National 4-H Conference

2021 National 4-H Conference will be held virtually, more information will be available at a later date after we receive more information from National 4-H Council.

What is National 4-H Conference?

National 4-H Conference annually brings 4-H youth and adults from around the nation to work towards strengthening and expanding the 4-H Youth Development program at the local, state, and national levels. National 4-H Conference is the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture’s premier youth development opportunity to engage youth in developing recommendations for the 4-H Youth Development Program. The National 4-H Headquarters is charged with sharing the recommendations that emerge from the conference with the Secretary of Agriculture, National Extension Program Leaders, and others who determine 4-H programs. At the same time, the conference is a rich and meaningful experience for the youth and adult participants. Held at the National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland, it’s usually scheduled around the beginning of April. In 2019, there were approximately 350 delegates, including seven from Wisconsin.

National 4-H Conference delegates will:

Participate in a round table topic of their choosing that will focus on key topics such as: leadership, agriculture, crime, and more.
Participate in professional workshops.
Meet with legislators from their State to discuss important issues relating to 4-H.
Have a chance to network with youth and adults from across the country.
Learn all about 4-H programming and think about ways to improve programming across the Nation.
Develop an action plan that will be put to use in their own communities.
Have fun!

Also check out the National 4-H page for National 4-H Conference. Questions about National Conference that you can’t find the answers to on this website? Feel free to contact Justin Lieck, Educational Programs Assistant at justin.lieck@wisc.edu or 608-263-5971.

Additional Information

Where: Washington D.C.

When: Saturday – 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.

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 $1,300.
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.

Promotional Flyer

Delegate Information

Experience Timeline

TBD 2021 – State applications, complete with signatures, are due to the State 4-H Office.

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.

TBD – Attend all conference and travel

July 31, Oct. 31, Jan. 31, and April 30 – Submit ‘Report Back’ form to Wisconsin 4-H Educational Programs, 130 Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St., 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.
Live at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center
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.

Applications

Check with your County 4-H Youth Development Staff member about county scholarship procedures. If you do not have a county agent, you may complete the application and obtain a reference from another source (see application for more details).

State applications, complete with signatures, are due to the State 4-H Office at a date TBD. The application materials are available at the link below. The application process includes answering a list of questions, obtaining a county educator (or equivalent) reference, and a resume. Delegates are chosen by a group of State staff members after reviewing each applicant’s qualifications. Interviews may also be conducted.

2021 National 4-H Conference Application Packet (updating)