Conferences
SkillsX
June 3-7, 2024, on the SDSU campus
SkillsX provides youth from ages 13 to 18 an opportunity to develop their leadership and life skills through an immersive educational experience.
This year’s theme is The Ticket to Your Future, which will weave references to popular movies throughout the event’s activities.
SkillsX attendees will have opportunities to learn about science, agricultural leadership and health/wellness skills through workshops, tours and community service.
Registration is required. Tickets are $350 before April 20, and $375 from April 21 to May 3.
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National 4-H Conference
National 4-H Conference is the pinnacle experience in 4-H Civic Engagement, providing the opportunity for young people to connect, learn, engage, lead and impact their communities, their nation and their world. At the conference, delegates will have the opportunity to have round table discussions and present to federal partner agencies. In addition, youth will take part in Youth Career Fair exhibitions, live “cool job” panels, community service, special events, assemblies and much more.
April 19-24, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency, Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia
Who can apply?
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Youth must be 16 – 18 years old by the date of the event to apply.
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Applicants should submit their application to their local 4-H Youth Program Advisor.
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Upon approval, the 4-H Youth Program Advisor will submit the signed application to the State 4-H Office by January 22, 2024.
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A designated committee of 4-H Youth Development professionals and/or previous trip participants will review applications and notify youth who are selected to attend National 4-H Conference as a delegate.
What does it cost?
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Participants are responsible for the entire cost of the trip.
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The price to attend National 4-H Conference will be determined when the registration fee has been announced and the number of youth attending from South Dakota has been determined. Potential costs for four youth to attend is $3,300.00 per youth.
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Scholarship are available to apply for through the National 4-H Conference Scholarship Program.
Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF)
CWF is a week-long 4-H citizenship program for 4-H’ers, thousands of which come to Washington D.C. each summer, to learn about the democratic process, their role as citizens, and experience our nation’s capital.
June 15 – 22, 2024
Typical CWF Activities
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2024 CWF Summit: The new summit takes place between the two weeks allowing teens to connect while listening and learning from government speakers, community changemakers and renowned journalists.
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Workshops and discussions with teens from around the U.S. on how to create change in your local community.
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Typical Memorials and Monuments visited: Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Marine Corps War Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, World War II Memorial, Washington Monument, National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial
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Typical Smithsonians visited: National Air and Space Museum, National American History Museum, National Museum of Natural History
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Other typical locations visited throughout the week: United States Capitol Tour, White House (outside), Mount Vernon, Arlington National Museum, Supreme Court Building, Library of Congress, Union Station, Twilight Tattoo at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Holocaust Museum
Cost
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$2,950 per youth delegate (transportation, lodging, and most meals)
Transportation
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For the 2024 CWF trip, we are planning on flying and using the bus transportation that CWF provides.
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The plan is to fly out of both Sioux Falls and Rapid City into Washington D.C.
Who can participate?
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4-H’ers ages 15-18, as of January 1 of the trip year.
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Contact the 4-H Youth Advisor for your County to determine other county-specific steps to apply.
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Counties give their selected CWF youth delegates initial instructions and forms in January to send to the State 4-H Office on/before February 19, 2024.