National 4-H Congress

National 4-H Congress is the flagship event of the 4-H program.

Congress provides youth ages 14-18 a quality, educational, and cross-cultural experience that exceeds what any state independently provides.  It is designed to address the needs and issues of young people while helping to develop capable, competent, and caring citizens.

Congress focuses on issues and trends in agriculture, cultural diversity, group dynamics, and community service.

The program is designed to help young people develop the knowledge base and leadership skills to positively affect change in our world.

National 4-H Congress is held in Atlanta, GA, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, beginning the Friday after Thanksgiving.  More than 800 youth from small towns, suburbs, farming communities, and cities will come together for five days of discussion groups and workshops. Maine selects four participants annually based on records of their 4-H and community involvement and candidate interviews.

They also have the opportunity to explore the sights of Atlanta, attend formal dinners and dances, meet with corporate sponsors of Congress, and take part in community services actively.

Each youth who is chosen to attend will be asked to pay a non-refundable deposit. In the past, funding for these trips has been generously supplied by the Maine 4-H Foundation and delegates have been responsible for $300 of that cost. However, given our uncertain economic times, it is unsure how much the Foundation will contribute this year. Financial information will be updated as soon as possible.

The dates for the 2025 National Congress are November 28 – December 2, 2025.

Orientation for this trip will be tentatively held in October 2025. This hopefully will be in person but may be via Zoom. Once candidates have been chosen, a central location/zoom time will be announced to those candidates for the orientation.

Candidates will be selected in December after the 2025 National Trip interviews. Interviews will take place in early December 2024. You will be contacted via email to set up a specific time that is convenient for you once your application has been received.

Information about applying for National 4-H Congress.