University of California 4-H Youth Development Program Logo

University of California 4-H Youth Development Program

7 young youth sitting together on a bench
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Sudy with the title slide of his SLC presentation
California 4-H Grown: Article

“Where’s the Food?”: A 4-H Journey Beyond Ready

October 10, 2025
BySudharsan Gopalakrishnan
California 4-H alumni Sudharsan Gopalakrishnan shares how 4-H opened doors for him to rise. He is a National 4-H STEM Mentor & Educator and adult volunteer with the National 4-H GIS/GPS Leadership Team.
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GC 2024 Banner - Congratulations
California 4-H Grown: Article

2024 Golden Clover Award Winners

June 12, 2025
ByEve S Dowdell
The Golden Clover Awards recognize outstanding 4-H members, volunteers and staff for their contributions to the University of California 4-H Youth Development Program.
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(L to R) are Colleen Delahanty (Turlock Eagles community club leader), Jayna, Josiah, Ava (another project member), and their Story Writing Project leader, Sheila Amaral.
California 4-H Grown: Article

Imagine This... Story Writing Contest Winners

June 4, 2025
ByEve S Dowdell
This was my third time attending Ag Day at the Capitol on behalf of California 4-H. I always enjoy sharing about 4-H with legislators, their staff, and the general public. I also like visiting the booths of other agriculture organizations. This year, I was pleasantly surprised to see two 4-H members, Jayna…
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youth and adult laying side by side on their backs on a tiered platform
California 4-H Grown: Article

4-H Builds Resilient Volunteers and Teens for Mental Health Awareness Month

May 12, 2025
ByAlly Lemmer,Jenna Colburn
Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification equips California 4-H adults to identify and respond to mental health challenges in 12–18-year-old youth.
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California 4-H Grown: Article

The Program Assistant Experience

May 12, 2025
ByMegna Nayar
Serving as a Program Assistant at the California 4-H State Leadership Conference is one of many opportunities to come back to 4-H as an alumni.
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California 4-H Grown: Article

4-H Transforms Lives

April 14, 2025
Ashley, one of our California 4-H State Ambassadors, is now a semi-finalist for the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation undergaduate scholarship! She attributes this opportunity to her involvement in 4-H. Her TikTok video shares more about her 4-H experience and opportunity, and she wants to especially thank the…
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Adult pointing at laptop screen in front of youth
California 4-H Grown: Article

Beyond Ready for STEM because of 4-H

February 5, 2025
ByEve S Dowdell
Cody Dowdell, a California 4-H alumni, is in the STEM track at Modesto Junior College. He is expanding his understanding of engineering in particular as an electrical engineering major. Cody credits 4-H as the foundation for where he is today.
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Avian team with Dr. Hall
California 4-H Grown: Article

A 4-H Avian Bowl Championship Story

February 5, 2025
BySamuel Belik
Story by Samuel Belik of the California 4-H Avian Bowl team competing at the 2024 National 4-H Avian Bowl competition in Louisville, KY.
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Megna holding sign saying "Wild Blueberry Land"
California 4-H Grown: Article

Beyond Ready with the SLC Planning Team

October 4, 2024
ByMegna Nayar
Megna Nayar is a 4-H Alumna and former State Ambassador from Santa Clara County. She writes about how being a State Leadership Conference (SLC) Planning Team member is a rewarding, but challenging role.
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Eve at doorway to the Keck Center
California 4-H Grown: Article

Empowering Youth Voices: My Journey Facilitating the National Academy's Out-of-School Time Setting Meeting in D.C.

