How to Volunteer

Make difference as a 4-H 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 like you 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. 4-H chaperones must be 25 years old.

For more information about volunteering with 4-H in Santa Clara County, please contact the 4-H Region 7 Supervisor, Susan Weaver at sjweaver@ucanr.edu.

How Do I Become an Adult 4-H Volunteer?

The 4-H program year runs annually from July 1 to June 30.

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

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 and returning volunteers can be found in the How to Enrollment Guide.
Editable Live Scan request.

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.

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 training is 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.