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4-H Youth Development

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OSU ExtensionFerguson College of AgAg Research
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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, 2023
  • This trip is an award based upon your application and support letter
  • Application Materials:
    • Contact Information Page
    • 1 to 2 Page Essay
    • One reference letter; from your county educator or your local 4-H club
      volunteer-leader
  • 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
    • Other snacks, incidentals, souvenirs as desired.

Upon returning from National Conference, each member of the 2024 National Conference Team will complete a service project by June 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. 

 

COVID Protocols
Currently there are no specific COVID guidelines, should that change, delegates would need to adhere to any guidelines applicable at the time of the conference.

 

Application and Event Information

  • Location: Hyatt Regency Crystal City, Arlington, Virginia
  • Date: April 19-24, 2024
  • National 4-H Conference Application 
    • Due no later than midnight, Sunday, February 4, 2024.
    • Email your application to Kelly Wardlaw and please CC your Extension Educator in the email.
    • You will receive a confirmation the following business day.
    • Remember to include in the email:
      • Contact Information Page
      • 1 to 2 Page Essay
      • One reference letter from your county educator or your local 4-H club volunteer or leader

 

MORE NATIONAL CONFERENCE INFORMATION

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