July 5, 2024
BySuzanne Morikawa,Eve S Dowdell
CA 4-H Communications Intern Eve Dowdell shared her experience facilitating a meeting for the Committee on Out of School Time settings, hosted by the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. The meeting in Washington, D.C. included testimonials from youth and adult leaders from various…
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Postcard to promote Mustang Camp. Images of wild horses standing in an open range. Registration is Open! Scan QR code for link
California 4-H Grown: Article

2024 DG Colt Challenge Update

June 4, 2024
ByLaura K Snell
Hello All, I just wanted to give a little update on the 2024 DG Colt Challenge. This is our fifth year completing this program. There are 19 youth from 14 counties in California and Southern Oregon.
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flyer for Project Leader Workshop series
California 4-H Grown: Article

Preparing 4-H Volunteer Educators as Project Leaders

May 31, 2024
BySteven Worker
California 4-H relies on and recognizes adult 4-H volunteer educators who bring knowledge, experience, and passion to work with youth.
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Against a backdrop of hay bales, 5 youth hold ribbons and posters of their contest placing. Kneeling in front of them is an adult coach and 2 youth holding ribbons.
California 4-H Grown: Article

4-H Highlights from the UC Davis CA&ES Field Day

May 31, 2024
ByErica A Pettey
Ten 4-H counties participated in the UC Davis College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Field Day on Saturday, March 2, 2024. The 4-H teams competed in contests on Vet Science and Light Horse Judging, as well as the State Qualifier for 4-H Livestock Judging.
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2 adults stand with 5 youth holding a large calendar poster
California 4-H Grown: Article

Ventura County 4-H'ers Take Avian Bowl State Title

May 31, 2024
ByErica A Pettey
The 2024 Avian Bowl 4-H State Qualifier Contest was held during the Greater Society of Poultry Fanciers' Show at the Fresno Fairgrounds on Saturday, February 24, 2024. The 2024 Avian Bowl State Champion Team is led by Zuzu H., Ean R., Samuel B., and Melanie S. from Ventura County 4-H.
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aug 29
California 4-H Grown: Article

2024 Higher Education Scholarships

May 10, 2024
ByEve S Dowdell
You all are dedicated and passionate about pursuing academic or vocational education at a higher level. See the stupendous recipients below. This scholarship is given to students pursuing any field of scholastic endeavor.
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Youth holding 3 trophies in her hands
California 4-H Grown: Article

4-H Member to 4-H Alumna to 4-H Intern

May 10, 2024
BySuzanne Morikawa
Editor's Note: At this time of year, Senior 4-H'ers are graduating out of high school and into their next step in life.
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Congratulations to our Golden Clover Awardees!
California 4-H Grown: Article

2023-2024 Golden Clover Awardees

May 9, 2024
ByEve S Dowdell
The CA 4-H Golden Clover Awards recognize outstanding achievements of members, volunteers, program staff, and groups within the University of California 4-H Youth Development Program. This 4-H year, we awarded nine awards to youth, adults, and groups.
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2024 National Horse Classic - team photo
California 4-H Grown: Article

California 4-H Horse Classic Team Excels at National Western Roundup

March 22, 2024
ByErica A Pettey
The California 4-H Horse Classic Team traveled to Denver, CO in January to represent California 4-H at the National Western Roundup.
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2024 California 4-H Camp Conference at Redwood Glen, Loma Mar, CAMission Possible-Join us Mar. 8 thru Mar. 10
California 4-H Grown: Article

Mission Possible: 2024 Camping Conference

January 26, 2024
Your mission, if you so choose to accept it, is Anything is Possible! Do you want to take your camp experience to the next level? Are you a camp staff, leader, or director looking to refresh your camp program?
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Lily with her ribbon and jewelry box awards for Overall Champion of National Fashion Revue
California 4-H Grown: Article

Journey to Victory at the 4-H FCS National Championship

January 26, 2024
I'm Lily Q from Contra Costa County and I was declared the Overall Champion of the National Fashion Revue Constructed Category at the 4-H Family & Consumer Science (FCS) National Championship 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. I have a passion for sewing and fashion.
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Welcome to the University of California 4-H Youth Development Program! 

Through 4-H, kids find their spark, build real world skills and become resilient, adaptable, lifelong learners. 

We welcome youth ages 5 to 18 and adult volunteers to join and become part of the largest youth development program in the nation. California 4-H is delivered in every county through the UC Cooperative Extension offices.

 

Together, we are preparing youth to be our community's future.

 

All are welcome here

California 4-H is committed to creating spaces where all young people can grow and thrive.

4-H'ers are 2x more positive about wellbeing
4-H'ers are 2x more positive about wellbeing
4-H'ers are 2x more likely to report feeling competent
4-H'ers are 2x more likely to report feeling competent

 

 

Our goal is to help California youth thrive!

