Washington, D.C. – Youth delegates from across the country came together to participate in round table discussions and present to federal partner agencies at the National 4-H Conference held April 14-19. Following the conference, delegates are empowered to create positive social change in their communities and have the opportunity to practice and apply the skills they have learned in a real-world setting.
Land-Grant University 4‑H programs sent delegations of 4‑H youth between the ages of 15 and 19 to participate in National 4‑H Conference. Delegates worked together in the four weeks prior to the conference to prepare briefings on important topics so that they arrived ready to connect, learn, engage, lead, and create positive impact. This event marks the pinnacle of the 4-H civic engagement experience and is facilitate through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The 2023 Illinois 4-H delegation included: Andrea Schaffnit of Adams County, Emma Hughes of Montgomery County, and Alex Paul of Wayne County.
During the conference, delegates virtually presented their prepared briefings to federal officials in Washington, D.C. 4‑H youth also had the opportunity to engage in personal development experiences to increase their knowledge, resources, and skills while discussing topics affecting youth and 4‑H programming nationwide.
The National 4 H Conference is the pinnacle experience in 4-H civic engagement, providing the opportunity for young people to connect, learn, engage, lead, and impact their communities, nation, and 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 program
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.