Chambana Sun

In Washington, D.C., Alex Paul, a 4-H teen from Wayne County, Illinois, has been chosen to join the National Youth Leadership Team. This team is associated with the National 4-H Conference, aiming to amplify youth voices in the planning and implementation stages, as mentioned by USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

The team consists of six high school students selected from across the country and two adult advisors. Operating under a peer leadership model, their role includes planning for the 2025 National 4-H Conference, also held in Washington, D.C. Under the guidance of adult mentors, the student team members are tasked with managing key aspects of the event, from logistics to programming.

Alex Paul expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I applied to be an ambassador for the National 4-H Conference 2025 because it was one of if not the best, event that I have been to. There are so many skills that youth are able to develop, practice, and polish throughout their experience at the National 4-H Conference, and this inspired me to give back to my peers and continue the experience that I had and make it even better.”

Participation in the team not only involves conference planning but also offers members valuable experience in leadership development, which includes communication, collaboration, and project management. Illinois 4-H highlights the significance of the team's impact, noting that their efforts contribute to the success of a national conference bringing 4-H youth together from across the United States.

Alex shared his enjoyment in connecting with fellow delegates, saying, “Being able to see the variety of different backgrounds in not only just the delegates, but the Youth Leadership Team Members too is very impactful. We come from all over the United States and make lasting memories with each other.”

In addition to his national role, Alex serves as the Vice Chair of the Illinois 4-H Youth Leadership Team and is a Shooting Sports Ambassador. He plans to pursue studies in Accounting at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, with aspirations to attend law school thereafter.

Illinois 4-H, part of the University of Illinois Extension, aims to prepare youth for future opportunities by building confidence, leadership, and resilience, with evidence showing that 4-H participants are more likely to pursue higher education and career opportunities.