For everyone
Applications for Ignite by 4-H and CWF @ Ignite open today. This earlier application date comes with a few big changes. Citizenship Washington Focus, historically a summer event, will be merged into the Ignite by 4-H Conference in 2026. Additionally, Ignite will be adding an animal science track to its programming, and the community accelerators track will shift to focus on community service and service-learning efforts.
Our anticipated plan for Minnesota is to have two individual delegations to Ignite: one larger delegation for the five Ignite by 4-H tracks (listed below), and one smaller delegation for CWF @ Ignite. However, we'll have just one application process where youth can indicate their preferred track and alternate tracks they'd like to apply for.
Here’s more information about each of the events:
Ignite by 4-H: March 25-29, Washington, DC area
Ignite includes four days of inspiring speakers, workshop sessions, activities, and entertainment. The summit will provide high school aged youth from across the country the opportunity to explore the best 4-H has to offer in agriscience, animal science, community accelerators, healthy living, or STEM. Participants will discover exciting career paths, make connections, and create an action plan to ignite change in their community. Read more about Ignite’s tracks and Minnesota’s participation in the event.
We anticipate selecting six youth for each of the five tracks, for a total of 30 Minnesota delegates. Actual selection will depend on youth interest and application.
CWF @ Ignite: March 24-29, Washington, DC area
Traditionally held in the summer, in 2026 CWF will be held in March as a dedicated civic engagement track of Ignite by 4-H. For five days, young leaders will meet to learn about civil discourse, the power of advocacy, and the First Amendment through interactive workshops that help them reflect on citizenship and civic responsibility. Read more about this track option and Minnesota’s participation.
For Minnesota delegation purposes, CWF @ Ignite will be referred to as an individual event, however Minnesota’s delegation of CWF @ Ignite participants will interact with the Minnesota delegation of Ignite by 4-H participants in pre-departure meetings, most days of the conference, and return travel. Please also note that CWF @ Ignite starts one day earlier than the rest of the Ignite by 4-H Conference, so they will travel to DC separately, but return together. We anticipate selecting eight youth for CWF @ Ignite.
Do you work with teens? Help lift up this experience as part of their educational pathway!
- Review the application packet - Applications are due Sept. 8.
- Nudge teens in your program area to consider applying—this could be the next thing they are looking for to grow their leadership skills.
- All participants are expected to plan and carry out a "Lead to Change" community action plan upon return.
- Offer to help review their application. This is a competitive process, and we will not be able to offer spots to all youth who apply, so a good application is important!
- Encourage your club leaders with eligible youth to share this opportunity in their meetings.
- Identify, secure, and connect youth to funding opportunities to reduce/remove cost barriers.
- Share/reshare social media announcements on your networks.
Promotional plan from the state office
- 4-H Online blast to eligible youth today, Aug. 11 (a copy will be sent to you).
- Social media posts starting around Aug. 11. Please share these posts instead of creating new ones—more popular posts get seen more often!
- September Clover Update article.
- 4-H Online blast to eligible youth on Sept. 2 (a copy will be sent to you).
There are a limited number of staff-only chaperone roles available for this experience. If you’re interested in being considered, applications are available here and are due Sept. 15!
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