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 University of California, 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.