News and Press

Fort Valley State University 4-H program travels to national convention

by Russell Boone Jr

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Students, chaperones and mentors of Fort Valley State University’s Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development Program participated in the Ignite 4-H event held March 24-29 in Washington, D.C.

Fort Valley State University’s Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development Program recently took a group to the nation’s capital for a civic leadership event.

A party of more than 18, consisting of 4-H students, FVSU Extension 4-H Youth Development Program Ignite youth mentees and adult volunteer mentor chaperones, traveled to Washington, D.C., March 24-29. They were there to participate in the National Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) Ignite 4-H event.

More than 1,800 people attended the conference, considered to be a cornerstone for leadership experience amongst the 4-H Ignite community. It informed students that by participating in civic engagement, public policy and advocacy, these actions can lead to changes in their communities. Participants also learned more about the democratic process and how it helps cultivate skills rooted in 4-H civic responsibility. By being exposed to these foundations, students gained knowledge on how local action can have an impact on national and global issues.

Additionally, the summit included panels, workshop sessions and a tour of Washington, D.C. It also provided a showcase of what 4-H has to offer in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), agriscience, healthy living, animal science, civic engagement and career readiness.

The road trip to the nation’s capital also influenced a student to further their education by attending college.

Ja’Mari Little, a senior 4-H’er from Fulton County, Georgia, decided to enroll at FVSU for the 2026 fall semester after participating in the CWF Ignite 4-H event.

“Attending the National Ignite 4-H event in Washington, D.C., was a pivotal experience that inspired me to pour back into my community. It motivated me to actively encourage and guide my peers in their 4-H, college and career development by helping them explore pathways they may not have previously considered,” Little said.

Furthermore, Little added that through his 4-H Lead to Change Project, he was able to advocate for students and help them implement an agricultural program within the Fulton County school system.

“This initiative ensures that more students are exposed to 4-H and the opportunities it provides, allowing them to develop valuable skills and discover their own passions. Overall, 4-H has not only helped me identify my interests, but has empowered me with the leadership skills, confidence and determination to pursue my goals,” Little said.

He noted that 4-H has prepared him to make a lasting impact on society by combining agriculture, technology and service to help better the world for future generations.

“Through the 4-H experience, I developed a deeper understanding of teamwork, but more importantly, I learned what it truly means to ‘step up and lead’ when it matters most. I also learned how to guide others toward a shared goal,” Little said.

Woodie Hughes Jr., FVSU assistant Extension administrator 4-H program leader, is extremely proud of the program’s impact on young people.

“When I think about how the Fort Valley State University 4-H Youth Development Program is shaping today’s young people for tomorrow, I feel blessed and humbled. It is an honor to serve in a capacity that prepares Georgia’s youth from rural and urban backgrounds for success in college, career readiness, leadership and life so that they become 4-H Beyond Ready,” Hughes said.

Moreover, the FVSU administrator talked about taking strong 4-H’ers who participate weekly or monthly in their community programs to the national CWF Ignite 4-H event. He said it is a positive action that benefits the student and FVSU 4-H and is an opportunity to help a student or family who cannot afford the cost of such a trip.

“This is a good example of how the Fort Valley State University 4-H Youth Development Program can have a positive impact on their life,” Hughes said.

He acknowledged the many individuals and organizations who made the trip possible. “On behalf of the Fort Valley State University Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development Program and all the youths and families we serve throughout the state of Georgia as an 1890 Land-grant University, we graciously thank you,” he said.

For more information about FVSU’s Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development Program, contact Hughes at (478) 825-6296 or hughesw@fvsu.edu.

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• Categories:
• FVSU Agriculture College

• Tags:
• Extension

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