In North Carolina, 4-H is a youth development program delivered through NC State University and N.C. A&T State University. The name represents Head, Heart, Hands, and Health.

The 4-H Emblem is the official symbol of the program, shown as a four-leaf clover with an “H” on each leaf. It represents the identity of 4-H and has been used for over a century. The emblem is federally protected and must be used in its official form.

18 U.S.C. 707 is the federal law that protects the 4-H Name and Emblem. It gives the U.S. Department of Agriculture authority over how they are used and ensures they remain consistent and connected to the mission of 4-H.

The 4-H Pledge is a statement recited by members as a commitment to personal growth and service. It reflects the values of Head, Heart, Hands, and Health and is commonly used at meetings, ceremonies, and events.

The 4-H Creed is a statement that reflects the values and beliefs of 4-H members, emphasizing leadership, responsibility, and service.

“To Make the Best Better.” This phrase expresses the goal of continuous improvement that guides all 4-H learning experiences.

“Learn by Doing.” This phrase reflects the hands-on learning approach that is central to the 4-H program.

North Carolina 4-H refers to the statewide 4-H program delivered through NC State Extension and Cooperative Extension at N.C. A&T. It provides opportunities for youth across the state to participate in programs, events, and leadership experiences. This level may also be referred to as State 4-H.

Beyond Ready is a message used in 4-H that reflects how youth are prepared for college, careers, and life through hands-on learning and real-world experiences.

N.C. Cooperative Extension is the statewide system that delivers 4-H and other educational programs through NC State University and N.C. A&T State University. It connects university research with local communities through county centers across North Carolina.

extension refers to the process of extending knowledge from universities into communities. 

An extension center is a local office where 4-H and other Cooperative Extension programs are delivered within a county. These centers serve as the primary connection point for youth, families, volunteers, and the community.

National 4-H Council is a nonprofit organization that supports 4-H nationwide through partnerships, fundraising, and program development.

The USDA is the federal agency that oversees the 4-H program and protects the 4-H Name and Emblem.

hands-on learning is the approach used in 4-H where youth learn by actively doing, reflecting, and applying new skills.

positive youth development is the approach used in 4-H that focuses on building strengths, skills, and supportive relationships to help youth thrive.

civic engagement refers to how 4-H members participate in their communities through leadership, involvement, and efforts to make a difference.

healthy living is a focus area in 4-H that includes nutrition, physical activity, and overall well-being, with programs and experiences that help youth build healthy habits.

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and in 4-H it includes hands-on learning experiences that build problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

service learning is an approach in 4-H that combines community service with hands-on learning, allowing members to apply skills while giving back.

4-H age is the age used to determine a member’s eligibility for programs, events, and competitions. In North Carolina, a member’s 4-H age is their age as of January 1 of the current 4-H program year.

The 4-H program year is the annual cycle used to organize programs, activities, and records in 4-H. Members track their involvement, projects, and achievements within a single 4-H Year.

4-H members are youth ages 5–18 who participate in 4-H programs, clubs, events, and activities. The term 4-H’er is also widely used.

Cloverbuds are 4-H participants ages 5–7.

A 4-H Volunteer is an adult who supports 4-H programs by working with youth, leading activities, or assisting with events. Volunteers must be registered and approved through 4-H Online.

4-H Alumni are individuals who previously participated in 4-H and continue to support or stay connected to the program.

A 4-H Donor is an individual or organization that provides financial or in-kind support to help sustain and grow 4-H programs and opportunities.

A 4-H Club Leader is a volunteer who leads or co-leads a 4-H club. Club leaders guide meetings, support members, and help facilitate learning and activities within the club.

A 4-H Agent is a county-based Extension professional who leads and manages 4-H programs at the local level.

A 4-H Program Assistant is a staff member who supports the delivery of 4-H programs at the county or state level.

A 4-H Specialist is an Extension professional who focuses on a specific subject area or program within 4-H, and are typically based at the state level.

A 4-H Program Leader is a state-level Extension professional who provides leadership and direction for 4-H Youth Development programs, with one position at NC State University and one at N.C. A&T State University.

