, group activities and participation in different events.  Members develop new skills, learn cooperation, develop leadership abilities, improve their citizenship and have fun.

Youth can participate in 4-H programs via 4-H clubs, short term groups, 4-H clover kids and 4-H activities. 

4-H Clubs	Organized groups that meet at regularly scheduled times with one or more volunteer leaders and elected youth officers.  4-H clubs normally meet once a month.  Several types of clubs can be organized:  community or neighborhood clubs, project clubs organized around a common interest, and/or school clubs which are organized in public or private schools.
Short-Term Groups	Projects that are completed in 6 or more meetings.  Each group works on a specific topic or project.  Groups work under the supervision of an adult volunteer or teen leader.  Two major types of short-term groups are school curriculum enrichments and special interest projects which are usually organized for the duration of the project.
Clover Kids	This program is affiliated with 4-H and is specially designed for youth ages 5 to 8.  A "4-H Clover Kids" group can be organized within a regular 4-H club.  Clover Kids groups have a non-competitive focus which is the most developmentally appropriate.
Activities	Many types of activities and projects are available to members.  Each 4-H member is expected to complete at least one Extension-sponsored project each year.  In addition to project activity, 4-H youth are expected to participate in club organization and management, community service or service leaning projects and leadership development.

4-H is sponsored jointly by the land grant universities of each U.S. state, the Extension Service of the United States Department of Agriculture, and county commissioner's courts.  Many private donors also provide either financial or in-kind program support.  While volunteers are the cornerstone of the 4-H program in the community, they conduct educational activities with youth and serve in other specialized roles.  Orientation and assistance with the total 4-H program is provided by county Extension educators or agents in each county.  State and area 4-H & Youth development specialists also support county staff with materials as well as technical and management assistance.

The 4-H club emblem is a four-leaf clover with the letter "H" on each leaf.  The four "H's" stand for head, heart, hands, and health.  The leaves of the clover are green and the "H's" are white.  The white is for purity.  Green is nature's most common color and is symbolic of youth, life and growth. 

"To Make the Best Better"

"I pledge:  My Head to clearer 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."

Help me, O Lord, to live so that the world may be a little better because Thou didst make me.

Come on and join 4-H! It's fun! If you're in kindergarten, first grade, or second grade, you can be in Clover Kids.  From third grade to age 19, you can be in 4-H!

Once you get yourself enrolled, visit our website specifically designed for Fort Bend County for more detailed information about projects and activities through Fort Bend 4-H.

The Texas A&M University System, U. S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissions Courts of Texas Cooperating.  Educational programs of Texas Cooperative Extension are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin.  Individuals with disabilities who require an auxiliary aid, service or accommodation in order to participate in any Extension activities, are encouraged to contact the County Extension Office for assistance eight days prior to activity.