4-H CAPITAL is a Travis County AgriLife Extension program that empowers youth through hands-on science learning, afterschool enrichment, and community involvement. Serving students across Travis County, the program partners with local schools to provide engaging, project-based experiences that connect science to real-world applications.
Through school-based science clubs, youth explore topics such as agriculture, natural resources, and environmental science in interactive and collaborative ways. These experiences are designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and support long-term academic and personal growth.
AmeriCorps instructors play a key role in delivering programming, bringing diverse perspectives and energy into the classroom while supporting students in their learning. Together with staff and community partners, they help create meaningful opportunities for youth to learn, grow, and stay engaged in their education.
By combining science, service, and real-world learning, 4-H CAPITAL prepares youth to become active, informed members of their communities.
On this Page
Background and History
Established in 1992 as a USDA grant program, 4-H CAPITAL was adopted by Travis County in 1997. The program received its first AmeriCorps grant in 2003, with funding continuing annually since then.
4-H CAPITAL is a partnership between Travis County Health and Human Services and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Through this collaboration, the program delivers afterschool science programming to students at Title I schools in Austin and Del Valle ISDs.
Today, 4-H CAPITAL hosts clubs within ACE afterschool programs and continues to evolve its curriculum to provide more connected, project-based learning experiences tailored to each school community.
Mission and Core Values
Our mission and values guide how we design learning experiences, engage with youth, and partner with the community.
4-H CAPITAL inspires youth to develop into inquiring scientists, citizens of character, partners in service, and engaged community members through participation in project-based learning experiences and collaborative community involvement.
Science Clubs
4-H CAPITAL science clubs provide hands-on, project-based learning experiences designed to increase science engagement, confidence, and educational aspiration.
Clubs are offered in afterschool programs at select Title I schools and are tailored to each campus based on student interests, instructor expertise, and site needs.
Explore Science Clubs – Coming Soon!
AmeriCorps and 4-H CAPITAL
AmeriCorps members play a key role in delivering 4-H CAPITAL programming and supporting youth learning across Travis County.
AmeriCorps instructors lead afterschool science clubs, develop lessons, and help create engaging, hands-on learning environments for students. Members bring diverse backgrounds and experiences that help strengthen and evolve the program each year.
Become an AmeriCorps Instructor
Donate
Community support helps expand learning opportunities for youth and strengthens the impact of 4-H CAPITAL programs.
Donations support field trips, science materials, guest speakers, and program resources that enhance the learning experience for students across Travis County.
