About 4-H

Alabama 4-H Eligibility

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group of 4-H members together outdoors; Alabama 4-H

Alabama 4-H is for young people ages 9 through 18, with Cloverbud programming for ages kindergarten through 2nd grade. The Alabama 4-H Club year is August 1 to July 31. Age is calculated on January 1 of the current 4-H year. 4-H events are open to active members of chartered 4-H clubs that have regularly scheduled, planned, experiential educational meetings.

A youth’s 4-H membership ceases at the end of the 4-H year (July 31), following the member’s graduation from high school. Youth whose membership age is beyond 18 who have qualified for a national contest (as a culminating event for their project learning) shall be eligible to participate in the event as long as they qualify as per the national contest policies. Youth classified as exceptional students, and thus determined eligible for a special program by the Alabama State Board of Education, shall be eligible, with approval from the Alabama 4-H state office, to participate in 4-H until the age of 21 years old or completion of high school, whichever comes first.

To quickly generate your 4-H age, check your eligibility here, or view the tables below.

2024–2025 4-H Club Year Age and Eligibility Chart

4-H Eligibility–Cloverbud

Youth in this division are participants in 4-H and not actual members. On August 1, if your age is 8 but your birthday is before January 1, 2025, your 4-H age is 9. Youth born in 2020 are too young for 4-H.

Year BornBeginning4-H Age
2019August 1, 20245
2018August 1, 20246
2017August 1, 20247
2016August 1, 20248

4-H Eligibility–Junior

Youth in this division are considered 4-H members. On August 1, if your age is 11 but your birthday is before January 1, 2025, your 4-H age is 12.

Year BornBeginning4-H Age
2015August 1, 20249
2014August 1, 202410
2013August 1, 202411

4-H Eligibility–Intermediate

Youth in this division are considered 4-H members. On August 1, if your age is 13 but your birthday is before January 1, 2025, your 4-H age is 14.

Year BornBeginning4-H Age
2012August 1, 202412
2011August 1, 202413

4-H Eligibility–Senior I

Youth in this division are considered 4-H members. On August 1, if your age is 15 but your birthday is before January 1, 2025, your 4-H age is 16.

Year BornBeginning4-H Age
2010August 1, 202414
2009August 1, 202415

4-H Eligibility–Senior II

Youth in this division are considered 4-H members. On August 1, if your age is 18 but your birthday is before January 1, 2025, your 4-H age is 19. Youth born in 2005 should check with their county Extension office about volunteer opportunities. 

Year BornBeginning4-H Age
2008August 1, 202416
2007August 1, 202417
2006August 1, 202418