Teen leaders from Illinois participated in the Ignite by 4-H Summit, held March 25-29 in Washington, D.C., joining peers from across the country for a national youth leadership event focused on career exploration and skill development.
The summit aimed to help high school students gain practical abilities and insights for their future careers through hands-on sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities. Participants engaged in immersive tracks designed to strengthen leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills while connecting with industry professionals and other youth.
Mark Becker, University of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development specialist, said, “This experience gives young people the opportunity to see what’s possible for their future while building the skills they need to get there. From career exploration to leadership development, Ignite empowers youth to take the next step with confidence.”
Illinois delegates took part in activities related to Agriscience, Animal Science, Community Accelerators, Citizenship Washington Focus, Healthy Living or STEM. Additional workshops on public speaking and life readiness helped them prepare for post-high school opportunities. Delegates included Kaden Ambers of Cook County; Lailah Smith of Cook County; Haley Ramirez of Cook County; Carmen Jackson of Cook County; Aniyah Burke of Cook County; Trinity Clay of Cook County; Grace Griffin of St. Clair County; Heaven Morgan of St. Clair County; Morgan Davis of DeKalb County; Anna Bremer of Johnson County; Alexandra Bruinius of Will County; Paige Simpson of Lake County; Alyssa Elliott of Madison County; Monteal Harper of St. Clair County; George Kapasouris of DuPage County; Kavin Karthikeyan of DuPage County; Devin Joseph of Cook County; Kieran Edwards of Kane County; Peter Widinski of Will County; Myeisha Tucker of Cook County; Daniel Molina of Cook County and Louis Barnes of Pike County.
The University of Illinois contributes to economic and societal progress through its educational and research efforts according to the official website. The university serves as the flagship campus within its system according to the official website and enrolls students from all U.S. states as well as over 100 countries while offering more than 150 undergraduate programs according to the official website. It is situated in Urbana-Champaign according to the official website, operates as a public research institution according to the official website, and aims at advancing discovery through education according to the official website.
The Ignite by 4-H Summit is part of an ongoing effort by Illinois 4-H—administered through University of Illinois Extension—to prepare youth for success beyond high school by equipping them with critical life skills.
