Thrive from the Ground Up 4-H Club Hosted by Speak Into thE

 4-H is the largest youth development program in the United States, founded in 1902 to teach practical life skills to rural youth. While its roots are in agriculture, 4-H has grown into a national movement that empowers young people of all backgrounds to build leadership, responsibility, and critical thinking through hands-on learning. The four H’s—Head, Heart, Hands, and Health—represent a well-rounded approach to youth development. 

With a focus on hands-on learning, 4-H helps youth develop critical life skills through real-world experiences—whether it’s starting a garden, running a business, building something from scratch, or leading a community project.

Thrive from the Ground Up 4H- Club provides hands-on, skill-building opportunities for youth ages 5–19 through the nationally recognized 4-H framework. Participants engage in real-world projects—from growing food in raised beds to launching small businesses—that foster responsibility, creativity, and self-reliance.

Our program uses a combination of agriculture, financial literacy, leadership, and entrepreneurship curricula to meet the needs of each age group. At Thrive from the Ground Up, we show that young people don’t need farmland to thrive. Our club blends traditional 4-H values with urban relevance. Youth develop life skills using tools and techniques designed for city living—whether in a backyard, on a porch, or inside a small apartment.

 For younger youth, activities focus on discovery and teamwork, while older participants dive deeper into personal finance, business planning, and food systems. Teens can even apply for USDA youth loans to support their ventures.

We also place a strong emphasis on mentorship, community building, and leadership development—ensuring every young person feels seen, supported, and capable of success.

📥 Download the full age-based curriculum breakdown in our Downloads section to explore what’s offered at each stage of development.