How to Volunteer

Give your time to 4-H and become a volunteer!

4-H youth are leaders. They pursue their passions. They are critical thinkers and solve problems. YOU are the key to their success!

We need adult volunteers to mentor 4-H youth, lead local 4-H clubs, organize events, or teach fun science activities in after school programs. No experience necessary-we'll train you. You must be at least 18 years old. Chaperones must be 25 years old.

For more information about volunteering with 4-H in Santa Clara County, please contact the 4-H Youth Development Program Representative, Susan Weaver at sjweaver@ucanr.edu or 408-282-3119.

Volunteer Opportunities

In 4-H after school clubs, volunteers partner with teens to train and teach hands-on science activities for one hour, once a week for 10 weeks.

In 4-H clubs, adult volunteers may take on the following positions

In 4-H management, volunteers may serve in a variety of organizational roles..

Steps to become a 4-H Volunteer

In order to provide a safe environment for youth, all prospective 4-H volunteers are required to:

Complete an Online Adult Enrollment Application which includes a code of conduct and confidential self-disclosure statement;
Submit to and receive criminal record clearance from the California Department of Justice (DOJ) through Live Scan electronic fingerprinting; and
Complete the New Adult Volunteer Courses offered online.
All of the information for new volunteers may be found here: Newly Enrolling 4-H Volunteers 2020-21
Returning volunteers, please see this re-enrollment information: Returning 4-H adult volunteers training 2020-2021

The County Director for the University of California Cooperative Extension in Santa Clara County reviews and approves 4-H volunteer appointments after all the application requirements and mandatory trainings are completed. (e.g. you are signed up in 4hOnline, your fingerprints have cleared the *live scan screening process, you have completed the Volunteer Training in eXtension). You will receive an email when your volunteer enrollment is approved.

*Live Scan Department of Justice clearance is required of any volunteer that is starting their first year of service or is returning after a break in 4-H volunteer service of a year or more.