National 4-H Conference
Each spring, more than 200 4-H youth from across the United States and Puerto Rico come together in Washington, D.C. for the National 4-H Conference - a five-day experience that blends leadership development, civic engagement, and real-world collaboration. Hosted by the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), the conference gives participants the opportunity to explore national issues, connect with peers, and engage directly with federal agencies.
In small groups, delegates research and develop 45-minute briefings on current national issues. With just two days to prepare, each group presents their findings directly to one of over 15 federal agencies - sharing real youth perspectives on real-world challenges. In addition to the presentations, delegates tour many of D.C.’s most significant monuments and memorials, including the Washington, Lincoln, and Jefferson Memorials, as well as the Martin Luther King Jr., World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam Veterans Memorials. These experiences provide both educational and emotional moments that deepen delegates’ understanding of the country’s history and values.
For Ally R., a Morning Glory 4-H Club member and Kansas 4-H Youth Council representative, the trip was unforgettable:
“This was a once-in-a-lifetime trip for me, as I have made some of the closest relationships with 4-H’ers all over our country and gained professional connections within our federal government agencies.”
Beyond the briefings and monuments, the conference helps participants strengthen essential skills like public speaking, teamwork, and problem-solving. Some even take on leadership roles to assist with event planning and delegate engagement. By the end of the week, youth return home with greater confidence, new friendships, and a clearer sense of how they can make a difference - both in their communities and on a national level.
by Cyla Gardner, 4-H Youth Development Agent, 2025