WASHINGTON, d.c.. – Nineteen teen leaders from across Illinois and six from Cook County have been chosen to represent Illinois 4-H at the Ignite by 4-H Summit to be held Mar. 9-12 in Washington D.C.

Teens will prepare for 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, but will now be hosted as a “super” summit, combining STEM, Agriscience, Healthy Living, and Emotional Well-Being interest tracks.

Youth will explore exciting career paths and create an actionable plan to help make real changes 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.

Teens across the US have been chosen for this inaugural event, including the Cook County delegation of Amari Chisholm, Karime Beltran Gutierrez, Noelani Harris, Kimberlee Serano, Ariah Washington and Akayla Wells. 

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.

For Further Information, Contact:
Source: Susan Sloop, University of Illinois Extension Youth Development Educator, ssloop@illinois.edu
News Writer: Carissa Nelson, 4-H Media Communications Manager, University of Illinois Extension, carissa7@illinois.edu