University of Maine Cooperative Extension has Maine’s most successful out-of-school youth educational program through 4-H. 4-H is a positive youth development organization that empowers young people to reach their full potential. Youth participate in 4-H through clubs, camps, schools, afterschool, and special interest programs. Dedicated and committed UMaine Extension faculty and staff, and more than 2,000 volunteers, provided positive learning experiences for:
- 9,000 youth through our 4-H camp and learning centers
- 2,600 youth through our 4-H clubs
- 9,000 youth through our FoodCorps program
- 3,500 youth through our Eat Well program
- 10,500 youth through our special interest/short term programs
- 9,600 youth through our school enrichment programs
The 4-H program has three mission mandates:
- 40,378 projects focused on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)
- 17,193 projects focused on healthy lifestyles
- 8,938 projects focused on youth community action/engagement/leadership
the UMCE employees and volunteers are committed to
- creating positive experiential learning experiences for Maine youth;
- promoting and helping create positive relationships between youth and adults;
- creating and supporting positive, inclusive, and safe learning environments; and
- providing youth with opportunities to experience positive risk-taking challenges and growth.
