March 17–21, 2027

What is Ignite by 4-H?

With the addition of public speaking, career and life readiness, and presentation workshops, teens will be able to apply what they learn to their own lives and take a step torward becoming Beyond Ready for the future.

Application Requirements

Applicants must be Senior Level members (ages 14 to 18). The complete application must be submitted through 4-H Online and received by Monday, September 28, 2026. Applications must include the following:

• 4-H Online application
• My 4-H Story (Choose one of two format options. See guidelines below.)
• 4-H resume (one page)
• One letter of reference from an Alabama Extension staff member

Note: A Zoom interview is part of the application process. Zoom interviews will be held the week of October 12, 2026.

How Much?

• $700 total.
• $100 deposit due with the application. If selected, the deposit will go toward your total. If not selected, your deposit will be refunded.
• $600 balance due by March 2, 2027. Payments can be made between November and February.
• The Alabama 4-H Foundation will cover the following expenses: airfare, conference registration, and hotel. The $700 fee will cover a portion of the Ignite registration fee.

 My 4-H Story Format Guidelines 

Two options are available. You may choose one. 

1. A 3-minute video recording. The video must be emailed to Joy Scott at maxwesj@aces.edu. 
2. A 3-minute, self-playing Microsoft PowerPoint presentation. The PowerPoint must be emailed to Joy Scott at maxwesj@aces.edu.

My 4-H Story Content Guidelines 

Answer the following questions in your story: 

• Why do you want to attend the Ignite by 4-H Conference? 
• What will you do with what you learn from attending? 
• With whom will you share your experience? 
• Part I, Introduction: Introduce yourself. Include your interests. Explain why you joined 4-H and talk about your 4-H Club experience. 
• Part II, Leadership Achievement: Show evidence of your leadership, growth in your 4-H project and degree of involvement, cooperation, honesty, responsibility, and good judgment. Describe how 4-H helped you become a leader. 
• Part III, Service and Citizenship Achievement: Give evidence of how you help others in the community. 
• Part IV, 4-H Project Achievement: A good 4-H story highlights your triumphs and setbacks as well as your challenges and opportunities. Talk about the obstacles you experienced and how you overcame them. Instead of focusing on the prizes you have won, concentrate on how your work has affected you as a person. 

My 4-H Resume Guidelines 

Having a resume prepared is important for college, scholarships, and job applications. Starting with the current year and going back to the beginning of your 4-H career, build your one-page resume by listing activities and corresponding dates to indicate your 4-H work. Your resume must include the following headers. When your resume is complete, save it as a PDF and upload it to 4-H Online. 

• 4-H Project Achievements and Awards. Accomplishments or activities in your 4-H project area (animal science, natural resources, etc.). 
• 4-H Leadership and Educational Accomplishments. Offices, committees, 4-H workshop presentations, etc. 
• 4-H Service Accomplishments and Activities. Community service opportunities. 
• Non–4-H Leadership Accomplishments, Activities, and Awards (one page). 

Guidelines for Letters of Reference 

One letter of reference is required. A good letter of reference supports your achievements, skills, and service in 4-H. Save this document as a PDF and upload it to 4-H Online. 

• Your letter of reference should be from an Extension staff member (4-H agent, CED, CEA, or 4-HAA). 
• Letters should not be from family members. 

If you have questions, contact Joy Scott at maxwesj@aces.edu or (205) 612-2790.

Joy Scott, Extension Specialist, 4-H and Youth Development, Auburn University

New August 2026, Ignite by 4-H, 4HYD-2595