Arlington, VA | April 2026
This conference annually brings 4-H youth and adults from around the nation to work towards strengthening and expanding the 4-H Youth Development program at the local, state, and national levels. National 4-H Conference is the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture’s premier youth development opportunity to engage youth in developing recommendations for the 4-H Youth Development Program. The National 4-H Headquarters is charged with sharing the recommendations that emerge from the conference with the Secretary of Agriculture, National Extension Program Leaders, and others who determine 4-H programs. At the same time, the conference is a rich and meaningful experience for the youth and adult participants.
New Hampshire 4-H sends at least four teens, ages 15-18, each year.
Applications due October 1, 2025 to kristen.lyons@unh.edu.
Learn more about National 4-H Conference at their website!
Information You Need to Know
Criteria for Applying to National 4-H Conference
- Must have been an active 4-H member in the previous year.
- Must have attended at least (1) Teen Conference or (1) NH Teen Leadership Retreat
- Must be between the ages of 15-18 years old.
- Must plan on being a part of the NH Teen Leadership Program for the 2025-2026 program year (County Teen Leadership, 4-H Community Ambassador, 4-H STEM Ambassador, 4-H Ag-Ambassador or other similar leadership roles).
- A 4-H member can only attend National 4-H Conference one time as a participant.
Application Process for National 4-H Conference
- Application submitted by email to 4-H Teen Leadership Field Specialist by October 1, 2025
- (1) professional recommendation required
- Candidates will be selected by the 4-H Teen Leadership Field Specialist and chaperone team
- Highest weighted preference will be given to the previous year’s 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 and have not attended a 4-H national trip in the past.
- To learn more about National 4-H Conference visit their website
Creating Your Video for National 4-H Conference
- Prepare as if you are making a pitch to one Federal Agency from the below options. Think critically about current issues, research the agency’s current efforts, and provide your perspective and recommendation for change.
- In preparation for National 4-H Conference review a sampling of last year’s round table topics below.
- Share your name, county, and age
- Tell us about the issue you chose and what you were able to research online about their current efforts.
- Provide your observations and recommendation for change based on the challenge question posed.
- Complete your video by sharing why you chose the agency/issue you did and if there are other issues that you are interested in at the federal level.
- In preparation for National 4-H Conference review a sampling of last year’s round table topics below.
- Dress in business attire, as if you are pitching to the actual Federal Agency.
- Your video should be 3-4 minutes long; use the “Anatomy of an Elevator Pitch” to help guide you.
When You Are At National 4-H Conference
National 4-H Conference delegates will:
- Participate in a round table topic of their choosing that will focus on key topics such as: leadership, agriculture, crime, and more.
- Participate in professional workshops.
- Meet with legislators from their State to discuss important issues relating to 4-H.
- Have a chance to network with youth and adults from across the country.
- Learn all about 4-H programming and think about ways to improve programming across the Nation.
- Develop an action plan that will be put to use in their own communities.
- Have fun!
Trip Information
Chosen participants will travel to Arlington VA 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.
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