Nominees Sought for National Ag Day Student Leadership Program – Virtual, March 2021
National 4-H Council is pleased to offer an agriculture leadership opportunity for 10 students to represent 4-H during the 2021 National Ag Day Student Leadership Program. The program prepares and engages young people to raise awareness of the importance of the agricultural industry and its impact on our nation’s society and economy. This annual program will be held virtually in March 2021.
The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) sponsors a total of 100 student representatives from across the country to participate in the program. The students—from FFA, AFA, 4-H and MANRRS—put a face on the future of agriculture and personally emphasize the importance of agriculture in our everyday lives with stakeholders.
Students will participate in a series of virtual sessions that will include special governmental guests, experts and advocates in the ag industry. Students must be willing and able to communicate with their Congressional Representatives and Senators. Tools to schedule their legislative visits and key message training will be provided. There is no cost associated with the 2021 virtual program.
- Each Land Grant University (LGU) may nominate up to two delegates to represent 4-H.
- All 4-H nominations must be approved by the LGU’s 4-H Administrator, i.e. State Program Leader or a representative thereof.
- Nominations are due by Friday, January 15, 2021.
- Participants will be selected through a competitive application process.
- 4-H representatives should…
- Be between the ages of 18-23 and enrolled in post high school education
- Be 4-H alum or currently active in collegiate 4-H
- Have a strong interest and/or career plan in the agricultural industry
- Have the desire to learn about communication and leadership skills
Students must be able to participate in all of the following virtual sessions. Tentative agenda:
- Tuesday, March 16, 2021 – Ag Day Kickoff, Student Training, evening, 90 minutes
- Wednesday, March 17, 2021 – Ag Day Part 2, Student Training, evening, 90 minutes
- Monday, March 22, 2021 – Ag Day Part 3, Student Training, evening, 90 minutes
- Tuesday, March 23, 2021 – National Ag Day Virtual Congressional visits, all day
- Tuesday, March 23, 2021 – Virtual Debrief and Celebration – 7:00 p.m. Eastern
To be considered as a 4-H representative for the 2021 National Ag Day Student Leadership Program, nominations must submit the following by Friday, January 15, 2021.
1. Nominee’s responses to the following questions via the online application.
- Name, age, current school and contact information
- Name, title, email of 4-H Administrator who approved nomination as one of two representing
their institution. - What is your motivation to participate in this National Ag Day program?
- What skills did you learn in 4-H that have helped you become a successful agvocate?
- What are your future career aspirations?
- Following this training, how do you plan to use what you learned to advocate for agriculture?
- How did you learn about this opportunity?
2. A letter of reference from a 4-H professional – Letter must be emailed to Beth Hecht, bhecht@4-H.org, by Friday, January 15, 2021.
Questions, contact Beth Hecht, bhecht@4-H.org, 301-221-4859.
About National Agriculture Day: The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) will host a virtual National Agriculture Day program in March 2021. These events honor National Agriculture Day and mark a nationwide effort to tell the true story of American agriculture and remind citizens that agriculture is a part of all of us. A number of producers, agricultural associations, corporations, students and government organizations involved in agriculture are expected to participate. For more information about National Ag Day, please visit www.agday.org.
About 4-H 4-H, the nation’s largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. 4-H programs empower nearly 6 million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. 4-H is the youth development program of our nation’s Cooperative Extension System and USDA and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3000 local Extension offices. The research-backed 4-H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs. Learn more about 4-H at www.4-h.org, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/4-h and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/4h.