COLUMBIA, Mo. – More than 200 Missouri 4-H members and volunteers gathered on the University of Missouri campus in May for the 80th annual Missouri 4-H State Congress, a leadership event designed for youths in grades nine through 12.
The 2026 Missouri 4-H State Congress drew more than 200 Missouri 4-H members and volunteers to the University of Missouri campus.
Planned by the Missouri State 4-H Council, this year’s event, with the theme “Glow for It,” welcomed 178 youth participants and 20 chaperons from across the state for several days of learning, leadership development and connection, said Megan Kershner, University of Missouri Extension state 4-H leadership and civic engagement educator.
Throughout the conference, participants attended workshops on a variety of topics, connected with fellow Missouri 4-H members, explored academic programs through university department tours and celebrated at the event’s glow-themed dance.
As part of the conference’s service-learning focus, participants collected hygiene items and created care packages for youths in foster care.
The event also featured keynote speaker Rob Jones, director of Integrated Marketing Communications, who encouraged youths to embrace curiosity, growth and opportunity.
“You don’t have to know exactly where you’re going,” Jones said. “But you do have to keep moving. Explore. Learn. Ask questions. Try things. Work hard. Be kind. Stay curious. And remember: The person you become 10 years from now is being built by the choices you make today. So plant good seeds. The future is already growing.”
State 4-H Congress provides Missouri 4-H members with opportunities to build leadership skills, discover future educational and career pathways, and develop friendships with peers from across the state, Kershner said.
“State 4-H Congress was a great opportunity to meet other members from across the state and learn about the wider opportunities Missouri 4-H has to offer,” said Brett Miller, newly elected state representative on the Missouri State 4-H Council.
Support for Missouri 4-H State Congress is provided by the Missouri 4-H Foundation in partnership with the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, Miller Family Foundation, Missouri Corn Growers Association, and the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council.
Missouri 4-H, the youth development program of University of Missouri Extension, helps young people build confidence, leadership, citizenship and life skills through hands-on learning experiences that prepare them to be Beyond Ready for college, careers and life.
About Missouri 4-H
Missouri 4-H grows today’s youth and prepares tomorrow’s leaders. With a blend of time-tested traditions and innovative hands-on learning, Missouri youth explore and find their spark in programs ranging from agriculture and conservation to aerospace and career development. Through clubs, programs, camps, in-school and after-school experiences, University of Missouri Extension faculty, staff and thousands of volunteers guide youth in developing essential skills, building confidence and fostering connections. Together, they inspire young people to make a real difference in their communities, their country and the world. To learn more about Missouri 4-H, visit 4h.missouri.edu.