The 4-H Thriving Model of Positive Youth Development is based on research that shows that youth in 4-H programs with a high-quality, safe and caring environment will grow and thrive. Thriving youth can reach essential life goals. Learn more about the4-H Thriving Model.

 

 

 

Together, we are working towards creating a future where we all belong. 

And we’re doing that at all levels of our organization.

Learn More about how we're creating Opportunity for all

 

 

 

Contribute for a Better Future

Upcoming Events

Event Date
December 4, 2025

Stress, Rest & Sleep - Healthy Living webinar

Learn the importance of reducing stress and how to check inwards through rest and sleep. The 4-H Healthy Living Advisory Committee invites you to pledge your health to better living and join…
8 4-H youth in uniform
Event Date
December 10, 2025

Anatomy of a Workshop - Teen Leadership Essentials webinar

One of the functions of a Teen Leader is to educate the members. In this workshop participants will learn how to build a cohesive, interactive, and fun workshop and still include learning outcomes.
Volunteer Cafe logo
Event Date
December 18, 2025

Volunteer Cafe webinar: Working with Youth Leaders

Learn how to collaborate more effectively with youth leaders so they can set and achieve their goals. This webinar features hands-on activities and insightful discussions.
Event Date
January 8, 2026

Service Learning - Healthy Living webinar

Give back to your local communities through service projects that support youth and community health.

Office Locations

State 4-H Office

2801 Second Street
Davis,CA95618
United States

ca4H@ucanr.edu

Personnel

Stephanie L Barrett

Stephanie Louise Barrett
4-H Regional Program Coordinator

Whitney Bell

4-H Analyst

Vera M Bullard

Vera M Bullard
UC 4-H Regional Program Coordinator - Region Six, serving Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Placer, Nevada, Tuolumne counties

Jose A Campos

Jose A. Campos
Regional Program Super: University of California 4-H YDP Region 8

Claudia F Carlos

Claudia F. Carlos
CalFresh Healthy Living, UCCE Riverside County Program Supervisor

Zeva F Cho

4-H Statewide Program Manager

Ryan P Cleland

Ryan P. Cleland
4-H Community Education Specialist II

Jenna Colburn

Jenna Colburn
Statewide 4-H Leadership & Civic Engagement CES III

Trisha Dinh

Business Manager, YFC, Master Gardeners & Master Food Preservers

Kathy Fessler

Kathy Fessler
Administrative Program Assistant

Jennifer Henkens

Jennifer A. Henkens
4-H CE Supervisor 1 - Region 5 (Sacramento, Solano, Yolo)

Kimberly Holmes

Statewide 4-H Director

Ally Lemmer

4-H Youth Development Healthy Living Academic Coordinator II

Diego A Mariscal

4-H Regional Program Coordinator (Region 4)

Scott C Mautte

Scott Christopher Mautte
Community Education Specialist III for Volunteer & Staff Development

Gemma M Miner

Gemma M. Miner
Interim 4-H Assistant Director

Suzanne Morikawa

4-H Marketing and Communications Specialist

Kaitlyn A Murray

PhD, Community Engagement and Youth Outreach Academic Coordinator

Erica A Pettey

Statewide 4-H Animal and Equine Science CES III

Lynn Schmitt-McQuitty

Lynn Schmitt-McQuitty
Director for County Cooperative Extension

Constance L Schneider

UC Cooperative Extension Academic Emeritus

Ana M Torres

Ana M. Torres
4-H YDP Regional Program Supervisor

Susan J Weaver

Susan J. Weaver
4-H Youth Development Program Regional Coordinator, Region 7

Jacki Zediker

Jacki Zediker
4-H Regional Program Coordinator (Region 1 & Region 2)

Mary Zoller

Mary Zoller
4-H Regional Program Coordinator, Region 3

Mission Statement

The University of California 4-H Youth Development Program (California 4-H) engages youth in reaching their fullest potential while advancing the field of youth development.

California 4-H provides meaningful opportunities for all youth and adults to work together to create sustainable community change.