The 2025 4-H Cultural Immersion Project—Puerto Rico applications are open. The experience will be from November 25 to December 3, 2025. Those teens interested should contact Leslie Cooksey to be nominated by April 30th.
After receiving the application, follow-up interviews will be scheduled to select participants. Final selections will be posted in mid-August. 4-H youth ages 15-18 (as of the trip’s date) are encouraged to apply. Teens must still be in high school as of the trip’s date to participate.
A 7-day immersive experience that seeks to understand Puerto Rican culture. Teens will build multicultural skills and knowledge, as well as an increased ability to communicate in the increasingly diverse society that we live in. Teens will experience and live in both the Old San Juan urban area and life in the remote mountain town of Castañer. The group will also work with Puerto Rican youth in joint service projects and lead teambuilding activities for the University Gardens High School and the Yauchecus Elementary School students.
More Information about 4-H CIP Program: News Article about the 2023 4-H Cultural Immersion Project – Puerto Rico trip
https://ohio4h.org/february-2024/4-h-teens-immerse-themselves-puerto-rican-culture
Once nominated by your 4-H Educator (multiple teens from each county may be nominated), you will receive an application to complete.
Who: Ohio 4-H teens ages 15-18 (by the date of the trip and still in high school)
Where: Puerto Rico (San Juan and the mountain village of Castañer)
When: Tuesday, November 25 – Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Cost: estimated to be $1,500 (includes airfare, ground transportation, most meals, lodging, and program fees)
Participation Selection Criteria: Ohio 4-H Professionals can nominate multiple youth from their county to complete the short video application. Final selection will be based on geographic characteristics and the following criteria:
- Can embrace unique and different cultures beyond their local communities.
- Willing to share their experiences through presentations, newsletters, etc. at the local and state level.
- A good representation of the local 4-H program.
Nomination Deadline: May 1 (contact Leslie Cooksey by April 30th if interested in being nominated).
Teens will be notified of the nomination and will have until May 31 to complete the application requirements.
Participants will be selected and notified in late July 2025