WSU Extension's youth and family programs improve the capacity of young people to be successful while strengthening their families to support healthy development.

WSU's 4-H Youth Development Program is the largest youth-serving organization in the state, engaging almost 80,000 youth annually with educational programs leading to acquisition of critical life skills, reduced risk of dangerous behaviors, increased educational attainment, and enhanced citizenship skills.  4-H has placed renewed educational investments into increasing the science, engineering and technology skills of youth people.  In addition, 4-H Youth Development Programs reach out to the daughters and sons of deployed military personnel to help them cope with family stresses and disruption of the family unit.