4-H Youth Development has been building upon its core values, “Head, Heart, Hands, and Health” since 1902. The program provides experiential education opportunities for youth aged five to 19 years through programming focused on STEAM, civic engagement and healthy living.

Through the Afterschool program specifically,  4-H has provided over 25 years of quality programming through partnerships in school districts and community organizations. These efforts extend the national mission of empowering youth to reach their full potential by bringing 4-H directly to the participants. The program’s major components include academic assistance, asset building, engaging in healthy lifestyle choices, hands-on experiential learning, school-connectedness, and parent engagement.

Participants are provided an opportunity to learn and grow by being presented with caring staff, enrichment resources, and opportunities to become future leaders. These opportunities can positively influence a student’s life by increasing school attendance, academic performance, motivation, behavior, and overall well-being. As a result, graduation rates in participating schools improve and teachers appreciate the strengthening and fostering a love of lifelong learning. For parents, 4-H Afterschool provides a safe environment (during the school year and in summer camp) for children, run by qualified mentors.

4-H programming covers various topics running from robotics, computer science, and college/career readiness to drama, arts/crafts, theater, dance, physical activity, healthy living, nutrition, and leadership! Through these, youth participants build self-esteem, set goals, think critically, develop empathy, solve problems, and become better prepared for the future!

Currently, Delaware’s 4-H Afterschool programs serve nearly 500 youth Kindergarten through high school at eight programs across the state. Program collaborations are hosted at Eisenburg Elementary and Kirk Middle in New Castle County; Lake Forest South Elementary, Milford Central Academy and Milford High School all in Kent County; Phillip C. Showell Elementary and the Hickory Tree Community Center in Sussex County. 

Funding for our programs is supported by the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program (21st CCLC), the Delaware Criminal Justice Council by the Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Families Division of Prevention and Behavioral Health and the 4-H National Mentoring grant.

If you are looking for a 4-H Afterschool program in your county, please contact the following staff: New Castle/Kent County: ftaylor@udel.edu and Sussex County: ferlenda@udel.edu.