State and National 4-H Opportunities

4-H Statewide Information and Deadlines

New Hampshire teens can join a program designed to help them grow their own spark and strengths. The program is guided by an Extension Field Specialist and supported by teen mentors who work directly with the team. Teens ages 12 and up can join a local Youth Leadership Team, and teens 14 and older can step up as statewide leaders. It’s a chance to learn, lead, and make a difference while connecting with other teens across New Hampshire.

4-H Statewide Leadership Opportunities

Opportunity	Deadline	Summary	Learn More
Local: Youth Leadership Team (YLT)	Rolling Enrollment	Our local teen programs are here for YOU. Supported by the County Program Manager and awesome teen mentors. The YLT is all about creating a welcoming space where you share your voice, build confidence, and make an impact while having fun together. ✨ Try out and grow your leadership skills ✨ Work side-by-side with adults as real partners ✨ Connect with other teens and leaders in your community	Youth Leadership Team \| New Hampshire 4-H (unh.edu)
Statewide: 4-H Ambassadors Agriscience Community STEM Shooting Sports	Dec. 20th	Ambassadors will meet as a NH 4-H Ambassador program as well as have youth-mentor guided opportunities that are specific to career, academic, leadership, and community action. 💼 Career & Academic Development Get “Beyond Ready” for college, jobs, and whatever comes next. Learn how to speak up, stand out, and show the world what you’ve got. 🧠 Leadership Development Lead projects, work with other teens, and build confidence that lasts a lifetime. 💚 Teach-Back/Give-Back Projects Use what you learn to help others. Make a difference in your school, club, or town.	NH 4-H Ambassadors \| Extension (unh.edu)
Grit to Grow Workforce Fellows Program	Deadline to apply: February 1, 2026 Program Dates: June 26-August 7, 2026	The Grit to Grow Workforce Fellows program is a 6-week workforce readiness program supported by the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension. It is designed to prepare teens ages 16–18 for meaningful employment, community engagement, and post-secondary pathway development. Participants join a cohort within the UNH Extension Community Engaged Internship Program and experience three integrated components: Job-Skill Development Workshops (Weekly 45-minute virtual sessions) Paid Industry Apprenticeship with a community-based employer Direct Mentorship with experts in the field	Email Kristen.Lyons@unh.edu for more information
Day of Service Planning Team	Deadline for interest: February 1, 2026	The Day of Service project this year is 6.8 Miles for End 68 Hours of Hunger. The Planning Team will work with Extension youth professionals, End 68 Hours of Hunger school coordinators, and youth and adult community members to plan a regional event that takes place June 6, 2026. The event is: Open to all ages Each county in New Hampshire would host a “hub” track for the 6.8-mile walk Families and participants would form teams, raise funds through sponsorships, and walk together The event would serve both as a fundraiser and as a way to reduce the stigma around food insecurity	Email Kristen.Lyons@unh.edu for more information

4-H Statewide Events & Opportunities

Opportunity	Date	Summary	Learn More
Science Bonanza	Dec. 13, 2025	The 4-H Science Bonanza is an annual event sponsored by the 4-H Foundation of New Hampshire. 4-H is the youth educational program of UNH Extension.	Science Bonanza \| New Hampshire 4-H (unh.edu)
Animal Science Bonanza	Jan. 10, 2026	Presenting a workshop Tabling (recruiting 4-Hers for Ag Ambassadors)	4-H Animal Science Bonanza \| New Hampshire 4-H (unh.edu)
Farm, Forest and Garden Expo	May 1-2, 2026	Tabling/ booth about Ag Ambassadors Fence Talks/ Hands-on experience for public (Kids Zone)	New Hampshire Farm, Forest, & Garden Expo \|
4-H Day of Service	June 6, 2026	The New Hampshire 4-H Day of Service is a dynamic, statewide event that brings together hundreds of young people from every corner of the Granite State. This regional gathering is a celebration of youth leadership, civic engagement, and the power of collective action.	Thinking of the Future - Being a Change-Maker \| New Hampshire 4-H (unh.edu)
Animal Science Clinics	June, 2026	Present workshops based on species of interest	4-H Animal Science \| New Hampshire 4-H (unh.edu)
NH 4-H Fairs	July- October, 2026	Ag/ Animal Science pathway highlights in exhibit halls Fence talks
NH 4-H Ambassador Recognition Night	Oct. 16, 2026	Ambassadors will celebrate at Camp Sentinel with a semi-formal dinner with family and friends. Then stay overnight with mentors and Extension staff to prepare for Teen Leadership Retreat the following day.
Teen Leadership Retreat	October 17-18, 2026	Retreat is an opportunity for teens from around the state to come together with our teen leadership mentors and peers to learn, reflect, and practice leadership skills. Workshops, social time, and great food are all part of this experience!	Thinking of the Future - Being a Change-Maker \| New Hampshire 4-H (unh.edu)

4-H National Trip Information and Deadlines

New Hampshire 4-H sends delegates to a number of national opportunities annually. Each opportunity has its own application, specific to the trip that the 4-Her is applying to. The process of applying is meant to mirror an actual job application but give feedback to the applicants to improve their cover letter, resume, public speaking and interview skills.

Annual 4-H National Opportunities and Information

National Opportunity	Deadline	Trip Summary	Application Materials
National 4-H Dairy Conference	July 1^st	National 4-H Dairy Conference is designed to assist 4-H youth in learning more about the dairy industry. Youth explore dairy careers, debate contemporary issues facing the dairy industry, and partake in technical dairy workshops while staying in the heart of the dairy industry.	National 4-H Dairy Conference \| Extension (unh.edu)
National 4-H Congress	July 1^st	National 4-H Congress is focused on leadership development, citizenship, global awareness and inclusion. You'll expand your skills, engage with other 4-H members from across the country and be inspired to make an impact!	National 4-H Congress \| Extension (unh.edu)
IGNITE by 4-H	Oct. 1^st	Ignite by 4-H event combines our Agri-Science, STEM, and Healthy Living. 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.	Ignite by 4-H \| Extension (unh.edu)
4-H National Conference	Nov. 1^st	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.	National 4-H Conference \| Extension (unh.edu)