Projects provide the basis of the 4-H program by offering various educational experiences. Carrying out a project will help the member "learn by doing" as well as learn "why" things happen the way they do.
Why projects?
The project is a teaching tool that can be used to develop many desirable traits in addition to the more evident project skills.
Project work is a means to an end, not the end itself. The development of the individual is the most important part
What are projects?
Projects are real life experiences that help 4-H'ers learn to make sound decisions. Projects put the hands and mind to work.
What are the objectives of 4-H projects?
Create a sense of ownership
Give a feeling of achievement
Strengthen family and community ties
Provide members the opportunity to:
- learn project skills
- develop and understand project knowledge
- develop good attitudes
- assume responsibility
- provide healthful competition
- make meaningful decisions
Provide leisure time activities
Explore career opportunities and thus the need for continued education. All projects are, in a sense, career explorative–giving each member a taste of the work and responsibilities involved.
How are projects conducted?
Project work is conducted through various delivery methods:
- project meetings at club, county, or state events
- demonstrations and talks at club meetings, county contests, or state contests
- tours
- family activities or work at home
- exhibiting at the county or state fair
- recordkeeping
- workshops or camps
The selection of 4-H projects has expanded greatly over the years. There are over 150 different projects. Some of the projects have been planned with several phases so that a member may advance to more difficult and challenging activities within that project. Projects are selected early in the 4-H year when enrollment is completed.
Counties may offer additional county-level projects. Please contact your local Extension office for more information before beginning the enrollment process.
2023 Nebraska 4-H Projects
Key: A=Beginner; B=Intermediate; C=Advanced; D=All Levels
Animal Science
Beef
Companion Animal
Dairy Cattle
Goat
Horse
Poultry
Rabbit
Sheep
Swine
Veterinary Science
Communication & Expressive Art
Communications
Digital Video
Photography
Presentations
Theatre
Visual Arts
Consumer & Family Science
Clothing
- STEAM Clothing: Beyond the Needle D
- STEAM Clothing 1: Fundamentals A
- STEAM Clothing 2: Simply Sewing A/B
- STEAM Clothing 3: A Stitch Further B/C
Consumer Management
Crocheting
Heritage
Home Environment
Human Development
- I Have What It Takes to be Your Babysitter D
- Kids on the Grow 1 A
- Kids on the Grow 2 B
- Kids on the Grow 3 C
Knitting
Quilting
Environmental Education & Earth Science
Conservation
- Outdoor Skills D
- 4-H Geology D
- Environment 1 A
- Environment 2 B
- Environment 3 C
- Outdoor 1: Hiking Trails A
- Outdoor 2: Camping Adventures B
- Outdoor 3: Backpacking Expeditions C
Entomology
Forestry
Shooting Sports
- 22 Rifle D
- Air Pistol D
- Air Rifle D
- Archery D
- BB Gun D
- Hunting Skills D
- Muzzleloader D
- Shotgun D
- Smallbore Pistol D
Wildlife
Healthy Living
Cycling
Food & Nutrition
Food Preservation
- Unit 1 Freezing Project Manual D
- Unit 2 Drying Project Manual D
- Unit 3 Boiling Water Canning Project Manual D
- Unit 4 Pressure Canning Project Manual D
Physical Fitness
Safety
Leadership, Citizenship & Personal Development
Citizenship
Entrepreneurship
Leadership
Plant Science
Agronomy
Horticulture
- Annual Flowers D
- Everyone a Gardener D
- Gardening A A
- Gardening B B
- Gardening C B
- Gardening D C
- Houseplants D
- Special Gardening Project D
- The World of Flowers D
Range
Science, Engineering & Technology
Aerospace
Computers
Electricity
Gear-Tech-21
- Gear-Tech-21 Year 1 B
- Gear-Tech-21 Year 2 B
Geospatial
Physics
Robotics
- Robotics Platforms D
- Virtual Robotics D
- Junk Drawer Robotics 1 A
- Junk Drawer Robotics 2 B
- Junk Drawer Robotics 3 C