4-H differs from other youth programs in that it is an integral part of our nation's public education system, functioning through the Land-Grant Universities in each state. It has served as a non-formal, off-campus, non-credit, voluntary educational program of the University of California since 1913. 4-H is available to young people aged 5-19, without regard to race, creed, religion, color, national origin, sex, or mental or physical handicap.
Cooperative Extension
In California, 4-H is a part of the University's Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources Cooperative Extension Program. Cooperative Extension academic staff are located in nearly every county in California, with the cooperation and support of local county governments.
4-H in Santa Barbara County
The Santa Barbara County 4-H Youth Development Program, with adult volunteer leaders, and in cooperation with other youth-serving agencies and youth professionals, provides youth the opportunity to engage in a variety of learning experiences. These experiences include many stimulating new programs: science and environmental education and community service, as well as programs traditionally associated with 4-H, including gardening, animal science, and leadership skills development.
A major part of the program delivery system is organized around 4-H units. In Santa Barbara County, there are currently twenty 4-H units. Of these twenty units, eighteen are organized as 4-H clubs, and two are special project units. REACTS/4-H, and the 4-H Learning Through Nature Greenhouse/Garden Project). Of the twenty 4-H units in the County, seven are in the Santa Maria Valley, five are in the Santa Ynez Valley, six are on the South Coast, one is in Lompoc, and one is located in the Cuyama Valley. In 1995-96, over 5,500 youth participated in the 4-H program, with the support of some 450 adult volunteers.
4-H also carries out a variety of long- and short-term collaborative projects. These projects have included such groups as Migrant Education, Girls Inc., Tres Condados Girl Scout Council, and the Boys and Girls Clubs. For instance, Girls Inc. has had a 4-H SERIES Recycle/Reuse Project incorporated into their after-school science program.
Throughout the year, 4-H initiates and/or participates in a variety of outreach activities that are designed to give participants an introductory experience to what 4-H has to offer, and to enrich their existing programs. Outreach activities are often carried out in collaboration with other community and youth-serving organizations. These activities have included the Carousel of Cultures, held annually in Lompoc, the AHEAD Conference, held at UCSB, participation in Earth Day, Nickelodeon's "Big Help," and the Old Glory Farms at the County Fair.
4-H also provides training workshops for adult and teen volunteer leaders. When appropriate, these trainings also include staff, volunteers, and youth from other programs. Examples of this type of training are the 4-H SERIES hands-on science education, Community and Project Leader Trainings, as well as Youth Leadership Retreats.
Mission, Goals, and Priorities
The 4-H Mission Is:
To help youth develop into responsible, self-directed, productive citizens of the world, and to improve the well-being of youth and society through the use of research-based learn-by-doing educational experiences.
The 4-H YDP Educational Goals Are:
Acquisition of life, leadership and problem-solving skills to enhance individual development and well-being.
Acquisition of knowledge and skills in the production and wise use of food and fiber, and the conservation of the world's natural resources.
Understanding of, and responsible participation in, community affairs.
The Current 4-H YDP Priorities Are:
Redevelopment of club programs through volunteer training and development to increase volunteer direction and management while maintaining historic educational quality.
Expansion of 4-H YDP participation in all areas with special efforts to increase minority participation.
Development and delivery of research-based innovations in youth work to 4-H YDP participants and to professionals from other youth-serving organizations.
"WE ARE 4-H" NEWSLETTERS
VARIOUS RECORD BOOK FORMS
How to contact the Santa Barbara County UCCE 4-H Youth Development Program:
Phone: 805/692-1730 in Santa Barbara,
or at 805/934-6240 in Santa Maria
Fax: 805/692-1731
E-mail: cesboffice@ucdavis.edu
The UCCE 4-H Office is located at:
305 Camino del Remedio, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
The office is open daily, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon, and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
California 4-H Web site features state-wide information, county/club links, 4-H forms, etc.:
http://ca4h.org
2000-2001 Diamond Star Team:
http://fourh.ucdavis.edu/youthleader/ds/
2000 Leadership Conference at UC Davis. Information available at:
http://fourh.ucdavis.edu/youthleader/slc/00slc/
2000 National 4-H Conference. For more information, please visit:
http://fourh.ucdavis.edu/youthleader/n4hc/00nc.htm
or
http://www.4-H.org/4hconf2000/conf00.html
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