PULLMAN, Wash. — Nearly 150 young people attended this year’s Washington State University Extension 4-H Teen Conference, close to the maximum number the event can host.
Held June 22-25, the annual event brought high schoolers from across Washington to the WSU Pullman campus for leadership development, career exploration, college readiness workshops, and service-learning opportunities. It also gave participants a chance to experience college life by living and dining on campus.
“For some, this was their first time staying away from home,” said Kelly Stewart, 4-H coordinator. “Many participants learned that great things can come from pushing their comfort zone boundaries.”
Post-conference survey responses showed that many youths challenged themselves and tried new things.
“Maybe they got up on stage and led the morning introduction, maybe it was presenting a workshop or eating an insect at one of our fun workshops with WSU entomology faculty,” Stewart said. “For some, just being around a lot of new people is the biggest challenge. It’s different for everyone.”
As with past conferences, this year’s was teen-led, with a committee of youth leaders meeting in advance to shape the lineup of events, speakers, workshops, and tours.
“This was about providing a uniquely 4-H opportunity for teenaged youth,” said Kayla Wells-Yoakum, Washington state 4-H director. “Volunteers, university and 4-H staff, WSU Collegiate 4-H members, the business community surrounding Pullman — all pulled together to spearhead this meaningful experience for Washington 4-H youth.”
In addition to meeting new people over the four-day conference, participants toured the WSU campus, attended workshops and trainings on diverse subjects led by WSU faculty and staff, heard a keynote address from an author and youth speaker, completed a service project, and attended a banquet and dance.
“The 4-H Teen Conference helps young people build confidence, leadership skills, and connections that can shape their future,” said WSU Extension Director Vicki McCracken. “Experiencing the WSU Pullman campus firsthand helps youth envision themselves pursuing higher education and becoming part of the Cougar community.”
During one workshop, human development faculty member Katie Forsythe worked with participants on active listening and asking thoughtful questions ahead of a networking event with WSU and Pullman leaders and career professionals.
Teens in groups of three sat down with professionals they had never met and practiced introducing themselves, asking questions, and keeping a conversation going before rotating to a new table and starting again.
“To sit down with a respected adult whom you’ve never met, keep your phone out of sight, look them in the eye, and engage by asking questions about their careers — that’s a big step for many youth,” said Stewart. “I was so proud of how they did.”
In a post-conference survey, teens listed more than two dozen professional fields that piqued their curiosity, including entomology, engineering, dairy production, beekeeping, fashion, veterinary medicine, GIS, herd management, and food science. Many of those fields were represented at the networking event.
“We’re proud to host these youth-led opportunities that allow teen 4-H members to pursue their interests, feed their curiosity, and become more civically engaged,” said Raj Khosla, Cashup Davis Family Endowed Dean of the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. “WSU Extension 4-H helps foster young leaders who continue to create positive change in the Washington communities they come from.”
Stewart is already looking ahead to 2027.
“This year was a success,” Stewart said. “We hope to use this momentum to create an even bigger and better event next year!”
Learn more
4-H is the largest youth development program in the world, creating opportunities for discovery and enrichment. The WSU 4-H website provides information on joining 4-H, member resources, and more.