teen sits at kitchen table working on robotics project

National 4-H Council

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

Consumer Management

Crocheting

Heritage

Home Environment

Human Development

Knitting

Quilting

Environmental Education & Earth Science

Conservation

Entomology

Forestry

Shooting Sports

Wildlife

Healthy Living

Cycling

Food & Nutrition

Food Preservation

Physical Fitness

Safety

Leadership, Citizenship & Personal Development

Citizenship

Entrepreneurship

Leadership

Plant Science

Agronomy

Horticulture

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

Welding

Woodworking