State and National 4-H Opportunities
4-H Agri-Business Career Conference is a career exploration conference held at SUNY Cobleskill open to all youth ages 14 and over who wish to become more aware of opportunities with agriculture and also the academic requirements for professional positions available in the various agri-businesses. It will feature mini-tours to farms and businesses in the Cobleskill area as well as seminars, guest speakers and guided tours of the SUNY Cobleskill agriculture facilities. October 16-17, 2025
Contact Carmen Hostetter for questions or to register.
ABC Conference Registration packet 2025 (1).pdf
NYS Youth Livestock Ambassador Program inspires and prepares the next generation of Livestock leaders by connecting youth with hands-on experiences, industry professionals and diverse career pathways in the livestock industry. Through four hands-on, two day sessions held throughout the year, students will visit farms, processing facilities and other agricultural businesses. They'll also connect with industry professionals, build leadership skills and learn how their interests can lead to real-world careers. Applications are open now. Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management
Animal Crackers is an annual program that provides NY youth with fun, hands-on, science-oriented learning experiences on Animal Science topics. This workshop is for 4-H members interested in learning more about their favorite livestock, companion or pet animal species; emphasis on different species groupings and activities varies annually. Participants will learn about different aspects of animal care, interact and exchange information with faculty, staff, students, professional producers, industry experts and more, utilizing the unique facilities of Cornell University. 2026 Dates TBD
STAR (State Teen Action Retreat) is a premiere youth voice opportunity, open to youth ages 13-19, modeled after the National 4-H conference. 4-H teen leaders are invited to apply to serve as a planning team member, they select an adult partner and serve to plan the STAR event. STAR is a fun filled weekend which helps to invigorate 4-H programming across NYS and showcases positive youth development, experiential learning, agriculture, sustainable food systems, STEM and civic engagement workshops. 2026 Dates TBD
4-H Career Explorations aims to expand possibilities for youth by connecting them to Cornell University; sparking interests in careers and career pathways; developing academic, leadership, and life skills; and providing opportunities to experience college life. This is a 3-day conference open to all NYS youth entering 8th grade and up. 2026 Dates TBD
Capital Days is an NYSACCE4-HE sponsored event that gives youth an opportunity to meet and interact with legislators and tell their 4-H story. 4-H Capital Days creates awareness of career opportunities in the New York State government, a better understanding of state government, and networking with delegates from other counties. Delegates are chosen by their county 4-H program. 2026 Dates TBD
International Exchange: Every year NY requests a certain number of delegates to host and works to find Host families for those delegates within the 4-H population. Families may participate in any number of 4-H programs at any level to be eligible to host a delegate. Delegates range in age from 12-18 and do not speak much English. Traveling and staying with an American family is about the full immersion of the delegate into American culture. Therefore, the Host family must have a child of the same age and gender and the arriving delegate. Mid July thru Mid August
International Exchange | NYS 4-H
National 4-H Congress is a premiere, global-focused event filled with opportunities to make 4-H friends from around the country, explore Atlanta, give back through community service, attend powerful workshops, tours, and to head home to have deep impacts on your community, country and world. November 28-December 2, 2025 (registration closes October 3, 2025)
Ignite by 4-H is a four-day interactive summit that helps teens find their spark through inspiring speakers, hands-on workshops, off-site experiences, career exploration and connecting with peers. Ignite is a step forward in the journey of becoming beyond ready. At Ignite, teens collaborate, create and cultivate a passion for expanding their minds and their world--becoming resilient and READY for everything life has to offer. March 25-29, 2026 (early registration is open!)
Ignite by 4-H - National 4-H Council
National 4-H Conference invite both youth delegates and Adult Advisors to the nation's capital for 6 days of compelling content, unparalleled learning, professional development, and networking. Inspirational keynotes and thought-provoking challenge questions, roundtable discussions, briefing sessions, and unique community service opportunities abound. April 2026
National 4-H Conference - National 4-H Council
Last updated September 23, 2025