Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) is a 4-H civic engagement experience for high school youth. Every summer teens from across the country gather at the National 4-H Conference Center, near Washington, D.C., to learn what it means to be a strong leader in their community, country and world. These objectives are met through pre-trip education, speakers, workshops, daily excursions to view national sites, a day at the Capitol with an elected official, as well as a delegate-designed and implemented action plan.
This experience is open to enrolled Minnesota 4-H youth who are at least 15 years of age, but not older than 19, and finished with their first year of high school at the time of travel (late June).
Approximately 45 teens from Minnesota will attend. This trip is first come, first serve, and spaces usually fill quickly. If a trip does not receive enough participants, it will be canceled.
Minnesota 4-H will attend CWF from June 25-30, 2023, not including travel dates. An additional trip may occur June 18-23 if there is significant interest. Those wanting to join the wait list for this trip should fill out this form.
Contact:
Randi Schwartz, schw1553@umn.edu - Registration and payment questions
Jacquie Lonning, jlonning@umn.edu - Overall program and educational content questions
Learn more and register
- Who: Youth must be at least 15 years of age, not older than 19, and complete their first year of high school by the time of travel (late June).
- What: Three pre-departure virtual Zoom meetings will begin in March 2023. Meeting content will facilitate relationship building with other youth delegates and adult chaperones, as well as prepare youth for the in-person experience. While on the trip, participants will attend the CWF conference, which includes educational sessions about making a difference in your community, conversations with decision-makers and discussions on current events. Participants will also meet youth from other states and travel to several key landmarks in our nation’s capital.
- Where: Virtual Zoom meetings and Washington, D.C., area trip
- When: Virtual meetings start in March and occur monthly, trip dates June 25-30, 2023 (anticipate an additional one day of travel on both ends)
Financial information:
- Currently this trip is estimated at $2500-2800. The final cost is planned to be set by late January 2023 as trip plans are solidified.
- Many local 4-H programs provide financial support for these experiences. Contact your local 4-H office to inquire about funding and fundraising opportunities.
For youth
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Review the CWF Minnesota Delegate Handbook (updates will be made as available)
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Register through your 4-H Online account (registration details here) this experience fills on first come, first serve, and will then have a waiting list
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Not yet in 4-H? Join here!
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Pay the $500 deposit
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Start fundraising for other trip payments
For adults interested in chaperoning
Chaperone spaces will be available based on the number of youth who register. Applications will open in January 2023. Chaperones have a portion of their attendance fee covered, but are expected to secure a financial contribution equal to about a third of the program fee for youth.
Contact schw1553@umn.edu with any questions.