4-H Legislative Academy logo

The premier opportunity for Missouri 4-H’ers to engage in state-level government and civic engagement

February 17-19, 2025

The purpose of Missouri 4-H Legislative Academy is to provide 4-H’ers with high impact experiences in civic engagement within the Missouri State Government. Through their participation in legislative academy, the intended outcomes for 4-H’ers are:

  • To develop a working knowledge of the three branches of the Missouri State Government,
  • To identify pathways for careers in public service,
  • To foster social capital and youth voice among state-level policy makers,
  • To liaise with state government officials on behalf of the Missouri 4-H Center for Youth Development and MU Extension,
  • To educate policymakers on the impact that 4-H has on youth, families, and communities,
  • To practice critical thinking in the context of governmental decision making,
  • And to develop leadership capacity through civic engagement and civics education.

Eligibility

  • Currently enrolled as a 4-H member
  • Enrolled in grades 9-12 for the 2024-2025 school year
  • Recommendation from their local 4-H staff
  • Participation in state level leadership program or award trip (preferred, not required)
    • State 4-H Council, Civic Engagement Ambassadors, Ag Innovators Teen Leaders, Shooting Sports Ambassadors
    • National 4-H Congress and/or National 4-H Conference Delegate

Application process

Up to 20 4-H’ers will be selected to attend Legislative Academy. Youth selected to attend will be required to attend a prep meeting via zoom on January 29th at 7pm and the entirety of the academy. Applications will open on September 15th and close November 1st for 4-H’ers currently enrolled in grades 9-12.

Application includes:

  • 2025 application information (PDF)
  • Short essay questions
    • There are three essay questions. Responses should be between 250-300 words. Please see the Application Information Document for questions and rubric.
  • Reference form (PDF)
    • Applicants are required to have one reference from a 4-H Faculty or Staff member and should be submitted directly to the State Office from the reference. References may not be completed a family member of the applicant.

All applications must be submitted through Qualtrics.

Submit Application

Interviews

Zoom interviews will be conducted on November 11th, with limited spots available on November 12th. Applicants will receive email instructions on how to sign up after applications have closed.

Cost

There is no registration fee for Legislative Academy. Delegates are responsible for transportation to event check-in and pick-up. Delegate lodging, meals, and transportation will be provided by 4-H.

Program partners

Programs offered by Missouri 4-H would not be possible without support from our partners. Major support for Missouri 4-H Civic Engagement programs was provided by the Missouri 4-H Foundation in partnership with the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, Crader Distributing Company, FCS Financial, Jack Henry & Associates, Miller Family Foundation, and Missouri Corn Merchandising Council.