Ignite by 4-H
The National Youth Summit Series is an immersive experience where you dive into the issues, expand your career horizons and grow as a leader while working with and learning from other teens and experts with shared passions. Agriculture, STEM, and Healthy Living tracks will converge at this Super Summit held in the spring in Washington, DC. The next Ignite by 4-H will take place in the spring of 2027.
Contact for More Information
4-H Food Systems Specialist
Mark Becker
mbbecker@illinois.edu
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National 4-H Congress
Illinois sends a delegation to the National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Georgia. This five-day national conference is an opportunity for youth from across the country to develop their leadership skills. Members have the opportunity to go to trainings, listen to nationally recognized speakers, participate in community service projects and network with 4-H members from across the United States. The 2026 4-H Congress dates have not been released. Stay tuned for more information!
Contact for More Information
Youth Development Leadership Specialist
Katie Duitsman
pilcher3@illinois.edu
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National 4-H Conference
Five Illinois teens travel to Washington D.C. to participate in this working conference. Delegates from the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico attend workshops and work on action plans for national, state, and local 4-H programs. Some sightseeing is included. The first opportunity to attend this trip is provided to the teens serving on the State 4-H Youth Leadership Team and the Speaking for Illinois 4-H Program. The next Conference will be held in the spring of 2027 in Washington DC.
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True Leaders in Equity Institute
The True Leaders in Equity Institute will prepare up to 20 teams to be change agents within the Cooperative Extension System as we work to create more welcoming and inclusive environments. This training and leadership opportunity challenges participants to work together to ideate and champion equity-related projects that will grow 4‑H in their communities.
Contact for More Information
4-H Youth Readiness and New Audiences Outreach Associate
Roxie Cejeda
cejeda2@illinois.edu
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Citizenship Washington Focus
Experience Washington DC Like Never Before
Travel to Washington, D.C. for one summer week filled with new experiences, new friends, and views of our nation’s capital, all while learning about our country’s governmental process. Delegates stay at the National 4-H Center. Citizenship Washington Focus is open to teens who are ages 14 to 18 by May 1 prior to the year of the trip. CWF is held in the summer.
