The state 4-H youth boards provide leadership, advocacy and give youth a voice. Through these six leadership boards teens are offered opportunities for meaningful leadership roles. Board members gain new and/or enhanced leadership skills, new friends and connections that will last a lifetime. The board experience has proven to be helpful both now and later in life when applying for scholarships and jobs. Through leadership boards, youth can develop, enhance, and use leadership skills to influence change.

The Six Boards:

The State Executive Board consists of the state officers, regional representatives who are elected by their 4-H peers, and national conference delegates. The 4-H Executive Board focuses on providing leadership to statewide activities such as 4-H Junior Leadership Conference and 4-H University. Executive board members are involved in making decisions about contests, programs, and speakers for 4-H University, an event that reaches over 1,500 teens from across the state. During 4-H University, executive board members preside over assemblies and conduct officer elections.

State leadership board members for Citizenship, Fashion, Food and Fitness, Science, Engineering & Technology (SET) and Shooting Sports Ambassador Boards are selected through an application and interview process. Each of these boards engages in developing leadership development through specific subject matter opportunities. The youth define their learning goals and apply what they’ve learned into engaging educational opportunities. Each board is responsible for planning and implementing a state camp. Board members plan parish and regional based educational events that serve as marketing and educational outreach.

These leadership boards give youth the opportunity to work together on a common focus while developing leadership for statewide programs.