This application is for WV 4-H youth ages 14 - 19 wanting to attend National 4-H Congress in Atlanta (November 2025) or National 4-H Conference in Washington, D.C. (March/April 2026). Once your application is submitted a follow-up interview will be scheduled in the first two weeks of June 2025. If this interview time does not work for you, please reach out directly to Nancy Yates.
Deadline to submit your resume is Sunday, May 4, 2025 at 11:59 PM.
Youth accepted to attend Congress or Conference will be attending with pre-selected WVU Extension Chaperones. Youth will be attending on their own, family members and 4-H Volunteers will not be eligible to attend. There will be times during these National events when youth will be chaperoned by someone other than the WVU chaperones.
The cost of this trip is over $2,000 and youth are responsible for paying $800 towards this trip. This fee is due six weeks before the start of the event. (There are scholarship opportunities.)
National 4-H Congress
National 4-H Congress is a mix of educational, service, and recreational opportunities held in the City of Atlanta. Youth attending will participate in the following:
- Workshops designed to develop and enhance your leadership skills
- Plenary sessions with outstanding speakers and entertainers
- A Service-Learning Experience during which you will participate in hands-on service projects
- Tours and recreational opportunities throughout the city.
Featured Speakers
- Jill Bramble - President & CEO, National 4-H Council
- Amberley Snyder - Motivational Speaker and Barrel Racer
- Dr. Chris Boleman - CEO & President, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
- Dan Clark - New York Times Best Selling Author
Open to youth ages 14 - 19 at the time of the event.
Learn More about National 4-H Congress
National 4-H Conference
National 4-H Conference is a civic engagement and leadership opportunity. Youth will partner with federal agencies and share their voice on important issues such as education and climate change; work with youth from throughout the United State to create positive social change, make connections with mentors; meet with National Leaders such as US Senators.
Youth choose a topic, research the issues, work with their peers to develop a 45-minute briefing, and formally present to federal partners such as the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Department of Education.
Open to youth ages 15 - 19 at the time of the event.
Learn More about National 4-H Conference
Applications Must Include:
RESUME
One-page professional resume. Please include the following information:
- Participation in 4-H activities and projects at the local, county, state, and national levels. Include dates (at least the year) and how you were involved in organizing or leading an activity when applicable; add any recognition.
- Participation in extracurricular activities and/or community service at school or in the community. Include dates (at least the year) and indicate any significant roles, responsibilities, or recognition.
STORY
You may submit either a 500-word written story or a 60-second video story.
- Introduction of yourself and your family, where you live, when you joined 4-H and why.
- Your favorite 4-H experiences, such as a successful project, meaningful event, important lessons learned, etc.
- Why you want to represent West Virginia 4-H at national events.