In the fall of 1971, 4-H State Leaders Dwight Palmer (WA) and Maurice Johnson (ID) were approached with an opportunity to implement a youth exchange program between 4-H youth and young people from Japan. That year, 179 delegates from the Labo Foundation in Japan came to stay with volunteer host families in Washington and Idaho.
In the five decades that have followed, States’ 4-H has expanded its global programming to 47 countries across 6 continents. Nearly 65,000 youth and their families have been positively impacted by international exchange through States’ 4-H programs.
Since 1972, our exchanges have impacted
youth & their families
countries
continents
Now
ThenAs the world has become smaller and once vast distances are now easily bridged by technology, States’ 4-H mission is more relevant than ever.
Our commitment to our mission is stronger than ever — to continue to empower today’s youth to be future global leaders equipped with respect, mutual understanding and the global perspectives and cross-cultural competencies needed to address global issues.