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Mass 4-H

Massachusetts 4-H is a youth development program open to all young people ages 5 through 18 throughout the Commonwealth. It is part of a nationwide system connected to each land-grant institution of higher education and as such, has access to a wealth of resources and curriculum. In Massachusetts, 4-H is based at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and has offices in seven regions of the state.

Based on the Eight Essential Elements of Positive Youth Development, 4-H helps young people learn life skills under the guidance of trained, screened volunteers in non-formal educational settings such as clubs, camps and afterschool programs. These Essential Elements can also be viewed as the Five “C’s” – Competence, Confidence, Connection, Character and Caring.  When young people work on these characteristics they demonstrate a Sixth “C”: Contribution to self, family, community and the institutions of a civil society.

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    2023 UMass 4-H STEM Ambassadors

    January 31, 2023

    UMass Extension 4-H Youth Development Program is seeking students for paid summer internships.

    Applicants must be either undergraduate students who are rising Juniors or Seniors, or graduate students at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. UMass 4-H STEM Ambassadors are trained to provide direct teaching of STEM curriculum to young people throughout Massachusetts. UMass Extension 4-H Educators train STEM Ambassadors with the lessons Ambassadors will teach.  All materials will be provided.

  • steam logo

    2023 STEAM Festival

    November 18, 2022

    The third annual UMass 4-H STEAM Festival Awards was held on March 14th.  Congralations to all those entered and our winners.  Enjoy this overview from 2023.2023 Overview and slide show 

      

  • Headshot of Meg McDermott

    Changes at the Helm

    October 15, 2022

    Dear UMass Extension 4-H Community,   

    I want to welcome you to a new 4-H year! I am positive this year will be filled with exciting educational opportunities for all members of our 4-H community. As 4-H staff, volunteers, and members, we are all stewards of the 4-H program, and it is our privilege to uphold the tenets of Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. As a community that stretches from the western most point of the Berkshire Mountains to the eastern most point of the Cape-we offer a wonderfully rich and diverse 4-H program.