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4-H Youth Development

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National Conference Description

National 4-H Conference is a future-focused program that aims to build strong leaders through roundtable discussions, town hall meetings, group assemblies, and visits with national legislators. Being selected to represent our state at this conference is one of Oklahoma 4-H’s highest honors.


The unique environment of the program allows delegates to engage with national 4-H leadership (including USDA and CSREES) and to learn how to build better youth-adult partnerships. The program reinforces the ties 4-H has to the Cooperative Extension Service and the land-grant university systems that make 4-H possible. Roundtable discussions generate ideas for club and community improvement and students are encouraged to implement these ideas in their home states. Through the roundtable process, students also build valuable leadership skills including team-building, flexibility, and communications.

 

Through an application process, three Oklahoma 4-H delegates will be selected to attend National 4-H Conference:

  • Applicants must be 16 years old, as of Jan 1, 2024
  • This trip is an award based upon your application and support letter
  • Oklahoma 4-H will cover most of the expenses for the trip.
  • Delegates are responsible for:
    • $500 Registration fee (Oklahoma 4-H and the OK 4-H Foundation 
      will cover the remaining cost)
    • Transportation to and from the airport
    • Meals on travel days to and from conference
    • Lunch in DC one day, other snacks, incidentals, souvenirs as desired.

Upon returning from National Conference, each member of the 2025 National Conference Team will complete a service project by December 31, 2025. Service Projects will be a part of Oklahoma’s back home plan and may be either a group or individual program depending upon the strengths and ideas of the youth-adult team that participates. The service project is the delegate’s opportunity to demonstrate their leadership skills and develop a program that initiates community change. 

 

Application and Event Information

  • Location: Hyatt Regency Crystal City, Arlington, Virginia
  • Date: April 11-16, 2025
  • National 4-H Conference Application  
    • Due no later than midnight, Wednesday, January 15, 2025.
      • Email your application to Joni Brandenburg and please CC your Extension Educator in the email.
      • You will receive a confirmation the following business day.
    • Remember to include in the email:

 

NATIONAL 4-H CONFERENCE WEBSITE

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