State horse bowl builds knowledge, lifelong friendships
Urbana, Ill. -- In 4-H, learning about horses means much more than learning to ride. Young people with a passion for horses participated in recent statewide educational contests related to the equine industry. University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H educational programs enhance members’ knowledge...
Youth exhibit skills, gain self-confidence in horse speaking contest
Urbana, Ill. – The Illinois 4-H Horse Speaking contest helps youth gain self-confidence, courage and persuasiveness; share ideas with others; and develop the ability to speak in public to inform others about horse-related subjects and the 4-H Horse project. This year’s contest was held April 11-...
Youth demonstrate expert equine knowledge in hippology contest
Urbana, Ill. -- In 4-H, learning about horses means much more than learning to ride. Young people with a passion for horses participated in recent statewide educational contests related to the equine industry. 4-H’s educational programs enhance members’ knowledge of horse health, breed...
Young Illinois 4-H members inspire at statewide public speaking contest
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – 4-H excels in preparing youth to speak well and confidently, and it is a skill that serves members for a lifetime. Youth from across the state recently came together to put their public speaking skills to the test during the Illinois 4-H State...
Youth robotics competition celebrates the youth's creativity and ingenuity
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Youth from 22 teams across Illinois demonstrated their learning, celebrated their accomplishments, and interacted with others who share an interest in robotics at the 2025 4-H Robotics Competition, AiBot held at the Interstate Center on the McLean County Fairgrounds on May 3...
Foundation Grants Scholarships for Outstanding 4-H Achievement
Urbana, Ill. – The career achievements of Illinois 4-H members are being celebrated with $45,000 in scholarships awarded by the Illinois 4-H Foundation. The scholarships are awarded to five Illinois 4-H members in nine focus categories and are based on merit and a demonstrated...
Illinois 4-H youth selected for National Ag Day student leadership program
Washington D.C. – Matias Habib of Kendall County was selected to represent 4-H as a delegate in the 2025 National Ag Day Student Leadership Program held in Washington D.C. Sponsored by the Agriculture Council of America (ACA), the...
4-H Foundation grants scholarships for outstanding 4-H achievements
Champaign, Ill. – The career achievements of Illinois 4-H members are being celebrated with $45,000 in scholarships awarded by the Illinois 4-H Foundation.The scholarships are awarded to five Illinois 4-H...
Illinois 4-H teen named national event brand ambassador
Washington, DC. – Illinois 4-H member Paris Van Dyke of Clay County was chosen as a one of two national brand ambassador for Ignite 2025 following a nationwide search. The Ignite by 4-H Summit, held March 13-17 in...
National leadership summit ignites teen career readiness, skills
Washington, D.C. – Twenty-six teen leaders from across Illinois were chosen to represent Illinois 4-H at the Ignite by 4-H Summit, taking place March 13-17 in Washington, D.C.The Ignite by 4-H Summit is a four-day...
Youth photography contest captures skills for the future
Champaign, Ill. – The Moments That Matter Photography Contest has announced its statewide winners, highlighting 4-H youth who used photography to tell powerful stories and showcase real-world skills. Open to 4-H members ages 8-19, the...
Mastering equine judging: Illinois 4-H State Horse Judging Contest results announced
GALVA, Ill. – Youth from across Illinois demonstrated their equine knowledge at the Illinois 4-H State Horse Judging Contest on Feb. 2 in Galva, Illinois. Participants evaluated six classes of horses, including at least two halter classes, with youth 14 years and older also competing in the...
Illinois 4-H expands shooting sports expertise with newly certified coordinators
CHAMPAIGN, IL – Illinois 4-H has recently certified eight staff members as Level I 4-H Shooting Sports Coordinators. These individuals completed in a three-session professional development series, paving the way for future opportunities in 4-H Shooting Sports programming....
Illinois 4-H member shines at National Poultry and Egg Conference
LOUISVILLE, KY – Grady Shaffer, a Illinois 4-H member from Adams County, showcased his poultry expertise on a national stage at the 2024 National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference, held Nov. 21 in Louisville, Kentucky. Grady competed among top 4-H youth from across the country,...
Illinois 4-H Hippology Team earns champion title
LOUISVILLE, KY -- The Illinois 4-H State Hippology team showcased their extensive equine knowledge at the Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup, securing the title of 2024 Hippology champions. Their expertise was tested across a range of topics, including breed identification and evaluation,...
4-H Livestock Skillathon prepares youth for careers in animal agriculture
Urbana, Ill. – Sixty 4-H youth participated in the State 4-H Livestock Skillathon in the Stock Pavilion on University of Illinois campus. Participants went through the contest and then participated in a learning workshop to better prepare for next year’s contests in the summer and fall. ...
Conference focuses on construction of a new generation of leaders in Illinois 4-H
Springfield, Ill.—One weekend with over 100 seventh and eighth-grade youth learned ways to improve their leadership skills at the 2024 construction-themed 4-H Junior Leadership Conference held Nov. 2-3 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel and Convention Center in...
Illinois 4-H members showcase talents at 23rd Annual International Route 66 Film Festival
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Four Illinois 4-H members represented Illinois 4-H at the 23rd Annual International Route 66 Film Festival in Springfield Nov. 1-2. Their short films were selected among submissions from 21 countries, highlighting the creativity and dedication of these young filmmakers. Only...
