Where: Washington D.C.

When: Friday – Thursday, Late March/Early April of Program Year

National 4-H Conference Goals:

• to provide an opportunity for youth/adult partnerships to make recommendations to expand and improve 4-H
• encourage states to include both youth and adults in planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs

Delegates update legislators on current developments in 4-H, take new ideas back home, and work with each other to put together and implement a report on a specific area of improvement.

Between 8-10 youth are selected to attend this working conference. Each participant selects an issue (for example – education, promotion, environment, violence) and works with other youth from across the country to develop plans helping direct future 4 H programming.

Delegates spend the majority of time contributing to stimulating, task oriented groups. One day is spent on Capitol Hill meeting with legislators and touring.

Youth Delegate Advisor Position Description

Qualifications:

• Be in 10th-12th grade during the program. Minimum age 15 and maximum age 18 as of January 1, year of travel
• Submit an application with references to the State 4-H Office
• Carry county approval through time of award program

Costs:

• Cost is approximately $2,000.
• The Wisconsin 4-H Foundation sponsors a portion of the cost.
• Many county 4-H Youth Development programs provide partial local sponsorships.
• The remaining amount is the responsibility of the delegate and his/her family.  Scholarships are available from the state office and nationally.

Experience Timeline

October 2024 – Applications available for National 4-H Conference.

December 1, 2024 – State applications are due to the State 4-H Office.

December 2024 – Interviews for semi-finalists will be conducted and participant selection will be done. Applicants will be notified in late December of their status.

January/February – Participate in a Mandatory Zoom Orientations

February-Departure in April – Delegates conduct research on their county and state 4-H and Extension programs, roundtable topics, and other assigned information.

April 11-16, 2025 – Attend all conference and travel

July 31, Oct. 31, Jan. 31, and April 30 – Submit ‘Report Back’ form to Wisconsin 4-H Educational Programs, 432 N Lake St, Room 105, Madison WI 53706

More Qualifications

• Diverse 4-H Youth Development Program experiences at the county, state and/or national level, such as WI 4-H & Youth Conference, Area Animal Science Days, State Arts Experiences, Citizenship Washington Focus, etc.
• Experience in local, county, area, and/or state developmental committees, advisory groups, councils, etc. and in public speaking to strengthen or advocate for 4-H Youth Development Programs.
• Willingness and ability to work prior to National Conference in collecting facts, ideas, etc. of local people regarding concerns of youth and possible action.
• Commitment and time to stay involved in the work of conference throughout the year and make significant contributions in their communities.
• Flexibility as individuals to meet differing situations and to cope with ambiguity, have growth potential, and a curiosity about situations, people, and events.
• Strong interpersonal skills with people of all ages and backgrounds.
• Good energy levels, capable of participating fully in an active and demanding program involving long hours.
• Committed to fully participating in a Mandatory Zoom Orientations and the entire conference (including travel time).

What Should Delegates Expect?

• A great honor to represent Wisconsin with 8-10 other individuals, but also a responsibility to accurately and professionally represent Wisconsin 4-H.
• Conduct research to be completed prior to departure to the conference to prepare for lobbying on Capitol Hill and creating a briefing for a federal office related to your topic.
• Responsibility to cover academic obligations during absence.
• A formal dress code from business casual to business professional attire for many conference events.
• Participation in professional workshops, federal agency briefing group meetings, and meetings with congressional members on Capitol Hill Day.
• Opportunity to hear from renown speakers, meet with other passionate 4-Hers across the United States and Canada, and work with conference leaders to further 21^st century soft skills.
• Stay at a hotel in Washington D.C.
• Experience landmarks, monuments, and museums in Washington, D.C.
• Identify ways that you can make a positive impact in your home community from the tools you gained during National 4-H Conference.

State Scholarships

Needs-based scholarships are available for youth who participate in Statewide Educational Experiences. Scholarships require an application that is submitted to the state office. For more information on these scholarships and to apply, please visit the Scholarship page on our website.

National Scholarships

Scholarships are also available from NIFA for participants at National 4-H Conference. You can find more information along with the scholarship form on their website: https://www.nifa.usda.gov/national-4-h-conference-resources. These scholarship applications are due January 19th.