The National 4-H Conference is the pinnacle experience in 4-H civic engagement, providing an opportunity for youth to connect, learn, engage, lead, and impact their communities, their nation, and their world. At the invitation of the US Secretary of Agriculture, this event brings together youth, volunteer leaders, and state and county Extension staff from across the US, US territories, tribal nations, and the Canadian provinces, to provide recommendations and insight to national 4-H decision-makers and federal departments and agencies. Youth delegates engage in roundtable discussions, visit with Members of Congress, and connect with other teen leaders interested in making a difference in their communities. 

The National 4-H Conference is hosted in Washington, DC and is scheduled for April 19-24, 2024. Interested applicants need to review the Wisconsin 4-H Conference Informational Packet and apply by December 1. The full cost of this experience is estimated at $2000 per person, which is due before the trip begins, but don’t let this be a barrier to applying! Scholarship opportunities can be found at: https://www.nifa.usda.gov/national-4-h-conference-resources (application period 11/16/23-1/19/24).. In addition, we can assist any interested member with identifying and securing financial assistance privately. Please contact us if you have questions.

Grades: 10-12

Applying: The Wisconsin delegation will be composed of 5-10 teens from across the state who will work together before, during, and after the conference. Delegates must be willing to share back what they learned and experienced through fair projects, presentations, and/or Wisconsin Extension’s Summer Academy event or the 4-H Fall Forum event.

This experience includes a competitive application and is open to all Wisconsin 4-H youth leaders currently in grades 10-12 who are interested in civic engagement and leadership development at the local and national level. Applicants representing all legislative districts of Wisconsin are encouraged to apply.

Questions: Contact Justin Lieck (justin.lieck) or Amber Shanahan (amber.shanahan@wisc.edu) with any questions.

More information: Visit our website at go.wisc.edu/NationalConf for more information. This link hosts the informational packet + the application link.