Iowa State University. 4-H Youth Development

In 1903, Cap E. Miller began organizing Boys Agricultural Clubs and Girls Home Culture Clubs in Iowa. In January 1910 Iowa State College (now University) offered its first junior short course and corn show for club members. During this event a state club organization was formed. The following year Iowa's first State Club Leader, E. C. Bishop, was hired with the task of organizing boys and girls clubs in Iowa. With the passage of the Smith-Lever Act in 1914, Congress established the Cooperative Extension Service which provided support from the federal government for boys and girls club work in agriculture and home economics. The early 4-H programs emphasized farm life and homemaking, but the focus quickly broadened in scope and content. Leadership, music, art appreciation, and recreation also became essential aspects of 4-H. Eventually, 4-H expanded beyond rural communities and now also offers programs for youth living in towns and cities across the country.