CHARLESTON, W.Va. — From fairgrounds to classrooms, community gardens to robotics labs, 4-H in West Virginia is helping young people prove they’re not just ready for the future—they’re Beyond Ready. As part of a national celebration of the impact of 4-H, Governor Patrick Morrisey has declared October 4-10, 2026, National 4-H Week in West Virginia.
Through efforts led by the state’s two Land-grant Universities, West Virginia University (WVU) and West Virginia State University (WVSU), 4-H has helped thousands of the Mountain State’s young people find their future. From science-based learning to historical lessons, 4-H cultivates tomorrow’s leaders and offers comprehensive growth for the whole family.
“Despite the challenges of today’s world, our 4-H’ers continue to grow, serve and excel,” said Dr. Jorge Atiles, associate vice president and dean of the WVU Division for Land-Grant Engagement. “4-H provides endless opportunities for our youth in West Virginia, and that’s something worth celebrating well beyond National 4-H Week.”
Through WVU, 4-H reaches young people across all 55 counties in West Virginia. WVU 4-H faculty, staff and volunteers bring 4-H programming to every corner of the state, including community and special interest clubs, livestock projects, in-school programs and camping. These programs help 4-H’ers build a strong foundation for future success as leaders while also creating connections with their community and peers. From community service projects and Know Your State school enrichment curriculum that help develop a sense of belonging and place, to specialized programming, such as STEM, shooting sports, Health Rocks! or agricultural experiences that allow youth to explore and discover new interests, WVU 4-H offers hands-on, learn-by-doing opportunities for all West Virginia youths.
At WVSU, 4-H educators empower young people through hands-on, experiential learning in the areas of STEM, agriculture, healthy living and civic engagement. By partnering with local schools, libraries and community hubs, WVSU 4-H meets young people exactly where they are to deliver exciting, curated workshops. Participants dive into high-tech and environmental topics including cybersecurity, robotics, rocketry, pollinator protection and watershed health using cutting-edge tools like StarLabs, virtual reality sandboxes and Merge Cubes. Youth can also connect with educators at the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Claudia L. Workman Wildlife Education Center near Charleston to explore West Virginia’s natural resources. Whether learning indoors or out, WVSU 4-H provides versatile pathways for young people to grow their teamwork, problem-solving and leadership skills.
“4-H gives young people the confidence and practical skills they need to be Beyond Ready to navigate an ever-changing world,” said WVSU Associate Provost and Dean and Director of Agricultural Research and Extension Dr. Ami M. Smith. “When we celebrate 4-H, we’re celebrating the next generation of West Virginia leaders, innovators and problem-solvers.”
As America’s largest youth development organization, 4-H empowers six million young people nationwide with hands-on learning experiences through clubs, camps, school programs and community events. Through the Beyond Ready initiative, 4-H will help prepare 10 million youth people for work and life by 2030.
“National 4-H Week is a powerful reminder that young people are already leading in extraordinary ways,” said Jill Bramble, president and CEO of National 4-H Council. “Through 4-H, youth discover their strengths, build lifelong career and life skills, and create opportunities for real change in their communities. They aren’t waiting for tomorrow—they are stepping up today and are Beyond Ready.”
During National 4-H Week, 4-H members, alumni, volunteers and supporters will wear green, participate in community service projects and share their stories on social media using #4HBeyondReady and #National4HWeek.
To learn more about WVU 4-H, visit extension.wvu.edu/4h. To learn more about WVSU 4-H, visit wvstateu.edu/4h.
ABOUT 4-H
4-H, the nation’s largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for careers tomorrow. 4-H programs reach nearly 6 million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. Through the Beyond Ready national initiative, 4-H aims to increase that number to 10 million youth annually by 2030. 4-H is the youth development program of our nation’s Cooperative Extension System and USDA and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3,000 local Extension offices. Globally, 4-H collaborates with independent programs to empower 1 million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4-H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to have the goal of being a leader; two times for likely to report living life with intentionality and purpose; and three times more likely to participate in community service.
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