University of Florida 4-H Foundation

The Mission of the Duval County 4-H Foundation is to enlist the contributions of individuals and business to support the educational goals of the local 4-H program to help youth:

• Develop personal decision-making, communication and leadership skills.
• Learn and apply principles of science & technology.
• Understand the importance of food and fiber and the relationship to the world markets.
• Learn about issues affecting families and communities and become part of the solution.
• Forge partnerships between families, schools and businesses to create a network of caring adults to better serve the needs of rural and urban youth.

4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization. Over 230,000 members in the State of Florida help to make up the community of more than 6.5 million young people across America. 4-H is a non-formal, practical educational program for youth. Florida 4-H is the youth development program of Florida Cooperative Extension, a part of the University of Florida IFAS.

4-H is open to all youth, ages 5-18 and serves youth from all backgrounds and interests. It reaches both boys and girls through 4-H clubs, projects, individual and family learning, mentoring, camping, and school enrichment.

The Duval County 4-H Foundation, established in 1973, was created to enhance existing 4-H programs and to initiate new and innovative programs in youth development.

Each year Duval County 4-H serves approximately 9,000 local youth through school enrichment, traditional clubs, and summer camp programs. Students, clubs, leaders and volunteers utilize 4-H academic study materials and complete hands-on projects in subjects such as: horticulture, animal sciences, technology, public speaking & leadership, citizenship & volunteering, health, nutrition and home economics.

Duval County 4-H Foundation raises funds to support these programs through individual and local business contributions, fund-raisers and grants. The foundation membership is what makes 4-H programs successful.