National 4-H Congress

Virginia 4-H values the life skills that members develop through personal record keeping. The 4-H electronic portfolio, which replaced the 4-H Achievement Record, will serve as the foundation for a 4-H member’s interview to participate in National 4-H Congress, if selected to move past the application stage.

The formal process includes two steps, which are intended to provide the 4-H member learning exercises that reflect an employment application and interview procedure:

1. The submission of a written personal resume and
2. Those selected for an interview will conduct a presentation of an electronic personal portfolio.

Downloadable application process (PDF)

Applications will be submitted through Google Forms.

PLEASE DO NOT SEND YOUR APPLICATIONS TO THE STATE OFFICE!

To submit an application, please click here.

The personal resume is intended to give the 4-H member the opportunity to succinctly communicate his or her participation in the 4-H program, as well as to demonstrate service and involvement outside of 4-H. The 4-H mem-ber should utilize the portfolio as the source of the information for the resume and should creatively organize the resume to demonstrate outstanding achievement.

The resume, which should be accompanied by a candidate’s letter stating why he or she wishes to represent Virginia at National 4-H Congress, must include (but need not be limited to) the following information:

1. Personal: Name, address, telephone number, and birthdate.
2. Education: Chronological list of the schools attended and diplomas and honors/recognition received.
3. 4-H Participation: List of club membership(s), projects, conferences, camps, and special activities(demonstrations, talks, judging events in which the member participated). Include dates of each project/activity and, when appropriate, what was gained from participation.
4. 4-H Citizenship/Leadership: List significant leadership and citizenship/community service experi-ences carried out as a 4-H member. Activities that should be included are: offices held at the club, county, district,or state level; activities or events for which the member provided leadership; and any 4-H community serviceprojects. Be sure to include dates, the role played, and what was accomplished.
5. Leadership, Citizenship, Scholarship Outside 4-H: List, in chronological order, other significant citizen­ship or leadership experiences had outside of 4-H such as school, church, or other organization. Again, includedate, the role played, and what was accomplished.
6. Letters of Reference: Attach three letters of reference from individuals who can attest to the member’s per­sonal attributes. One must be either a 4-H agent or a 4-H adult volunteer leader.

Sample Resume (PDF)

National 4-H Congress Portfolio and Interview Tip Sheet (PDF)

Resumes must be submitted in Google Forms by May 6, 2024.

The State 4-H Program Leader will appoint an application review committee, which will evaluate personal resumes on the following weighted criteria:

• Growth through 4-H participation: 25 percent
• Growth through 4-H leadership/citizenship: 50 percent
• Growth through leadership, citizenship, and scholarship outside 4-H: 10 percent
• Letters of Reference: 5 percent
• Organization and presentation: 10 percent

Finalists will be interviewed the week of State 4-H Congress. The interview process will afford the candidates the opportunity to gain additional presentation skills and orally communicate their 4-H experiences. Candidates will be encouraged to creatively utilize the resources they have included in their electronic 4-H portfolio to enhance their presentations. If selected for an interview, detailed portfolio directions will be provided to each finalist.

The interview teams will include: the State 4-H Program Leader and representatives from VAE4-HYDP, the State 4-H Cabinet, and the Virginia 4-H All Stars. Interviews will take place during Virginia 4-H State Congress.

Submission Instructions: All applications and resumes should be submitted in Google Forms by May 6, 2024.

Do not mail any information directly to the State 4-H Office.

If you are selected for a National Congress Interview, you will be contacted with further instructions.