2026 National 4-H Conference
Friday, April 10 - Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Arlington, Virginia | Washington, D.C.
National 4-H Conference is the flagship youth development event of the USDA, hosted by NIFA, and remains true to its original intent to develop the next generation of leaders while continuing to be future-focused during this unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Conference brings together hundreds of 4-H delegates for an experience of unparalleled discovery, learning, professional development, and skill-building.
Delegates work in small round-table groups with a collegiate facilitator, where they are tasked with answering a challenge question. They focus on listening to each other’s opinions, coming to a consensus, creating a presentation, and providing their youth voice to propose a potential solution or action plan to the challenge question they were given.
Delegates are also given the opportunity to network with federal agencies and congressional committees, explore career options, meet with elected representatives, and network with 4-H members from across the country and beyond.
New Jersey 4-H Delegation
New Jersey 4-H sends a delegation of 4-6 youth delegates and 2 adult chaperones.
Applicants must be enrolled in grades 10-13 (one year out of high school) as of September 2025 and between 15 and 19 years old (as of January 1, 2026). Applicants must complete an application form and attend a personal and group interview. Applications must be submitted on or before January 12. The application is available online at https://go.rutgers.edu/nat4hconfapp.
Conference interviews are scheduled for Sunday, January 25, 2026 from 1pm – 4pm. The interviews are mandatory. Since the interview process includes a group activity, as well as a group and an individual interview, all applicants must be available to attend. There will NOT be a makeup date.
The cost is estimated to be $1700 per delegate. Please check with your county about opportunities for sponsorships.
Application Process and Timeline
Please note – we have not been provided any information regarding this event aside from the dates it will take place. Our timeline may change based on information we receive in January, such as registration deadlines.
December 12 – Information sent to 4-H Offices
Information sent to 4-H Offices statewide.
January 12 – Applications Due via online application (Qualtrics)
After the application period is closed, county offices will be contacted to confirm applicant eligibility.
Note: If over 20 applications are received, it will be at the discretion of the state coordinator to choose a committee to screen the candidates to create a reasonable applicant pool for interviewing.
January 25 – Interviews
Individual and group interviews will be held at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences in Martin Hall, located at 88 Lipman Drive in New Brunswick from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Candidates need to be present the entire time since the interview schedule is dependent on the number of applicants. There will be no make-up dates.
Early February
Delegates announced.
Mid-February
Commitment Form, Permission Form, Registration Form, and Commitment Fee ($200) due to the State 4-H Office.
Late March
Health forms due to the State 4-H Office. Mandatory Delegate Orientation, via Zoom. Date TBD.
April 10-15, 2026
National 4-H Conference!
Questions? Contact Abigail Kesely at the State 4-H Office at 848-932-3711 or by email at abigail.kesely@rutgers.edu.