4-H Youth Development

Our Mission

4-H Youth Development is a community of nearly 900 youth across Dutchess County learning leadership, citizenship, and like skills.  Youth and adults work together to foster these skills through 4-H Clubs, After-school Programs, Ag in the Classroom, the No Child Left Inside Program, and the International Youth Exchange Program.  4-H'ers participate in fun, hands-on learning activities, supported by the latest research of Cornell University, that are focused on three mandates: Science, Engineering and Technology, Healthy Living, and Citizenship.  The 4-H Green Teen Community Gardening Program works with approximately 100 youth from Beacon  who learn about food, farming, entrepreneurship, and health through hands-on experiences through after-school, in-school, and summer programs.

What We Do

4-H Club Programs

The 4-H Youth Development Club Programs foster leadership, citizenship and life skills by reaching nearly 900 youth, ages 5-19 through volunteer-led clubs.  There are clubs in every community in Dutchess County, offering youth skills-training and opportunities in such areas as robotics, outdoor education, sewing and culinary skills, citizenship and community service, livestock and equine, shooting sports, and many more.  To find out more about getting involved with a 4-H club, contact the 4-H youth development program.

Agriculture in the Classroom

The Agriculture in the Classroom/Agriculture Literacy Programs reach nearly 700 youth each year when volunteers read an agriculture-related children’s book in school classrooms and undertake a hands-on-activity with the class to teach the benefits of local agriculture.

Green Teen Community Gardening Program

The Green Teen Community Gardening Program works year-round with Beacon and Poughkeepsie youth, ages 7-21. They learn about food, farming, entrepreneurship, and health through hands-on experiences. Participants grow plants and vegetables in their classrooms, on farms, and in community gardens. During the school year, Green Teen holds local programs both during and after school.

Barn Raising Capital Campaign

You Can Help!! CCEDC and the 4-H Club Program need your help to meet the Barn Raising Campaign Goal to construct new 4-H barns on 4-H Hill at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds.

Who We Are

The four 4-H Youth Development Program professional staff members are trained and experienced in youth development and leadership, livestock and equine education, 4-H youth community education, outdoor education, and youth entrepreneurship, gardening and healthy lifestyles.  Staff provides education, resources, and support to the 4-H Club and Green Teen Community Gardening Programs.