Idaho students earning high school credit through 4-H project work

Elizabeth Murdock, of Blackfoot, documented more than 500 hours of work on a project that counted toward a single animal science high school credit while attending Snake River Opportunities High School.

In Summer 2025, Murdock was among the first Idaho students to participate in Learn Everywhere with 4-H, a program that awards high school credits for approved University of Idaho Extension 4-H Youth Development projects combined with structured out-of-school coursework. Throughout the past two years, the program has expanded its course portfolio and enrollment statewide.

Though demanding, Murdock’s favorite class as a high school student was the one she took through 4-H — Animal Science 106, which covers animal selection and evaluation. To meet the program’s project requirement, she raised a market steer named Cinch.

Now a freshman studying agricultural business at the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls, Murdock plans to pursue a career as an agricultural appraiser and believes the 4-H course provided a strong foundation for her career goals.

“It was very hands-on. I could learn things from experiences I was already having with my animals,” Murdock said. “I learned things I wanted to learn about — things I use in my everyday life.”

Participants complete an online course aligned with Idaho content standards for their chosen 4-H project area. Students are expected to put in at least 60 hours of work toward each credit earned, a requirement that poses little challenge for youth involved in animal projects, which often require hundreds of hours of care and management.

Murdock, for example, devoted every morning and evening for a year to caring for Cinch. Her dedication paid off when her steer was named grand champion at the Bingham County Fair. The animal science curriculum expanded her knowledge of cattle while also covering other livestock species.

“It didn’t feel like school,” Murdock said. “It felt like I was learning fun things the whole time.”

The course catalog now includes 25 online classes, including 18 animal science classes, five civics classes and two cooking classes. Students seeking civics credit may design a local civic engagement project or participate in the 4-H Know Your Government Conference hosted in Boise each February.

The program is supported by a three-year, $761,000 grant from the Idaho Workforce Development Council, which started in July 2024 and funds three full-time positions. Extension leaders plan to seek additional funding to sustain the program beyond the grant period.

Thirty-five Idaho schools and school districts have committed to offering Learn Everywhere with 4-H, and program staff have been meeting with additional schools and school districts to further expand that list. The program is also available for Idaho students who are homeschooled.

By Spring 2027, organizers expect 44 courses to be available, introducing offerings in archery, general life skills, leadership, visual arts and equine skills.

To date, 28 high school credits have been awarded through the program. Another five students are currently enrolled — two in Emmett, one in Firth, one in Gooding and one in Bear Lake County.

“Not all kids fit in the same box, and if this is a way for kids to learn from a more project-based approach, why not encourage those kids to have that ability to earn a credit?” said Christie Evans, who coordinates the program for UI Extension’s central and eastern districts.

Christina Kun, a program specialist, has converted the 4-H curriculum into an online format, delivered through the Canvas learning management system. An instructional designer has also been hired to build interactive learning modules.

New Hampshire is the only other state that offers school credit for 4-H work, and Kun believes Idaho’s program could be replicated elsewhere.

“We have two or three other states that want to pick up the model we have here,” Kun said.

Corrine Roberts is program coordinator for Extension’s northern and southern districts.

Learn Everywhere with 4-H participants must pay a $125 fee per credit. The program is seeking businesses, organizations and individuals to provide scholarships that help cover student costs. Those interested in learning more or making a donation may contact organizers at learneverywhere@uidaho.edu.