WASHINGTON, D.C. — Teen leaders from across Illinois recently joined hundreds of their peers from around the country March 25-29 for the 2026 Ignite by 4-H Summit, a national youth leadership experience focused on career exploration, skill-building and connection.
Hosted by National 4-H Council, the four-day summit brought together high school-aged youth to explore hands-on sessions, workshops and networking opportunities with the goal of participants gaining practical skills and insight into future careers.
Illinois delegates engaged in immersive tracks designed to strengthen leadership, communication and problem-solving abilities while connecting with industry professionals and peers from across the country. The experience emphasized real-world application, helping youth build confidence and clarity about their post-high school goals.
“This experience gives young people the opportunity to see what’s possible for their future while building the skills they need to get there,” said Mark Becker, University of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development specialist. “From career exploration to leadership development, Ignite empowers youth to take the next step with confidence.”
Teens immersed themselves in hands-on workshops, experiences, activities in their key programming areas of Agriscience, Animal Science, Community Accelerators, Citizenship Washington Focus, Healthy Living, or STEM. With the addition of public speaking, career and life readiness, and presentation workshops, teens were able to take a step forward to become Beyond Ready for the future.
Illinois delegates selected to attend the 2026 Ignite by 4-H Summit included: Kaden Ambers of Cook County, Lailah Smith of Cook County, Haley Ramirez of Cook County, Carmen Jackson of Cook County, Aniyah Burke of Cook County, Trinity Clay of Cook County, Grace Griffin of St. Clair County, Heaven Morgan of St. Clair County, Morgan Davis of DeKalb County, Anna Bremer of Johnson County, Alexandra Bruinius of Will County, Paige Simpson of Lake County, Alyssa Elliott of Madison County, Monteal Harper of St. Clair County, George Kapasouris of DuPage County, Kavin Karthikeyan of DuPage County, Devin Joseph of Cook County, Kieran Edwards of Kane County, Peter Widinski of Will County, Myeisha Tucker of Cook County, Daniel Molina of Cook County, and Louis Barnes of Pike County.
The Ignite by 4-H Summit is part of 4-H’s commitment to preparing youth for success beyond high school by equipping them with critical life and workforce skills. Participants return to their communities ready to apply what they’ve learned and share their experiences with others.
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 Illinois 4-H:
Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension, administered through the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. Through hands-on learning and life-changing experiences, Illinois 4-H prepares youth to be Beyond Ready — ready for college, career, military service, entrepreneurship, and more. Young people build confidence, leadership, and resilience as they explore interests from agriculture to computer science. Independent research and national surveys confirm the powerful outcomes of 4-H: participants are 40% more likely to pursue a college degree, twice as likely to obtain technical training, and two times more likely to serve in the military. With a legacy of cultivating leaders, Illinois 4-H continues to grow the next generation who are equipped to thrive in life and work today and beyond.
For Further Information Contact:
News Writer: Carissa Nelson, 4-H Media Communications Manager, University of Illinois Extension, 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.