For the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, teen leaders from across the country gathered in the nation’s capital through a series of 4-H youth events. Between April and July 2022, over 1,200 youth and 185 4-H educators participated in National 4-H Council’s Youth Summits for Agri-science and Healthy Living, True Leaders in Equity Institute, and Citizenship Washington Focus summer program in Washington, D.C.
After a two-year hiatus, the return of these events gave 4-H youth the opportunity to collaborate on important issues facing their generation, speak with current leaders in the field, and network with other young leaders across state lines.
Comments received by youth participants were overwhelmingly positive. “The workshops were absolutely amazing, and I got a lot out of them!” said a young attendee of the Agri-science summit. “I really enjoyed meeting lots of people from around the U.S. I loved getting to learn about each other’s state likenesses and differences. All around it was one of the best experiences I have participated in!”
Youth events are integral to the mission of Cooperative Extension’s 4-H program. They provide opportunities for young people to develop the critical skills needed to succeed in their future careers and lives. National 4-H Council’s youth events are made possible through support from ADM, Bayer, CHS Foundation, Corteva, Nationwide, Nutrien, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Saputo, Walmart Foundation, and WK Kellogg Foundation.
After the success of this year’s events, National 4-H Council is looking forward to hosting a combination Youth Summit for Agri-science, Healthy Living, and STEM for 4-H’ers in Washington, D.C., next spring.
