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Projects

In 4-H, members learn about topics that interest them. These are referred to as members “projects.” That could be anything from learning how to cook, build a robot, or care for the environment. One of the most important aspects of 4-H project work is that the 4-H member decides what they want to learn and do as they explore their project. This allows the project to be self-paced, and gives children important skills in setting and working toward their goals.

4-H makes learning fun! A variety of projects are offered through 4-H so members can pick the ones that most interest them. Or they can find other young people with the same interest and study that topic with the help of a volunteer that shares the same interests. 4-H projects help members to learn by doing. Projects offer hands-on ways to learn about a topic of interest.

Some projects have several levels. As members master the work at a beginning level, they are encouraged to advance to higher levels. Our Project Selection guide is available for view below.

SELECT YOUR PROJECT!

Photo of universe

Aerospace

Build a rocket or a model plane then take off to explore the world.

Black and white cow animal sciences

Animal Sciences

Learn more about the animal sciences industry and the care and keeping of animals.

Young lady showing cattle

Beef

Raise and show beef cattle while you learn about managing your cattle herd.

Photo of Bicycle

Bicycles

Nothing feels better than riding your bicycle with friends.

Photo of Hispanic Teen

Career Readiness

Explore careers, plan your own business, or get ready for college.

Photo of Kittens

Cats

It's the purrrrfect project to help you learn to care for your cat's daily needs.

photo of child care poster

Child Development

Learn about careers in the child development field while you learn best practices for caring and working with children.

Civic Engagement

Be empowered and actively engaged in your community and world around you.

Photo of clothing fabric

Clothing and Textiles

Make, buy, or recycle clothes that reflect your personal style and budget.

Photo of children playing

Cloverbuds

The 4-H Cloverbud program is for youth ages 5-7 as of the previous Sept. 1.

Photo of Children

Communications

Become an effective public speaker, writer, communicator, or reporter.

Photo of Teen at Computer

Computer Science

Learn programming from scratch using SCRATCH and open-source sources.

Photo of several bills of money

Consumer Education

Wise money choices now could mean cash in the future.

Photo of 4-H member in cornfield

Crops

Get your hands dirty! Learn about soil, bugs, and things which affect our crops.

Photo of Teen with Dairy Cow

Dairy Cattle

Explore the dairy industry, from raising a cow to the science behind milk production.

Dogs

He's your best friend on 4 legs. Learn to be a responsible dog owner.

Morse Code display board picture

Electricity

Electricity powers the world. Learn to be the master of electricity as you make the world shine.

Ready to check the hives

Entomology

Come learn about bees and bugs, creepy crawlers and flying machines.

Two boys in masks raise their hands in front of a computer game

eSports

eSports

Photo of young boy and girl

Exploratory

Welcome to 4-H. See what 4-H has to offer you. Try out projects. Learn about activities.

Family Heritage

Discover your family history as you go on a treasure hunt for information. The records you create will last a lifetime.

Photo of blueberries

Food and Nutrition

Make your favorite foods and learn the art and science of cooking

Photo of teen in forest

Forestry

Identify trees, decode a tree’s rings, and collect leaves.

Photo of Geological Rock Formation

Geology

Curious about that rock you found? Learn what it is and how it formed.

Photo of two goats

Goats

Learn about health, nutrition, breeding, selection, and marketing of goats.

Health and Fitness

This project is all about first aid, staying healthy and keeping fit

Photo of a Horse

Horse

Learn how to care for these large, beautiful animals.

Photo of Garden

Horticulture

Get your hands dirty while you design, plant, and grow gardens.

Photo of Interculutural members

Intercultural

We're part of a great big world. Explore new cultures from anywhere you choose.

Interior Design

Interior Design is a great way to learn about design, color, texture, and space.

Photo of Teen leaders

Leadership

Make the best in you even better! Build your team, be a role model, and help others.

Photo of Circuit board

Maker

4-H is taking emerging technologies by storm. We've added new projects which will spark the imagination of builders, makers, and tinkerers of all ages.

photo of fishing pole

Nature: Fishing and Wildlife

Exploring, fishing, wildlife and more! If you like being outdoors, this project area is for you. Do you want to make the earth a better place to live?

Photo of leaves

Nature: Natural Resources and Camping

Explore the beautiful world. Hike, camp, and explore the environment

Photo of boy taking photos

Photography

Capture all your memories for years to come in great photographs.

Photo of growing plants

Plants & Soils

Soil gives us life and food. Find out about soil, bugs, and water and how they affect plants.

Photo of Chicken

Poultry

The program will help you learn about chickens from the egg to the table.

Photo of Rabbit

Rabbits

The rabbit project teaches you how to care for, raise, breed and market rabbits.

Photo of youth with robotics

Robotics

Robots are amazing machines which do surgery, build cars, and assist us with our lives.

Sheep

Sheep is a great project for beginner or advanced livestock project member.

Shooting Sports

This project covers firearm safety and teaches responsible handling and use.

Photo of Engine

Small Engines

Take it apart and see how it works as you learn engine parts, tools of the trade, and what makes small engines work.

Photo of small pets

Small Pets

Learn about a variety of small pets, such as birds, guinea pigs, iguanas, snakes or frogs.

Swine

It's a stinky job, but you'll have fun caring for pigs and providing a safe source of food for the world.

Technology: Drones

See the world through the eyes of an unmanned aerial vehicles and systems (UAV/ UAS)... or better known as DRONES.

Photo of Ballerina

Theatre Arts

Theatre Arts lets you be whomever you want to be ... acting, make-up, sets, puppets.

photo of tractor

Tractor

Tractors help power Illinois agriculture. Learn about safe handling, maintenance, and operation.

Veterinary Science

This could be the start of a career as a vet!

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Video

The video project exposes youth to filmmaking, digital storytelling, and videography through workshop modules that assist youth with making their own films.

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Visual Arts

Do you want to express yourself, be creative, or make an impression? Visual Arts is for you!

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Weather

Weather affects our everyday life, from what to wear to be comfortable that day to providing water for plants and animals.

Photo of Weldling Exhibit

Welding

Welding can be a great career and a good skill to know.

Photo of Woodworking Exhibit

Woodworking

Start with a piece of wood and end up with a handcrafted piece of art, household item, or item for sale.

Spotlight

Photo of Thad Hughes National Award

4-H Is Creating the Leaders We Need Today

Latest News

Four youth hold ribbons

Youth hippology team show off their horse sense as national reserve champions

Nov 18, 2021

4-H Ag Innovators Experience presented by Bayer in text

Young people to develop skills to help feed the planet

Nov 12, 2021

Four youth in a square picture format with a green clover to the side

Youth committee members build strong agricultural foundations

Nov 04, 2021

White clover on a green clover background

4-H youth take the commander’s seat on space missions

Nov 04, 2021

Four youth in dress clothes hold a yellow ribbon

4-H Livestock Judging Team takes 9th in the nation

Nov 04, 2021

Did You Know?

More than 26,650 young people belong to Illinois 4-H clubs, and that number keeps growing, up 11% last year.

Illinois 4-H members range in age from 8 to 18. Youth who are 5 to 7 years of age may join 4-H as a Cloverbud member.

96% of 4-H members in robotics projects say they like science and want to learn more about science