While 4-H has origins across several states, with youth programs in Illinois and Iowa among others, 1902 is typically considered to be the beginning as several youth clubs emerged that year. One such club was administered by Albert Graham, who would become Ohio's first superintendent of Agricultural Extension in 1905. When Albert Graham organized a meeting of boys and girls in the Clark County courthouse basement in 1902, he could not have anticipated the enduring influence of 4-H and its global reach. While its roots lie in agricultural education, 4-H seeks to empower children and teens from urban neighborhoods, suburban districts and rural communities with the skills and confidence to improve the world around them. 4-H emphasizes learning by doing, with hands-on projects in STEM, agriculture, healthy living and civic engagement. 4-H has been a central part of Ohio’s education for over 100 years, and a cornerstone of county fairs and the Ohio State Fair. Through posts on this blog, the Ohio History Connection seeks to shine a spotlight on 4-H and highlight the hard work of Ohio young people. Afterall, one of Albert Graham’s original goals for 4-H and Ohio Cooperative Extension Service was, “to elevate the standard of living in Ohio,” and the youth of Ohio have been doing just that for generations.