Posted: January 12, 2026
Members of Pennsylvania 4-H recently attended the National 4-H Congress held in Atlanta, Georgia, sending 26 4-H youth members and 5 adults.
National 4-H Congress is an event designed to engage high school 4-H members in activities related to leadership, civic engagement, global awareness, and inclusion. Participants attended educational workshops, heard from distinguished speakers, and networked with peers from across the country. Delegates also contributed to service-learning projects in Atlanta. The 5-day event hosted about 700 youth and adults representing 4-H programs from 47 states.
Annah Burke, Penn State Extension 4-H youth development extension educator, and Karen Hack, assistant 4-H program leader, helped guide the Pennsylvania 4-H'ers at the event.
"Youth gain a magnitude of skills from attending the event and the workshops," Burke said. "However, not all of the skills are learned through workshops; members meet other youth from across the country and can learn about different states and cultures."
Julia Brooks, a 4-H member from Clarion County, said a highlight of the experience was the opportunity to meet and learn from others. "My favorite moment at Congress was the first night when all the delegates met each other and talked with people from all over about their interests and experiences," she said. "Something I would like to share would be to take every opportunity that comes to you. I am very grateful for everything I have learned on this trip."
Administered in Pennsylvania by Penn State Extension, 4-H is a nonformal educational youth-development program of the United States Department of Agriculture that helps young people develop knowledge and skills to become capable, caring, and contributing citizens. To find your local program, visit the Pennsylvania 4-H website.
