CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Eighteen teen leaders from across Illinois were chosen to represent Illinois 4-H, including Champaign County youth Lydia Heren and Vermilion County youth Daniel Surowka, at the Ignite by 4-H Summit to be held on March 13-17 in Washington D.C.
Teens will experience four days of inspiring and engaging panels, respected speakers, workshop sessions, entertainment, and creating amazing connections. The event was previously held as four different summits, with last year as the inaugural year as a “super” summit, combining STEM, Agriscience, Healthy Living, Career Readiness, and Emotional Well-Being interest tracks. Lydia and Daniel will represent the delegation through the STEM track.
Youth can form connections with fellow state delegates and new national connections. Youth will explore exciting career paths and create an actionable plan to help foster real change in their communities. The high-impact programming will include speakers featuring national experts and leaders with opportunities to hone their leadership skills while building connections with teens nationwide.
To learn more about 4-H in Champaign or Vermilion County, visit go.illinois.edu/CFIV4H, contact Mynda Tracy at mynda@illinois.edu, or call 217-333-7672 in Champaign or 217-442-8615.
About Illinois 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and is administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. 4-H grows true leaders, youth who are empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. The hands-on approach in 4-H gives young people guidance, tools, and encouragement and puts them in the driver’s seat to make great things happen. Independent research confirms the unparalleled impact of the 4-H experience, demonstrating that young people are four times more likely to contribute to their communities, two times more likely to make healthier choices, two times more likely to be civically active, and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.
Source: Mynda Tracy, 4-H Youth Development Educator
Writer: Jake Keister, Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities. Illinois Extension is part of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.