National 4-H Congress

Application & Registration

Register 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.

• Contact your County 4-H Youth Development Office about county funding opportunities.
• Registration will be open from June 1-30, 2026.
• 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.

Several leadership positions are available for delegates to apply for.

• 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.

2026 Registration Timeline:

• June 5-30, 2026 interested delegates register through 4HOnline Accounts
• August 2026: Registrants will be notified of next steps via email; 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

Adult Advisor Applications: More information and the application can be found on the Adult Advisor Page.

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!

Payment

• 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.

Program Description

National 4-H Congress is a five-day Educational Experience held in Atlanta, GA. Congress is the premiere nation-wide event for 4-Hers to network with others from around the country, Canada, and Puerto Rico. While at Congress, 4-Hers engage in leadership, citizenship, global awareness, and inclusion.

Here are just some of the activities delegates will partake in while at National Congress:

• Educational Workshops: Varying from sessions like “Farm to Fork-Teaching as Service Learning,” “Dancing with the Stars,” “Social Media in Our World,” and “The Healthy Gourmet,” there’s bound to be a state-of-the-art workshop for everyone!
• Exploring the city: With educational trips to museums, theaters, and Centennial Olympic park, delegates will get to broaden their appreciation for the arts and many historical events in America.
• State and Congress-wide meetings: Delegates will be given time to reflect on their recent experiences as well as put their new skills to use!
• International Events: Let’s take a trip overseas! With a night of international dinner and entertainment, delegates will expand their knowledge on the culture, food, and art of countries from around the globe!
• Community Service: Delegates will be split up to serve various parts of downtown Atlanta to give back and experience what it feels like to have a positive impact on a community!
• Educational Tours: Whether delegates are learning about the hottest attractions in “Hotlanta,” exploring the CNN News Worldwide Headquarters, learning about the historical events of the south, visiting the College Football Hall of Fame, walking around the aquarium or exploring the zoo, delegates will get a little taste of what there is to experience in Atlanta!
• World-Renowned Speakers: In previous years, delegates have heard from Miss America, top-ranked motivational speakers, Miss Delaware and alopecia areata hair loss patient, and holocaust survivors.
• National 4-H Congress Gala: To close out the experience, delegates will have a formal dinner and ceremony with some special guest appearances.

National 4-H Congress is an experience like no other! Upon leaving, delegates will have had the opportunity to expand their knowledge about the world, the United States, and network with others from across the country. They will gain many new connections that will last a lifetime. We hope to see you at National 4-H Congress in the near future!

National 4-H Congress Program Description

Questions about National 4-H Congress that you can’t find the answers to on this website? Feel free to contact pydadminteam@extension.wisc.edu.