Georgia 4-H Now Accepting Applications for 2023 National 4-H Conference

About National 4-H Conference

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is excited to announce dates for 2023 National 4-H Conference which will be held April 14-19, 2023 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia. More specific details will be announced later this fall.

Each year, every Land Grant University 4-H Department is invited to select and send a delegation of high-school-aged 4-H’ers to Washington, DC, to participate in National 4-H Conference.  Conference delegates engage in personal development experiences that increase their knowledge, resources, and skills while they discuss topics affecting youth and 4‑H programming nationwide.  Delegates not only learn while at the conference: they are empowered to create positive social change in their communities and have the opportunity to practice and apply their skills in a real-world setting.  4-H’ers arrive in our nation’s capital ready to connect, learn, engage, lead and impact their communities, their country, and their world.  They choose an important societal topic and, in round table groups, prepare a briefing. During the conference, the groups present their briefing to federal officials at agencies throughout the Washington, D.C. area. 

For more information, visit georgia4h.org or 4-h.org.

National 4-H Conference Application Information

IMPORTANT DATES & DEADLINES

Applications Due                    November 10, 2022 @ 5:00 PM

Finalists Announced               November 21, 2022

Finalist Interviews                   December 10, 2022 @ Rock Eagle 4-H Center during Fall Forum

Delegates Announced           December 10, 2022

National Conference              April 14-19, 2023 @ Washington, DC

PROCESS OVERVIEW AND AWARDS

• Twelve applicants will be invited to interview at Fall Forum.  The twelve interviewees will be comprised of the following:  the top two high-scoring applications from each district and the next four high-scoring applications, regardless of district.
• Six Georgia delegates, 1 highest-scoring delegate from each district and 2 highest-scoring at-large delegates, regardless of their district will be selected to attend National 4-H Conference through a combination of applications and interviews.
• Delegates will join the Leadership in Action state winners who opt to attend National Conference as part of their award.
• The six delegates who are selected via the application/interview process AND attend the conference will be eligible for Master 4-H status.
• For the six selected delegates, 4-H will cover all expenses for the trip (except for transportation to and from the Atlanta Airport, meals on travel days, and one meal on Capitol Hill Day).
• Two high-scoring alternates, regardless of their district, will also be selected.  An alternate will be given the opportunity to attend National 4-H Conference in the event one of the four selected delegates is unable to do so.  If an alternate ends up attending National Conference, that individual will be eligible for Master 4-H status.

For more detailed information about National 4-H Conference, visit 4-h.org.

ELIGIBILITY RULES

• Applicants must be currently enrolled in 4-H and must be between ages 15 and 19 years old by January 1 of the conference year to compete for selection as a National 4-H Conference delegate.
• Applicants must not have attended National 4-H Conference previously.

PROJECT PROCEDURE

1. Submit applications by November 10, 2022 @ 5:00 PM.
2. Select applicants, chosen on the basis of the application alone, will be invited to interview at Fall Forum as finalists.  A list of those selected to interview will be posted on November 21, 2022.
3. Finalists will be interviewed at 4-H Fall Forum on December 10. This is the only time when finalists can be interviewed.
4. Delegates will be announced at Fall Forum and will be selected on basis of:
   • 4-H project work
   • 4-H leadership work
   • Leadership activities in other fields
   • Civic engagement activities
   • Essay submitted with application

APPLICATION FORM
The total Application should be no more than six pages including:

1. Contact Information Page
2. 2 Pages of 4-H & Leadership Activities
3. 2 Page Essay
4. Application form is a PDF document that can and should be electronically completed and submitted (though, for signatures, you may have to print, sign, and scan).  Find it and more info at https://georgia4h.org/programs/focus-areas/citizenship/community-global-affairs/national-4-h-conference/.  The application is also linked directly here: https://georgia4h.org/wp-content/uploads/2023-National-Conference-Application.pdf.

SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS 
Applications received after the deadline may not be considered. Please send your completed application to Mrs. Allie at allie.griner@uga.edu by 12:00 noon on Wednesday, November 9. I will sign at that time and submit to the state office on your behalf.