CALS is the college at NC State University that houses 4-H Youth Development as part of NC State Extension.

The Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences is the academic department at NC State that includes 4-H Youth Development and supports Extension programs.

CAES is the college at N.C. A&T State University that partners in delivering Cooperative Extension and 4-H programs across North Carolina.

The State 4-H Office is the central leadership and administrative unit for North Carolina 4-H, housed within the Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences at NC State University and working through NC State Extension.

The NC4-HVLA represents adult volunteers in North Carolina 4-H who are registered and approved through 4-H Online.

The NCAE4-HYDP represents 4-H Youth Development professionals in North Carolina.

County 4-H refers to local 4-H programs delivered through county extension centers. These programs provide opportunities for youth to participate in clubs, events, projects, and leadership experiences within their community.

District 4-H refers to programs and activities organized within one of the five N.C. Cooperative Extension districts. These districts help connect county programs to regional opportunities and events.

State 4-H refers to programs, events, and opportunities that take place at the state level and involve participants from across North Carolina, and may also be used interchangeably with North Carolina 4-H.

National 4-H refers to programs, events, and opportunities that take place at the national level and include participants from across the United States.

The State 4-H Council is a youth leadership group made up of State and District 4-H Officers. This group is formally known as the North Carolina 4-H Council.

4-H officers are youth leaders who serve at the club, county, district, and state levels and support meetings, programs, and events.

A 4-H club is a group of youth within a county who meet regularly with adult volunteers to participate in hands-on learning, projects, and activities.

4-H Curriculum refers to the educational materials and resources used to guide learning in 4-H programs, which are often developed by Extension specialists and educators.

A 4-H project is an area of interest that a member explores through hands-on learning over time.

subject matter programs are 4-H programs focused on specific topic areas, such as dairy, electric, forestry and wildlife, horticulture science, horse, livestock, and poultry. These programs connect youth with opportunities led by Extension specialists and subject matter experts, allowing them to explore new topics.

4-H Online is the web-based system used to manage enrollment and records for youth members and adult volunteers in North Carolina 4-H.

The 4-H Presentation Program is a statewide program where members share what they have learned by presenting or performing for an audience. It includes 4-H presentations,  entertains, and outdoor cookery.

A 4-H presentation is part of the 4-H Presentation Program where members teach others about a topic through a demonstration, illustrated talk, or speech.

4-H Entertains is part of the 4-H Presentation Program where members perform for an audience.

4-H Outdoor Cookery is part of the 4-H Presentation Program where members prepare and present a meal using outdoor cooking methods.

County Activity Day is a local event tied to the 4-H Presentation Program. Opportunities vary by county, and not all counties offer a formal County Activity Day.

District Activity Day is an event where members present and compete at the district level within the 4-H Presentation Program.

State Presentation Finals is a statewide event where top participants from District Activity Day present at the state level.

The Dinah Gore 4-H Healthy Food Challenge is a North Carolina 4-H program where teams plan, prepare, and present a healthy meal while demonstrating knowledge of nutrition, food safety, and teamwork.

4-H Congress is a statewide event that brings together members, volunteers, and staff for leadership, workshops, and recognition.

4-H Camp refers to residential and day camp experiences focused on hands-on learning and personal growth.

These programs recognize youth for their involvement, growth, and achievements in 4-H. Opportunities may include project records, portfolios, scholarships, and AIRE.

A 4-H Project Record is a document where members track what they learned and accomplished in a project area during a single year.

A 4-H Portfolio is a collection of materials that highlight a member’s work and growth across multiple years.

AIRE is the selection process used to choose youth delegates for national 4-H trips and opportunities.

4-H Scholarships are financial awards given to members based on their involvement, achievements, and leadership.

The 4-H Honor Club is a statewide recognition program that honors 4-H members for their leadership, service, and long-term involvement in 4-H.

4-H International Programs provide opportunities for youth to participate in global experiences, including inbound and outbound exchange programs that promote cultural understanding and leadership.