WASHINGTON D.C. — Illinois 4-H youth joined delegates from across the country for the 2026 National 4-H Conference, held April 10-15, where they engaged in roundtable discussions and presented directly to federal partner agencies. Bringing hundreds of 4-H’ers to the nation’s capital each spring, National 4-H Conference is the flagship youth development opportunity of USDA, hosted by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). The nationally recognized event is developing the next generation of leaders. The experience equips young people to return home ready to create positive change while applying leadership and civic engagement skills in real-world settings.
Land-grant university 4-H programs selected youth ages 15–19 to represent their states at the conference. In the weeks leading up to the event, delegates collaborated to research key issues and prepare briefings, arriving ready to connect, learn, engage, lead, and make an impact. The 2026 Illinois 4-H delegation included Alexis Lucie of Hancock County, Emma Steiger of Rock Island County, Therese Krysciak of Kendall County, and Alyssa Elliott of Madison County.
During the conference, delegates presented their prepared briefings to federal officials and national partners, sharing youth perspectives on issues affecting communities across the country. Participants also engaged in professional development experiences designed to strengthen leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills while exploring career pathways.
"Conference is unique because youth get a seat at the table - sharing ideas, participating in roundtables, and engaging with USDA and national partners to have an impact on real‑world issues that affect their communities and those around them," says Alcha Corban, University of Illinois 4-H youth development educator. "Youth also develop workforce readiness by practicing leadership, problem‑solving, and communication skills while learning from our national partners and exploring career pathways."
The National 4-H Conference continues to serve as a cornerstone experience in 4-H civic engagement, empowering youth to make a difference in their communities, the nation, and the world.
About Illinois 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and 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 then 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.
About Extension: 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.
For Further Information, Contact:
Carissa Nelson, 4-H Media Communications Manager, carissa7@illinois.edu
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.