Tennessee 4-H has touched the lives of more than four million young people in our state since its beginning nearly a hundred years ago. The reason for this broad impact is that 4-H provides educational experiences that help young people gain knowledge, develop life skills, live healthy lives, make intelligent career choices and form positive attitudes — values young people will rely on throughout their lives.

4-H in Tennessee began in the early 1900s as an educational program to help youth in rural areas develop skills in agriculture and home economics. What began as a corn club for boys and a canning club for girls, soon expanded into many areas of agriculture and farm family activities. As the youth development program of The University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service, 4-H embodies a unique blending of county and community resources with the resources, research and teaching of Tennessee's land-grant university.

Historically, membership in 4-H evoked images of farming activities, livestock, cooking, canning, and county fairs. Over the years, however, 4-H has broadened its appeal and outreach to include all young people, whether they live on a farm, in a suburban neighborhood, or a large urban complex. 4-H today includes career fairs as well as county fairs, service to and involvement in communities, international cultural exchange programs, environmental awareness, character building, and much, much more.

The story of 4-H includes hands-on learning experiences, challenges, hard work, leadership opportunities and commitment, but also fun, adventure, lasting friendships and travel. The story is told in the lives of former 4-H'ers who are today's leaders, and reflected in the healthy, hopeful faces of today's members. It is heard in the way they communicate with confidence and knowledge, seen in what they have accomplished in their projects, and demonstrated in their service to others and their communities.

The 4-H story, however, could not be told without the devotion of 4-H agents, specialists and volunteers; the dedication of the 4-H Foundation; the generosity of donors; and the support of local, state and federal governments.