It began some 75 years ago as a program to equip America's youth with the basic agricultural, home economics and leadership skills they would need to survive in what was then a predominantly agrarian society. Livestock projects are still quite popular in rural California, but the 4-H program has grown beyond the cloverleaf stereotype and is addressing critical issues facing society today. An after-school child care program developed in Placer County, for instance, has become so successful that it's been adapted throughout the country. Similarly, a science education project called "SERIES" recently received a $650,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to expand its program nationwide. Other California projects scattered around the state are helping South Asian immigrants adapt to their new homeland; teaching inner-city youth computer skills, gardening and proper nutrition; and giving disabled youth uplifting experiences through horseback riding. Still other projects address tobacco education, teen-age pregnancy, substance abuse and career development. 4-H is guided by University of California educators based in county Cooperative Extension offices and the UC Davis Applied Behavioral Sciences Department.