Opening Doors for 4-H Youth Through National 4-H Leadership Experience

By Robert Kordenbrock, Foundation Executive Director

In April 2025, I had the privilege of serving as a chaperone for Massachusetts 4‑H’ers attending National 4‑H Conference in Washington, D.C.—an experience that powerfully illustrated what is possible when philanthropy and opportunity intersect. Alongside Plymouth County 4‑H Extension Director Molly Vollmer, I joined four outstanding Massachusetts 4‑H’ers—Kaelyn, Lindel, Miru, and Nate—as they participated in a national leadership experience that challenged them to grow, lead, and envision their futures in new ways.

One highlight of the experience was supporting the Public Lands Empowerment and Access – U.S. Forest Service Roundtable in which Kaelyn participated. Guided by two 4‑H Alumni Collegiate Facilitators, 4‑H’ers examined who has access to public lands, how those lands are stewarded sustainably, and how equity and environmental responsibility can be advanced through informed leadership. Observing Kaelyn and her peers ask thoughtful questions and contribute meaningfully to the discussion reinforced the value of placing 4‑H’ers in spaces where their voices are heard and respected.

The intense work of the week culminated in a once‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunity for 4‑H’ers to present their recommendations to U.S. Forest Service staff and other dignitaries at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, followed by an unforgettable afternoon exploring the nation’s capital and its museums and cultural landmarks. The experience was further enriched by time spent with Massachusetts 4‑H Foundation Trustees living in the D.C. area—Tommy Lamont and Lindsey Larson—who shared their own 4‑H journeys and reflected on how the program shaped their leadership paths and careers. For the 4‑H’ers, meeting Trustees who once stood where they stand now made the long‑term impact of 4‑H feel tangible and inspiring.

I now better understand why national leadership trips like National 4‑H Conference are transformative. They build confidence, strengthen leadership skills, and help young people recognize that their experiences and perspectives matter far beyond their local communities. As a chaperone, I saw firsthand how these opportunities expand what 4‑H’ers believe is possible for themselves.

The demand for—and impact of—national leadership experiences in Massachusetts is clear. In 2025, participation grew by nearly 400%, from an average of 12–16 youth in recent years to 58 Massachusetts 4‑H’ers attending national trips. These experiences include National 4‑H Conference, National 4‑H Congress, Ignite by 4‑H, and national animal science events, reflecting both rising interest among youth and intentional investments in access led by the Massachusetts 4‑H Foundation.

These seminal experiences are made accessible because of the generosity of Foundation donors, who help cover the true cost of participation. Travel, lodging, registration, and program expenses can be prohibitive, but donor support ensures that 4‑H’ers are selected based on readiness and interest—not financial circumstances. In 2025, the Foundation invested approximately $60,000 to make national leadership opportunities more affordable and accessible for youth across the Commonwealth. This commitment to access and leadership development is further supported by generous donors and endowment funds like the Trahan‑Liptak 4‑H Leadership Fund.

Thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors, more Massachusetts 4‑H’ers than ever are stepping onto the national stage—returning home inspired, empowered, and ready to lead.