94,893 youth, 5-18 years of age participated in 4H in 2008.
Of these 94,893 youth, 6% lived on farms; 64% lived in towns under 10,000 and open country; 27% lived in towns and cities of 10,000 to 50,000; and 3% lived in suburbs and cities.
51.8% were girls and 48.2% boys
36% were in grades k-3; 36% in grades 4-6; 14% in grades 7-9; 9% in 10th grade and up; 1.5% in Special; and 1.5% were not in school
The racial ethnic breakdown was as follows: 54% white; 43% African-American; 2% Hispanic; .5% Asian, and .5% American Indian.
Youth participated in the 4-H programs in the following ways:
20,195 youth were members of 1,067 4-H community-based clubs
48,821 youth were members of 378 4-H special interest and short-term groups
32,585 youth were involved in 364 4-H school enrichment groups
4,953 youth in Day Camps
1,375 youth participated in 4-H individual study programs
180 youth participated in other delivery modes
4-H Project Enrollments - 2008
Animal Science - 16,447
Animal Science, Beef Dairy, Horses and Ponies, Sheep, Swine, Goats, Poultry, Dogs, Rabbits, Other Small Animals, Plant Science, Crops, Home Gardens, Ornamental Horticulture, Flower Gardening
Plant Science - 10,835
Junior Master Gardener, Crops, Home Gardens, Ornamental Horticulture, Flower Gardening
Science and Technology - 5,698
Engineering, Tractors, Small Engines, Automotive, Bicycle Care, Electric, Electronics, Aerospace, Veterinary Science, Meat Science, Plant Science, Entomology and Bees, Aerospace, Marine Science, Physical Science
Citizenship and Civic Education - 10,478
Community Service, Citizenship, International Study, Exchanges: International and Domestic, Volunteerism, Service Learning
Wildlife, Forestry, Shooting Sports & Sport Fishing - 28,382
Shooting Sports, Wildlife & Fisheries, Environmental Stewardship, Waste Management, Forestry, Energy, Sports Fishing
Healthy Lifestyle Education - 54,306
Health Rocks!, Body Walk, Health, Physical Fitness, Sports, First Aid, Safety, Bicycle Safety, Automotive Safety, EFNEP, Food Preservation, Food Nutrition
Consumer & Family Sciences - 9,037
Home and Personal Management, Home Furnishings, Equipment and Housing, Consumer Education, Clothing and Textiles, Family Life Education, Child Care
Leadership and Personal Development - 27,945
Career & Exploration, Leadership, Reading Literacy, Personal Development
Communication and Expressive Arts - 7,413
Public Speaking, Graphic Arts, Photography, Drama, Music
Science, Engineering & Technology - 77,812
Citizenship - 38,423
Healthy Lifestyles - 54,306
Total Enrollment in 4-H Projects - 170,541
(Individual 4-H members enroll in one or more organized projects each year.
In 2008 there were 7,459 youth and adult volunteer leaders working directly and indirectly with youth.
The average 4-H adult volunteer donates 220 hours per year in preparing for club meetings and teaching youth.
Each volunteer drives an average 300 to 400 miles for 4-H in a personally owned vehicle and spends $40 to $60 annually on teaching materials.
Estimated value of the total time volunteers devote to 4-H plus their out-of-pocket expenses is over $22,000,000.