4-H Youth Development

What is 4-H?

4-H is the largest youth organization in the United States with over 7 million participants. 4-H is best identified by its green four-leaf clover with an H on each leaf. The four Hs on the emblem stand for Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. 4-H is the only youth organization based within the land-grant university system, and the first experience many youth have with higher education.

4-H in Prince George’s County

The Prince George’s County 4-H Youth Development Program is a volunteer-driven youth development program managed by the University of Maryland Extension. Youth may participate in community- and school-based clubs exploring areas such as Robotics, Animal Science, Outdoor Education, Healthy Living, Camping, and Civic Engagement and Community Service. The program also provides educational outreach programs in a variety of settings. These opportunities are offered through research-based, hands-on activities. Together 4-H members and volunteers participate in fun, hands-on, research-based activities supported by a national Extension system.

4-H opens up new and exciting opportunities for both youth and volunteers to:

• Enhance leadership skills
• Improve communication skills
• Meet and make new friends 
• Become involved in their communities
• Improve personal growth and development
• Most importantly, HAVE FUN!!!!

Who Can Join?

Youth ages 5-18; 5-7 year olds are called Clover members and participate in non-competitive programs to learn about the many different aspects of 4-H. At age 8, a youth can become a "regular" 4-H member, enroll in projects and participate in competitive county and state events.

For more information about the program, you may contact the 4-H staff via email:

Alexander E. Chan, PhD, 4-H Youth Development Educator - alexchan@umd.edu 

Gretchen Sumbrum, 4-H Faculty Extension Assistant - gsumbrum@umd.edu

Ariel Delgado, Adminsitrative Assistant I, 4-H Youth Developmet - adelgad2@umd.edu

Phone: (301) 868-9636

                                          Fax:     (301) 599-6714