Positive Youth Development The New Jersey 4-H Youth Development Program is the youth development component of Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cook College, Rutgers University. In each New Jersey county, through the local Rutgers Cooperative Extension office, 4-H offers informal, educational programs to youth in grades K-13 (one year out of high school). Because 4-H offers a variety of programs to meet the needs of New Jersey's diverse population, there is something for everyone in 4-H. The primary focus of 4-H is positive youth development, which is accomplished through a variety of delivery modes using hands-on, experiential learning programs. 4-H is unique in that it is an educational program for youth based on research provided through the land grant university system. Using this grassroots approach, programs are designed based on the needs of local youth using subject matter knowledge gathered globally. 4-H faculty and staff in New Jersey have access to knowledge through research at Rutgers as well as universities throughout the nation, ensuring programs that are contemporary and relevant to today's youth. One key component of the 4-H program is its volunteer base; adult and teen volunteers are responsible for teaching, mentoring and guiding youth involved in the program. Another key element involves community partnerships, which provide an avenue to collaboratively design and conduct effective local programs with other community organizations and agencies. 4-H is available to all youth at limited or no cost. This is due to the funding partnership between federal, state and local governments which make possible the Cooperative Extension System of which the 4-H Program is a part. Grants and private donor support generated nationally and locally also help to fund program efforts.

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