Be one of the 1,300 members of America’s 4-H Youth Development Programs to learn new skills in leadership, community service and multi-cultural integration.

During National 4-H Congress, you will:

• attend assemblies and workshops
• participate in discussion groups on today’s issues
• moderate a town hall meeting to share discussion results
• participate in hands-on community service projects
• learn how to work with others to help individuals and organizations in a community improve themselves
• gain networking skills to help address community needs back home

Delegate Requirements:

• 4-H members in 9th-12th grade at time of application; maximum age 18 as of January 1, of the year of travel
• carry county approval through trip
• youth can attend National Congress only once as a delegate

Costs:

• Cost is approximately $1,500.
• The Wisconsin 4-H Foundation sponsors a portion of the cost.
• Many county 4-H Youth Development programs provide partial local sponsorships. Check with your county 4-H program.
• The remaining amount is the delegate and his/her family’s responsibility.

Application:

• Contact your County 4-H Youth Development Office about county funding opportunities.
• Applications will be open from June 1-30, 2024.
• Check the National 4-H Congress website for a Delegate Handbook and other information. Also be sure to visit and like their Facebook page here.
• Based on the number and quality of applications, you may be placed on a wait list. Official notification of selection will be sent in early July.

Leadership Positions:

Several leadership positions are available for delegates to apply for. They are:

• Youth Leadership Team: delegates work with others from across the country and help to lead assemblies, work with Congress staff, and help make Congress run smoothly.
• State Flag Bearer: represents the State on stage during the opening ceremony carrying the State Flag.
• Youth Delegate Advisor: works closely with Wisconsin’s adult advisors to lead nightly meetings and be a role model for other delegates. Position description available here.
• Congress Teen Entertainer: showcases their talent in front of the everyone at a nightly assembly.

National 4-H Congress Program Description

Application Timeline (2024)

• June 1-30, 2024 interested delegates apply through 4HOnline Accounts
• August 2024: Applicants will be notified of acceptance via email; applicants may be placed on wait list depending on capacity
• August: Confirmation Letter and Roster Sent to Participants & Educators
• Late August: Postmark Due Date for all the Applications and Forms
• September 15:  Last Day to Withdraw Without Penalty
• Early September: Letter to Participants Regarding Tour Reservation Information and Other National 4-H Congress Reminder
• Sep 29 Tour Reservations MUST be RECEIVED by the State 4-H Office
• Oct. Adult Advisor Orientation Zoom 7 – 8:30 p.m.
• Oct. Delegate Orientation Zoom 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
• Oct 31 Last Day to Withdraw Without Paying Full Registration Fee
• Early Nov. Letter Regarding Flight Information and Final Travel Information
• Nov 29 Departure for Atlanta to participate in the 2024 National 4-H Congress!
• Dec 3 Return to Wisconsin
• Dec. 16 Postmark Due Date for Youth Design Team Applications for 2025 National 4-H Congress.

Application Instructions

Apply in 4HOnline between June 1-30. Log in and click on your member profile, and then events on the left hand side of the page. You can then click on “register for an event” and click on “National 4-H Congress” to get started with the registration. If you need assistance with registering, you can find helpful information here on our website.

What Should Delegates Expect?

• Participate in a mandatory Zoom orientation one month before the experience.
• Travel via plane to Atlanta, Georgia and stay at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta.
• Meet other passionate 4-Hers from across the country.
• Engage in seminars around the arts, service learning, healthy living, and more.
• See Atlanta on specific sight-seeing educational tours.
• Visit the CNN Center, World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Olympic Park, The Georgia Dome, and more.
• Hear from renown speakers including Miss America, Secretary of Agriculture, and additional motivational speakers.
• Wear casual, professional, and semi-formal attire for various events.
• Identify ways that you can make a positive impact in your home community from the tools you gained during National 4-H Congress.

Delegates receive registration materials and information from their county 4-H program or from the State 4-H Office in a broadcast email.  Delegates may check the National 4-H Congress website for a Delegate Handbook and other information. Also be sure to visit and like their Facebook page here.

National 4-H Congress adult advisors are selected in July after an submitting an application and possibly conducting an interview. Adult advisors are Wisconsin 4-H volunteers who are selected based on a mix of experience, strength of reference, and gender needs. Please see the application below for more information.

What are the expectations of Adult Advisors?

• Applicants must be in good physical condition to withstand rigors associated with the program. Expect much walking on hard surfaces, handling luggage, and sharing a sleeping room. Sleep deficit is common.
• Public speaking is required.
• Adult leaders must work cooperatively with fellow Adult Advisor Team Members and remain with the delegation at all times during the program.
• Adult leaders are required to submit a report and evaluation upon completion of the program.
• Participation at scheduled teleconference or in-person orientations is mandatory.

How do I apply?

Applications are available now. More information and the application can be found on the Adult Advisor Page.

A complete application must be submitted to WI State 4-H by 4:30pm January 30. A reference is required, you can find a copy of the reference form here. A phone interview may also be conducted. All applicants will be notified of their status in early February (except for National Congress, notified in July). Application can be submitted to justin.lieck@wisc.edu or mailed to 4-H Educational Programs, 432 N Lake St, Room 105, Madison, WI 53706.

Each program has a different focus with different desired attributes for leaders. If someone doesn’t fit into one position, they might be great elsewhere. If you are not selected this year, please don’t be discouraged! Apply again next year.

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.