News and Press

4-H’ers “Ignite” in the nation’s capital

by ChaNae Bradley

Posted on May 01, 2025 at 11:31 AM

 

 

 

(From L-R) James Nelson, Jr., 4-H adult volunteer/4-H mentor/exceptional education teacher, Harlem Jackson, 4-H youth, Carter Weaver, 4-H youth, Estelle Leonard, 4-H youth, Woodie Hughes Jr., (center), assistant Extension administrator 4-H program leader for Fort Valley State University Cooperative Extension 4-H Positive Youth Development Program.

 Jordan Carter, 4-H youth, Eva Lake, 4-H youth, Ja’Mari Little, 4-H youth and Alexis Borden, 4-H adult volunteer/4-H mentor/coordinator of exceptional education, parent liaison & paraprofessional.

 

 

 

 

 

Woodie Hughes Jr., Fort Valley State University (FVSU) assistant Extension administrator 4-H program leader, traveled to Washington D.C. with six 4-H’ers and two educatorsfor the Ignite 4-H Teen Summit in Washington D.C. The 2025 summit drew more than 1,400 youth from across the country.

4-H is the largest youth development organization in the country, reaching six million young people annually. It is delivered through Cooperative Extension, a network of more than 100 Land-grant Universities across the nation. FVSU, and 1890 Land-grant University, hosts 4-H meetings in multiple counties throughout the state of Georgia.

Hughes said this trip to D.C. was possible through sponsored scholarships.

“We were blessed to secure 4-H scholarship funding for six wonderful 4-H’ers and two exceptional educators who serve as 4-H mentors/4-H adult volunteers for the FVSU 4-H Positive Youth Development Program. I truly thank the CHS Foundation Inc., Bayer, Nationwide Foundation, Charles Schwab Foundation and the National 4-H Council, for making this national 4-H premiere experiential learning Beyond Ready opportunity possible for Chattahoochee Hills FVSU 4-H Charter School 4-H youth delegation to attend,” Hughes said.

Jill Bramble, CEO of the National 4-H Council, said the summit met the purpose and goals set forth by the organization.

“I saw bright minds collaborating, creating, and cultivating everything our Beyond Ready Initiative represents,” Bramble said. The Beyond Ready Initiative aims to show how positive youth development programs help youth be ready for life after high school.

During the summit, youths were able to create Artificial Intelligence (AI) resumes, explore careers in sports industries, play games, launch drones, learn about aquaculture, agriscience and financial literacy.

In addition, the summit included inspiring panels, respected speakers, engaging workshop sessions, entertainment and tours of the Capital. The summit also provided 4-H experiential learning opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), agriscience, healthy living, career readiness, and emotional well-being outreach education workshops for all 4-H teen summit participants.

Hughes said he is grateful for the leadership and the continuous support of personnel at Chattahoochee Hills 4-H Charter School. This includes Patrick Muhammad, principal, Alexis Borden, coordinator of exceptional learning, James Nelson, Jr. exceptional education teacher and Chaz Patterson-Ellis, chief financial officer. Hughes was able to work with students at the school through the FVSU 4-H Positive Youth Development Program.

For more information about FVSU’s 4-H Program, visit https://bit.ly/3YjUPiz

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