COLUMBIA, Mo. – Each year, Missouri 4-H sends representatives to the National 4-H Conference. In April 2023, Jake Bartlett of Platte County and Andrew Shelton of Barton County will travel to Washington, D.C., to participate in the pinnacle experience in 4-H Civic Engagement.

This experience is only awarded to a few members each year and is an honor for the delegates, says Megan Kershner, University of Missouri Extension 4-H clubs manager and awards coordinator. Delegates to the National 4-H Conference network with youths from across the country, partake in roundtable discussions and prepare briefings on various topics for federal agencies.

Jake and Andrew will spend time on Capitol Hill with some of Missouri’s senators and representatives and share how 4-H has impacted their lives and the lives of many others.

These delegates are able to participate in this incredible opportunity thanks to the generosity of the Missouri 4-H Foundation and the Turner and Martz families.

4-H Civic Engagement

Programs offered by Missouri 4-H would not be possible without support from our partners. Major support for Missouri 4-H Civic Engagement programs is provided by the Missouri 4-H Foundation in partnership with the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives; FCS Financial; the Miller Family Foundation; the Missouri Pork Association; the Missouri Corn Growers Association; Veterans United Foundation; Aaron and Erica Baker; Mary Davis; Robert E. “Bud” Hertzog, D.V.M.; the Martz Family; Dr. Marla J. Tobin; and the Turner Family.

About Missouri 4-H

More than 55,000 members strong, Missouri 4-H is an active, dynamic organization of young people who are learning, growing and preparing to be the leaders of today and tomorrow – making a real difference in their community, country and world. 4-H is the youth development program of the University of Missouri and the nation’s Cooperative Extension System. For more information, visit 4h.missouri.edu.

Contact: Megan Kershner, 573-882-9359