4-H’ers representing Penn State Extension in Washington, D.C., were, in no particular order, John Bruner, of Indiana County; Adrian Davis, of Franklin County; Adelaide Miller, of Clinton County; and Trevor Fetterman, of Somerset County. PHOTO PROVIDED

UNIVERSITY PARK — As part of an effort to bring a youth perspective to high-level government discussions, four Pennsylvania 4-H members attended the National 4-H Conference, April 11-16, at Hyatt Regency Crystal City near Washington, D.C.

The 4-H’ers representing Penn State Extension were John Bruner, of Indiana County; Adrian Davis, of Franklin County; Adelaide Miller, of Clinton County; and Trevor Fetterman, of Somerset County.

“This event has tremendously improved my leadership skills and has shaped me into a better advocate for causes important to me,” Davis said. “I learned that even though we are young, we have the ability to make an impact on the world.”

At the event, 4-H members ages 15-19 participated in roundtable discussions on pressing national topics. After a few days of brainstorming and preparation, the youth presented their ideas to a federal agency.

“Every year, this program reminds me of the power in youth voice,” said Jeanette Stackhouse, Penn State Extension 4-H education specialist for leadership and civic engagement. “Many in our society look down on teenagers, but this conference reinforces to me that they are our future, and they have great ideas to share to solve big problems.”

Davis’s group proposed to the U.S. Department of Labor ways to enhance digital literacy in the workforce, such as through certifications, internships and training.

“We also provided recommendations for how they could combat barriers facing digital literacy through age-flexible digital learning opportunities, frequent company technological trainings, and granting more technological access to youth in rural communities,” she said.

Bruner’s group focused on engaging the next generation in agriculture and presented recommendations to the U.S House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture. He said the conference helped him gain skills in public speaking, communication and agriculture advocacy.

Miller’s group addressed the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, offering strategies to strengthen the rural and agricultural workforce and encourage young people to return home to rural areas after college.

“I loved connecting with other youth from across the country and seeing how 4-H has impacted their lives,” Miller said.

Her ability to work with groups with a wide range of perspectives and opinions has grown immensely, she noted.

Fetterman’s group presented the U.S. Forest Service with a proposal, “Public Lands: Empowerment and Access,” emphasizing strategies to boost youth engagement through social media, improve park accessibility, and promote public lands education in schools through curriculum integration and both virtual and in-person field trips.

In addition to roundtable discussions, the 4-H members visited Capitol Hill, met with legislators and connected with peers from across the country.

“I enjoyed visiting Capitol Hill and meeting forestry staff,” Fetterman said. He added that connecting with 4-H youth who share similar passions was another highlight.

“I now have a better understanding of the way our government works and how we, as everyday citizens, can make an impact,” Miller said.

Two Pennsylvania 4-H alumnae, Melissa Griswold and Zoe Kelter, were chosen to serve as roundtable facilitators and helped groups develop their presentations.

Fetterman called the National 4-H Conference “one of the most empowering and meaningful events” he has attended, crediting it with strengthening his communication skills, boosting his confidence, and helping him establish connections with like-minded peers.

Administered in Pennsylvania by Penn State Extension, 4-H is a nonformal educational youth-development program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that helps young people develop knowledge and skills to become capable, caring and contributing citizens. To find your local program, visit the Pennsylvania 4-H website at https://extension.psu.edu/programs/4-H.