Youth education resources

For over 100 years, OSU Extension, in cooperation with partners across Oregon and the U.S. has fulfilled its mission to deliver research-based, hands-on education throughout Oregon communities, and is still strong today.

Our Extension educators are providing new ways to support the health and education of children and adults throughout Oregon. We are teachers. We are researchers. We are neighbors. We are here for you.

Extension programs for youth

4-H Youth Development: 4-H empowers young people with hands-on learning experiences to help them grow and thrive. By creating a safe and welcoming environment, young people develop the skills needed to make a positive impact on the world around them.
Open Campus: OSU Open Campus, a community-based education partnership convened by Oregon State University, provides local access to learning in order to address the unique educational needs of Oregon’s communities. Through a statewide network of...
Outdoor School: This is an exciting time for Oregon and for Oregon’s 5th and 6th grade students as OSU Extension works in collaboration with schools, partners, and communities to support and grow the statewide Outdoor School program, building on a legacy that began in 1966.
KidSpirit: KidSpirit provides young people with intentional, high quality, equitable learning experiences that promote positive interactions. Activities include sports, arts, science, gymnastics, cooking and many other activities offered each summer or throughout the year.

Resources by subject

Photo: Amy Schmid

Photo: USDA Food & Nutrition Service

Resources by grade level

Latest resources

Boileau, beloved in her community, honored with garden naming

The Skuliłama Garden recognizes Arlene and Mickey Boileau’s dedication to supporting youth to become lifelong learners.

Chris Branam | Nov 3, 2023 | News story

4-H Baile Folklórico project builds confidence and creates cultural connections

Dancers, ages four to 15, spent weeks learning the traditional Mexican dance steps under the direction of Karin Ramirez Velazquez.

Nov 2, 2023 | News story

OSU Extension developmental scientist receives national award for 4-H Thriving Model

Mary Arnold is a developmental scientist who has led positive youth development program development and evaluation in the OSU Extension 4-H program since 2000.

Chris Branam | Oct 27, 2023 | News story

Browse all resources

Try these activities at home!

Families can play BEPA 2.0 activities at home with either the English and Spanish instructions to increase their daily physical activity.

Try out:

Food group ball pass
Bean bag balance
Breakfast song
Bucket ball
Muscle tag
And more!

See all the activities

Photo Credit: Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

Food Hero

Food Hero is your go-to bilingual site for quick, delicious, healthy recipes, and helpful tips. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, you will find something new for your family to enjoy.

Explore more / Explora más

Explore more resources

Community planning

Community science

Nutrition and healthy eating

Environmental education (PreK-12)

Parenting

Physical activity

Upcoming Events

Dec 16

4-H Holiday Service Project

12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Mar 26 - Mar 29

Oregon 4-H Outreach Leadership Institute (OLI II): Leadership Development & Civic Engagement

1:00 pm - 2:00 am Corvallis, OR

Meet Our Experts

Kristen Moore

4-H Youth Development

Contact me for companion pet 4-H program questions in Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties or if you are interested in getting involved in the statewide DIVE4Ag project.

Kristopher Elliott

Associate Director for OSU Extension

Contact me with questions about OSU Extension Service operations.

Gina Galaviz-Yap

Director of OSU Juntos

José R. García

OSU Open Campus Juntos Coordinator

Have a question? Ask Extension!

Ask Extension is a way for you to get answers from the Oregon State University Extension Service. We have experts in family and health, community development, food and agriculture, coastal issues, forestry, programs for young people, and gardening.

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