Note: This page is dedicated for St. Charles Parish 4-H members and families. If you are a member of 4-H in a different parish, please contact your parish 4-H Agent as information and deadlines may differ.

The 4-H Youth Development Program is an educational program of the LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service to provide research-based experiences to address educational needs of youth within the state of Louisiana. Through advisory processes and implementation of services to address genuine community educational needs of youth, the 4-H Youth Development Program provides opportunities for youth to gain and enhance real life skills to develop into productive members and leaders within our communities.

Through partnerships with stakeholders and community members, the 4-H program is conducted throughout schools and throughout our community. Students (K-12th grade) engage in experiential learning practices to enhance the content taught in schools.

Since 1984, the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) ruled that student participating in 4-H Clubs be designated as cocurricular activity. The BESE Board provided certification of this motion in 2026.

Throughout the St. Charles Parish 4-H Youth Development Program, there are opportunities for youth to attend and participate in educational programming that exists during the school day. St. Charles Parish 4-H members who are selected to participate in 4-H events that occur during the school day should adhere to the following process for requesting any form of school excuse:

1. Communicate with your School Administration - Overall, it is the responsibility of the 4-H member and family to communicate with the student's school administration on any requirements associated with missing a day of school to attend a 4-H function.
2. Request School Support Letter from 4-H Agent - If the child's School Administration requires, the 4-H member and/or family may request a School Support Letter from the St. Charles Parish 4-H Agent. The request should be emailed to [email protected] at least 1 week prior to the event. The request should include the child's name, child's school, and date(s), location, and purpose of the 4-H event.
   
3. 4-H Agent sends School Support Letter to Parents - After the event and participation is verified by the 4-H Agent, the 4-H Agent will submit a School Support letter via email to the parents/guardians requesting the letter. It is the responsibility of the 4-H member and family to use the School Support Letter as needed when working with the child's School Administration.
   

Note: It is the responsibility of the 4-H member and family to work with the child's school regarding any school absences and excuses for 4-H events.

For more information or for any questions, please contact your

St. Charles Parish LSU AgCenter