4-H Ag Innovators Experience

4-H Ag Innovators Logo

Sponsored by National 4-H Council and Bayer, the Ag Innovators Experience (AIE) helps develop critical workforce skills in young people and show that agriculture can be relevant and fun. The program reaches 7,000 youth in select states with an annual interactive activity that challenges youth to apply critical thinking and STEM skills to address a real-world agriculture challenge. This year's Ag Innovators Experience theme is the Aerial Ag Challenge which focuses on how precision agricultural practices applied with drones are helping farmers enhance crop yields, sustain world food systems, and be better environmental stewards; how data science and technology tools help producers make real-time decisions to change field conditions with precision crop health scripts; and how careers and advancements in agricultural technology and innovation are critical to finding long term solutions for climate change, world hunger, and viable diverse ecosystems.

The application period is open for 4-H members, 13-18 years old, to apply to be part of the 2023 AIE Teen Leaders Team. Twenty-one Teen Leaders will be chosen to facilitate an educational program and activity to 1,000 youth across Missouri at camps, fairs, afterschool groups, and showcase events from April 1st to July 1st. The Top 3 Teen Leaders will attend the National 4-H Ag Innovators Experience training on February 3-5, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. To be considered for the three spots on the State Leadership Team, which will take part in the national training on February 3-5 in Columbus, Ohio, you must complete and submit your application by Tuesday, January 3, 2023. The application for the other 18 Teen Leaders remains open until January 31, 2023 and they will take part in a state training on Saturday, March 4, 2023 in Columbia, MO.

Teen Leader requirements

  • Have a positive attitude and be excited about teaching others.
  • Be of age 13-18.
  • If chosen, be able to participate in a national training program February 3-5, 2023 in Columbus, OH.*
  • Attend a 1-day state training on Saturday, March 4, 2023 in Columbia, MO.
  • Submit an action plan by April 15th.
  • Reach a minimum of 50 youth with the program (April 1-July 1).
  • Submit minimum of 50 participant surveys.
  • Submit a Teen Leader survey.
  • Submit a blog article with photo.
  • Maintain open communication will program leadership regarding program updates.
  • Submit photos of program facilitation.

*Only top three individuals will be chosen to attend this experience.

Teen Leaders will receive

  • A toolkit to conduct the Challenge Activity including materials.
  • A program polo.
  • A stipend of $250 upon completion of teaching experience and fulfilling all program requirements.
  • The opportunity to share the story of their experience with industry sponsors.
  • Chance to growth their leadership and teaching skills.

If you wish to participate, please complete the application via the link above by January 31, 2023 (January 3 to be considered for the national training program).