2021 National 4-H Conference

Georgia 4-H is now accepting applications for National 4-H Conference 2021

Important News About National 4-H Conference

The 2021 National 4-H Conference will be a virtual event, and attendance is required for those selected as delegates.  Master 4-H’er status is only conferred to the four youth selected as delegates after they have fully attended the 2021 virtual conference.  At the moment, it appears that National 4-H Council is sticking with the original conference dates of April 10-15, 2021. 

Because the in-person experience is such a significant component of the National 4-H Conference program , we are allowing those delegates selected for the 2021 National 4-H Conference to join the delegation selected to attend the in-person National 4-H Conference in 2022 (provided they are still age-eligible and that they fully attended the virtual 2021 National Conference).  If a 2021 delegate cannot attend the 2022 National 4-H Conference due to age or other valid reason, they will receive a $500 scholarship in lieu of the trip to Washington, DC (again, provided they fully attended the virtual 2021 National Conference).

Here is some information about how National 4-H Conference typically operates: Ordinarily, every Land Grant University 4-H Department across the nation 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 each year.  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 at the National 4‑H Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland, ready to connect, learn, engage, lead and impact their communities, their nation, 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 around the Washington, D.C. area. 

National 4-H Conference Application Information

PROCESS OVERVIEW AND AWARDS

• Four Georgia delegates will be selected to attend National 4-H Conference through a combination of applications and interviews.  They will join the Leadership in Action state winners who opt to attend National Conference as part of their award.
• The four delegates who are selected via the application/interview process and who attend the conference 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 via email from interested 15-19 year old 4-H’ers.
2. Select applicants, chosen on the basis of the application alone, will be invited to interview as finalists.  A list of those selected to interview will be posted via email on January 15, 2021 by 5:00 PM.
3. Finalists will be interviewed online via Zoom session between 2:00 PM-6:00 PM on Friday, January 22, 2021. This is the only time when finalists can be interviewed.
4. Delegates will be announced on Monday, January 25 and will be selected on the 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 to 3 Page Essay
4. Application form is attached as a Word document that can and should be electronically completed and submitted (though, for signatures, you may have to print it, sign, and scan).  Find it and more info at georgia4h.org.

SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS 
Applications received after the deadline may not be considered.  Applications must arrive in Allie Griner’s email inbox by 12:00 PM on Friday, January 8, 2021. Please send your completed application(s) to allie723@uga.edu.

We look forward to receiving your applications.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.