Applications for National 4-H Conference are now available. The dates of the conference are April 10-16, 2025, in Washington D.C. The application deadline is December 1, 2024 at 11:59pm. Applicants must be 15 to 18 years of age as of 1/1/2025 and enrolled as a 4-H member for the 2024-2025 4-H year.
Background: The National 4-H Conference is the premier civic engagement opportunity for 4-H members (15-18 years old) who are actively engaged in 4-H programs across the U.S. and its territories. The conference is administered by 4-H National Headquarters of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This experience upholds a tradition dating back to 1927. Known then as the “National 4-H Club Camp,” delegates slept in tents on the grounds of the National Mall in front of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Washington, D.C. Held annually, except for several years during World War II, the camp served to develop the next generation of leaders. Delegates attended training workshops, became acquainted with government, and had the opportunity to meet with state leaders. In 1958, the event name was changed to National 4-H Conference and, in 1959, the meeting moved from the National Mall to the National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase, MD (right outside of Washington, D.C.).
Today, National 4-H Conference is specifically focused on civic engagement, civic education, and personal development. Delegates arrive ready to connect, learn, engage, lead, and impact their communities, their nation, and their world. In 2025, National 4-H Conference returns for youth delegates to attend in-person in Washington, D.C. during *April 10-16, 2025 (*Ohio delegates arrive a day early on April 10. Conference begins April 11).
Additional information about the National 4-H Conference can be found in the application and from National 4-H.
Selection Process
- Interested Ohio 4-H members must complete an application via Qualtrics (linked at bottom) by December 1 at 11:59 p.m. Applicants must be 15-18 as of January 1, 2025, and currently enrolled as an Ohio 4-H member for the 2024-2025 4-H program year. Note that the application required submission of various documents such as a resume and cover letter and a video. Review the application in advance to be fully prepared: National 4-H Conference Application Process and Questions)
- After an application is received, the State 4-H Office will request a referral from county 4-H professional.
- A selection board of advisors, 4-H educators, and past Ohio Teen Leadership Council members will review applications and as needed, conduct interviews.
- Those selected are expected to participate in all pre-conference and conference activities and adhere to all National 4-H guidelines, complete required work as a result of conference participation, and share knowledge gained with Ohio 4-H upon return.
Interested in applying for this opportunity? Complete this application by December 1 at 11:59 p.m. (Be sure to review the questions you will be asked and materials you need to submit by reviewing the document linked here. Please note: all applications should be submitted online through Qualtrics for consideration).