The Ultimate Teen Summit
Washington DC, March 2027
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Citizenship Washington Focus @ Ignite by 4-H
Ignite by 4-H event combines our Agri-Science, STEM, Healthy Living and Community Engagement. Dynamic speakers, industry experts, and hands-on experiences in career development and community change will empower teens to spark their passion, explore the issues they care about. Youth will experience Washington DC in a way they have never before experienced it. National 4-H Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) @ Ignite is the cornerstone leadership experience for teens passionate about civic engagement, public policy and advocacy as pathways to community change. Youth will participate in workshops, meet with members of Congress, engage in civic discussions, and develop lifelong leadership skills.
Open to all enrolled New Hampshire 4-H members ages 14-18 years old.
Applications due December 15, 2026. Submit application here
To learn more about the summit visit CWF@Ignite!
- Must have been an active 4-H member in the previous year.
- Applicants must be at least 14 years old to apply.
- Must apply to be a NH 4-H Ambassador for the 2026-2027 program year OR detail in the application packet how the team anticipates bringing other 4-Hers into their project plan.
- Must agree to record a 20 minute "CWF Locked In" video about what CWF is and why you would encourage others to go.
- Delegates may only participate in a specific IGNITE track (1) time in their 4-H career.
- If you do not complete your video in the 2026-2027 program year you will be unable to apply to any national trips the following program year.
- A video answering prompt questions submitted through Qualtrics to 4-H Youth Development State Specialist by December 15, 2026.
- (1) professional recommendation per teammate required.
- Candidates will be selected by a panel of 4-H staff using prospective delegate's resume, video and letters of recommendation as criteria.
- Highest weighted preference will be given to the previous year Ambassadors that completed the year in good standing and in fulfillment of their duties. Then preference will be given to applicants that have taken active leadership roles at the county or state level.
Create a 3-4 minute video introducing yourself and explaining why you are interested in attending National 4-H Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF).
Your video should address the following questions:
- Who are you?
- Introduce yourself, your age, county, and years involved in 4-H.
- Share a little about your interests, projects, and leadership experiences.
- What does citizenship mean to you?
- Describe how you define citizenship and what it means to be an engaged member of your community.
- Share examples of how you have contributed to your club, school, community, or state.
- Why do you want to attend Citizenship Washington Focus?
- Explain what interests you most about the program.
- Describe what you hope to learn about civic engagement, leadership, public policy, or community change.
Participants will work with each other and with experts in the agricultural, STEM and healthy living communities in a collaborative, hands-on educational setting to dive deep into some of the most common topics of today.
Chosen participants will travel to with 4-H advisors from New Hampshire. All trip logistics will be handled by the NH 4-H State office from airport to lodging and return. Participants will be responsible for transportation to and from the airport, as well as any meals outside of meals provided at the conference.
Delegation contribution is $900 with a $500 deposit required to secure your spot for this national trip opportunity. For full information see 4-H National Trip Payment Plan and Fundraising Guide document. Please contact 4-H Enrollment Manager Jill Ketchen should this fee present a challenge.
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