Join Us for 2024 National 4-H Conference
Bringing hundreds of 4-H’ers to the nation’s capital each spring, National 4-H Conference is the flagship youth development opportunity of USDA, hosted by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). From April 19-24, 2024, the nationally recognized event is developing the next generation of leaders alongside more federal partners than ever before. Experience unparalleled discovery, learning, professional development, and networking with 4-H’ers from around the world. The event, hosted at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia, features Conference roundtable sessions, Youth Career Fair exhibitions, special events, assemblies and much more.
Registration
National 4-H Conference registration is now full. If you would like to be added to the waiting list, please email Ged Matthews at ged@sstewartmeetings.com listing your Land-grant University or Travel Group along with the number of youth and adult chaperones in the delegation. Registration rates are $920 for youth or adult (double occupancy room) and $1,425 for adult (single occupancy room). Each Land-grant University or travel group must identify a lead chaperone. The lead chaperone will create an account to register their entire delegation.
Policies
Youth delegates and adult chaperones must read the National 4-H Conference Delegate Handbook and complete the Registration Form in Español or English. The Handbook was developed to help delegates and adult chaperones prepare for and know what to expect at National 4-H Conference. The handbook is full of information and helpful tips about the nation’s capitol, the Conference hotel, what to pack, schedule of events, challenge questions and much more.
Adult chaperones must review the National 4-H Conference Guidebook for 1862, 1890 and 1994 Staff and Volunteers. The Guidebook was developed by USDA-NIFA to help adult chaperones and volunteers understand their role in Conference.
National 4-H Conference is administered by the USDA-NIFA in cooperation with S. Stewart and Associates, Inc. who handles registration, payment policies, hotel reservations, cancelation penalty deadlines, transportation, and other logistics. Please email Susan Stewart and Ged Matthews if you have questions about registration. For all other questions contact National4-HConference@usda.gov.
Accessibility Requests
If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, please contact Maurice Smith, National Program Leader, at Maurice.Smith2@usda.gov no later than March 15.
Language access services, such as interpretation or translation of vital information, will be provided free of charge to limited English proficient individuals upon request. If you need interpretation or translation services, please visit NIFA language services or contact Lois Tuttle, Equal Opportunity Specialist, at Lois.Tuttle@usda.gov or (443) 386-9488 no later than March 15.
Scholarships
We are pleased to offer financial assistance to 4-H youth and adult chaperones to maximize opportunities for those who otherwise would not be able to attend Conference. The Scholarship Form, with instructions, can be found on the National 4-H Conference Resources. For more information, email National4-HConference@usda.gov, subject line “National 4-H Conference Scholarship Program”. The deadline to submit scholarship forms was Friday, January 19 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern. Scholarship applications received after the deadline will only be considered if funding remains available.
Peer Leadership Model
A key component of National 4-H Conference is amplifying youth voice. One way we do this is through a peer leadership model.
The Youth Leadership Team (YLT) is made up of six high school students and two adult advisors. They are assembled to provide youth voice in conference planning and implementation.
Youth Leadership Team Adult Advisors
- Manola Erby, Alcorn State University
- Natalie Korniak, Purdue University
The Collegiate Facilitator Team is made up of 21 college students and two adult advisors. This group is assembled to host and facilitate youth roundtable groups.
Collegiate Facilitator Adult Advisors
- Brian Luckey, University of Nevada, Reno Extension
- Nicole Swinson, Virginia State University
Lead Collegiate Facilitator
- Olivia Hall, University of New Haven
Information Session
Missed the National 4-H Conference Information Session on November 16? View the recording and PowerPoint slides to catch up!
For questions contact Annie Ceccarini and National4-HConference@usda.gov.