NATIONAL 4-H CONGRESS - TEXAS SITE

National 4-H Congress is the flagship event of the 4-H program. For eighty years, youth from the United States and its territories have participated in this youth leadership development conference. The Congress provides youth, ages 14-19, a quality, educational, and cross-cultural experience that exceeds what any state independently provides. It is designed to address the needs and issues of youth while helping to develop capable, competent, and caring citizens.

The program is built upon the Cooperative Extension System's belief that young people can be significant partners in addressing the issues that face our nation especially those affecting youth. Each year a National Design Team of Extension educators, 4-H youth, and 4-H adult volunteers analyze current youth issues and determine the most effective ways to address them. The program combines plenary sessions, seminars, discussion groups, and a service learning experience. The nation's most outstanding community leaders, speakers, and educators present the most current and timely information available.

PAGE LINKS:
National 4-H Congress website
Objectives of National 4-H Congress
Eligible Youth
Selection Consideration
Dates and Deadlines
Costs
Application
Delegate Information/Meet The Delegates

OBJECTIVES

• To improve the ability of teen 4-H youth to express themselves in written and verbal forms of communication that are necessary and important "life skills" for today and in the future.

• To increase the awareness of the importance of Leadership, Citizenship, and Community Service in 4-H Youth Development.

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ELIGIBLE YOUTH/WHO SHOULD APPLY

• Youth with significant leadership accomplishments and potential. This will be verified through two adult references who are not related to the applicant.
  
  
• Youth who have demonstrated the ability to perform academically at or above grade level-passing all course work and eligible to participate in extra-curricular activities.
  
  
• Youth who possess the maturity to interact with other youth from different regions, cultures, experiences and beliefs.
  
  
• Youth between the ages of 14 and 18 on September 1 of the year they are applying. Applicants must have been born during the period beginning September 1, 1990 and ending August 31, 1994.
  
  
• Youth must be enrolled in High School and not entered college full time at the time of event.
  
  
• Youth must still be in high school during the time of the trip.
  Any youth participating in youth development programming which Extension (Texas AgriLife Extension Service and Prairie View Cooperative Extension Service) is a partner (including 4-H clubs, short-term groups, school curriculum enrichment and ENP-Y programs).
  
  
• Youth who can attend the mandatory orientation meeting on Thursday, November 27, 2008 and travel with the group to and from Atlanta.

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SELECTION CONSIDERATIONS - 2008 DEADLINE HAS PASSED

• Applications must be submitted online and certified through 4HCONNECT by April 15, 2008. There is not a fee for this application to be completed online. Interview selection of delegates will be made on the basis of the online application.
  
  
• The online application will contain the following:
  • Summary of Major Leadership Roles.
  • Summary of Citizenship/Community Service Activities.
  • Personal biography of 4-H member’s 4-H career and other extra curricular activities.
  • Two adult references who are not related to the applicant. One adult must be familiar with the applicant’s academic performance. The second adult must be from the County Extension Agent familiar with the applicant’s reputation and involvement in community activities
    
    
• Interviews will only take place in College Station on Wednesday, June 11, 2008 during Texas 4-H Roundup. The interview will focus on the application submitted online. The applicant will be asked to expound on how they will use the knowledge gained from National 4-H Congress to strengthen the 4-H Program in their county. The interviews are normally conducted by the chaperones assigned to go on the trip.
  
  
• The final delegation will be announced during the general assembly on Wednesday night. The accepted delegate does not have to be present for the announcement.

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APPLICATION DATES AND DEADLINES

December, 2007	Applicaton announcement released state wide
January 1, 2008	On-line Application Opens
April 15, 2008	On-line Application Closes
May 1, 2008	Interviews Announced
June 11, 2008	Interviews at Texas 4-H Roundup
June 11, 2008	Delegation Announced at Wednesday night assembly of Texas 4-H Roundup
July 15, 2008	Deposit of $400.00 due.

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TRIP COSTS

The tentative starting date for the Texas delegation will be November 27, 2008 with an orientation meeting. The estimated cost for participation for 2009 will be approximately $1300.00 per delegate, this might fluctuate depending on airline prices. Every effort will be made to lower the final cost by purchasing advance air fare, reserving rooms well in advance and seeking additional outside support. Any unfunded portion of the final cost will be the responsibility of the delegate. Local area fund-raising is encouraged. Final cost information will be made available after the applicant is accepted and a $400.00 deposit will be due July 15, 2008.

The following items are included in the cost of the event:

• Congress Registration (includes most meals)
• Lodging (2 people per room)
• Airline Ticket
• States Lunch
• Shirt
• State Photograph
• Trading Pins (delegates can bring pins from their community)
• Evening Refreshments/Snacks
• Ground Transportation in Atlanta
• Educational Tour
• Lodging in Houston the night prior to departure for Atlanta, GA

The following items are not included in the cost:

• Transportation to and from the airport the delegation will be leaving from.
• Spending money for souvenirs.
• Meals during travel to and from Atlanta, GA.
• Any meals on Thursday while gathering in Houston.

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DELEGATES

2008 Delegate Information and Meet The Delegates
2007 Delegates - Check back soon

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Page last updated: July 15, 2008