National 4-H events

National 4‑H events

As the nation’s largest youth development organization, National 4‑H has many additional opportunities for youth beyond the state level. Explore the options below and talk with your 4‑H leader about how to participate.

To compete in national contests, 4‑H youth must first qualify at a state qualifying event.

National Dairy Conference

The National 4‑H Dairy Conference is where leading dairy youth from across North America can come together to interact with one another and build industry bridges that will last well into the future. The annual 4‑H Dairy Conference is held in Madison, Wisconsin, the first week in October. It is a great opportunity to share your enthusiasm for the dairy industry with other youth.

Eligibility

Applicants must be:

• A 4‑H member currently enrolled in at least the third year of the 4‑H dairy or dairy foods project.
• Between ages 15 and 19 on Jan. 1 of the year they attend the conference.
• First-time attendees to the National 4‑H Dairy Conference.
• Capable and willing to share information learned upon return home.
• Interested in the production, marketing, processing and use of dairy products.
• Accomplished with outstanding record in 4‑H dairy/dairy foods.
• Applications due Aug. 15 at 11:59 p.m. PST.

Scholarships

Please contact your local UI Extension county office for local scholarships that may be available. To find out what state scholarships are available, please contact the 4‑H office at 208-885-7700.

National Congress

Held over the Thanksgiving weekend (Thursday to Tuesday) in Atlanta, Georgia, the National 4‑H Congress recognizes and promotes excellence in 4‑H. Those attending enjoy workshops, cultural events, community service projects and sightseeing.

Delegates

Idaho usually sends five to 10 delegates. Applicants must have passed their 14th birthday, but not their 19th birthday, on Jan. 1 of the program year. They cannot have attended National 4‑H Congress previously.

Costs

Funding may offset some costs, but delegates should expect to pay $600 to $900 depending on travel fees.

Application process

Idaho's 4‑H applicants must submit National 4‑H Congress Applications through ZSuite. Online applications are available June 1-30.

Eligibility

Delegates must be 15 to 18 years old on Jan. 1 of the year they attend. Preference is given to seniors. Delegates are selected for their 4-H achievements, especially in leadership. Idaho delegates must have attended a state or district teen leadership event.  

Application timeline

Online applications are available from November 1-30 each year. You must be enrolled and in active-status for the current program year to apply to the National 4-H Conference. Contact your UI Extension county office about re-enrollment. 

Ignite Summit

The Ignite by 4‑H Summit is a four-day event in Washington D.C. where high-school aged teens connect, make memories and find their spark by exploring the best 4‑H has to offer in STEM, agriscience, healthy living, career readiness and emotional wellbeing. Idaho sends a delegation of teens to this event each year. Teens are expected to implement an action project in their county, reservation or community, upon return from the conference.

The number of youth invited to attend Ignite each year is based on available program grant funds received by the UI Extension 4‑H Youth Development program. All registrations must be coordinated through the state 4‑H office. For more information, contact Mike Knutz.