Since 1942, State Congress has been the premier competition and recognition event for high school age Georgia 4-H’ers.  Held each year in Atlanta, State Congress is a four-day event that hosts various contests, recognizes 4-H scholarship recipients, and honors state 4-H winners in a variety of projects and competitions.  Throughout the week, we highlight outstanding 4-H student-led service projects, professionals, friends, private donors, and public officials for their contributions to the success of 4-H in Georgia.

The cornerstone of the week is the state level Georgia 4-H Project Achievement competition. Over 200 youth from Georgia deliver  presentations in various project areas and meet with judges to discuss their portfolio of project work, leadership, and service.  Those who place first in their project area are celebrated as Master 4-H’ers.

State Congress also hosts the Leadership in Action state competition as youth compete for state honors. Young people in Leadership in Action have identified a community need and worked to meet the need in their community. The competition takes place on Tuesday with the announcement of winners during the Tuesday evening Leadership Banquet.

Other activities include tours in the Atlanta area and a reception for students to meet with 4-H donors and UGA administrators.  As delegates come from all corners of Georgia, the opportunity to meet and spend time in the capital of Georgia is an experience itself for many competitors.

Full-time delegates to State Congress are high school-aged 4-H’ers who have advanced beyond district competition and are competing considered state finalists in the Project Achievement and Leadership in Action competitions.  High school-aged special event state winners are invited to State Congress for the Annual Banquet on Thursday evening.

Please contact your local Extension Office for more information.

Click here to view 2024 Special Event Winners

Click here to view 2024 State Project Achievement Competitors