How to Join NM 4-H

Why Join 4-H?

4-H is where New Mexico youth learn by doing. Whether it’s raising livestock, building robots, cooking or speaking in public, members choose projects they care about and build skills that last a lifetime, with caring adult volunteers in every county. As part of NM State University, Cooperative Extension Service, 4-H serves youth in rural, suburban and urban communities across the state, andis a part of the largest youth development organization in the country.

Three Steps to Join

1

Contact Your County 4-H Office

Locate your County Extenion Office below and connect you with a 4-H agent.
2

Visit with Your Agent

Learn about clubs and projects near you and choose what fits your family.
3

Enroll Online

Create your family account and enroll at 4h.zsuite.org.

Locate Your County Office

Find your county on the map, then look for its number in the list.
Map of New Mexico with each county numbered to match the county list on this page.

New to our area and not sure which county you’re in? Call the State 4-H Office at 575-646-3026 and we’ll connect you with your county office.

Returning member?

Log in at 4H ZSuite, re-enroll each member, update projects and submit the required forms.
Re-Enroll Now Enrollment Forms

Want to volunteer?

Adults help clubs thrive as leaders, project helpers and event volunteers. Adult volunteers enroll through the same system.
Volunteer Information

Common Questions

4-H is open to all youth who want to learn, grow, make friends and explore new interests. In New Mexico, 4-H welcomes young people from all backgrounds, whether they live in a rural community, small town or large city. You do not need to live on a farm, own livestock or have any experience to join.

Members explore livestock, STEM, robotics, photography, cooking, shooting sports, leadership, public speaking and much more.

NM 4-H age divisions

CloverbudsAges 5–8, beginning in kindergarten
NoviceAges 9–11, or age 8 in 3rd grade
JuniorAges 12–13, or age 11 in 6th grade
SeniorAges 14–18, or age 13 in 8th grade

Age and grade eligibility follow New Mexico 4-H guidelines.

Adults can join the 4-H family, too. Parents, community members and other caring adults serve as volunteers, club leaders, project leaders and mentors.

New Mexico 4-H generally has no statewide membership fee. Some counties, clubs or projects may have costs for supplies, livestock, workshops, camps or special activities.

Many projects are inexpensive or use materials you already have at home, and you do not need to own an animal to take part. New Mexico 4-H works to make its programs open to every young person, whatever their family’s finances.

For costs in your area, contact your County Extension Office.

A 4-H CLUB is a group of young people who meet regularly to learn new skills, make friends, take part in activities and serve their communities. Clubs are led by caring adult volunteers. Through a club, members:

  • Build friendships and work as a team
  • Develop leadership and communication skills
  • Take part in community service
  • Attend meetings, events and activities
  • Have fun while learning new things

A 4-H PROJECT is a topic a member chooses to explore. Projects offer hands-on learning that helps youth build skills, set goals and discover new interests.

Browse 4-H Projects

The 4-H program year runs from October 1 through September 30. Enrollment usually opens in October, but deadlines vary by county, so check with your County Extension Office for dates. Enrolling early means youth won’t miss any opportunities.

To get started, contact your County Extension Office, explore clubs and projects, then enroll online through 4-H ZSuite.

Returning Members must re-enroll each year.

Most 4-H members take part through a local club, but options vary by county. Members choose projects based on their own interests, even when others in their club explore different topics.

You don’t have to be an expert to get started. 4-H is all about learning by doing, trying new things and having fun along the way.