This November, 20 Missouri 4-H delegates will travel to Atlanta, Georgia, for a once-in-alifetime experience at National 4-H Congress. During the event, youth will connect with peers from across the country while participating in educational workshops, service-learning projects, and tours of Atlanta’s most notable landmarks.

Local club involvement, county programs, and statewide 4-H events all play an important role in preparing teens for national opportunities like this. “National Congress is a great leadership and educational experience,” said Emily Bergsieker, Saline County 4-H Youth Specialist. “I am excited that our 4-H youth have the opportunity to earn this once-in-a-lifetime trip.”

Selection as a National 4-H Congress delegate is a significant achievement. Missouri 4-H members must complete the Level 3 State Excellence Award process, which includes submitting applications and participating in interviews in Columbia. The top 20 applicants are chosen and announced during the closing ceremonies of the State 4-H Congress.

This year, Karlea Bolser of Saline County was selected as one of the delegates. Karlea is grateful for the opportunity and looks forward to developing leadership skills and connecting with fellow 4-H members from across the nation. Karlea is a member of the Lucky Leaf 4-H Club and is the daughter of Don and Karen Bolser.

To be selected as a delegate to National 4-H Congress, Missouri 4-H’ers must complete the Level 3 State Excellence Award process. Each year finalist travel to Columbia to complete their interviews. The top 20 applicants are selected and announced at closing ceremonies during State 4-H Congress.

More than 55,000 members strong, Missouri 4-H is an active, dynamic organization of young people who are learning, growing and preparing to be the leaders of today and tomorrow – making a real difference in their community, country and world. 4-H is the youth development program of the University of Missouri and the nation’s Cooperative Extension System. For more information, visit