Educational Experiences & Key Award
The 4-H Program is so much more than just activities and events at the club and county level. Opportunities are available for youth to travel and participate in State and National educational experiences. Each year Dodge County 4-H Leaders offer scholarships to support youth attending these trips. Applicants submit a cover letter, resume and reference page along with an application. The final step in the process is to participate in a short interview process. Interviews will be coordinated with each applicant.
The following materials must be received by the Dodge County Extension Office (in paper form), emailed to marie.witzel@wisc.edu, or submitted digitally before 4:30pm November 1st:
- Key Award & Educational Experience Scholarship Application
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Reference Page with Two References
Key Award & Educational Experiences Scholarships Application Options:
2025 – 2026 Dodge County Member Experience Scholarship Calendar
| What? | When? | Where? | Who? | How Much? | How to register | Staff Leads & Adult Volunteers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National 4-H Congress 2025 go.wisc.edu/4HCongress | November 28 – December 2, 2025 | Atlanta, GA | Grades 9-12; maximum age 18 on January 1 of program year. | $1500 | 2025 Registration closed June 30. See 2026 details below! Payment due: October 24, 2025 | 1 adult / 10 youth 2 adult advisors selected 2 staff leads |
| Citizenship Washington Focus @ Ignite by 4-H go.wisc.edu/CWF | March 24 – 29, 2026 | Washington, DC | Grades 10-12 | $2800 | Applications in 4Honline open September 4 – 29, 2025 Capacity is limited. Payment due: October 15, 2025 | 1 adult / 10 youth 2 staff leads |
| Ignite by 4-H STEM Track Animal Science Track go.wisc.edu/igniteby4h | March 25 – 29, 2026 | Washington, DC | Grades 10-12 | $2500 | Applications in 4Honline open September 4 – 29, 2025 Capacity is limited. Payment due: October 15, 2025 | 1 adult / 10 youth 2 staff leads |
| National 4-H Conference go.wisc.edu/NationalConf | TBD | Washington, DC | Grades 10-12 | $2000 (estimate) | Application process TBD Five youth delegates selected Payment due: TBD | 1 adult / 10 youth 2 staff leads |
| Space Camp go.wisc.edu/SpaceCamp | April 23 – 27, 2026 | Huntsville, AL | Grades 6-8 | $1,300 (estimate) | Registration in 4Honline open November 15 – December 14, 2025 Capacity is limited. Payment due: March 19, 2026 | 1 adult / 10 youth 2 adult advisors selected 2 staff leads |
| Summer Academy go.wisc.edu/4Hsummeracademy | June 14 – 18, 2026 | Madison, WI | Grades 8-11 | $600 (estimate) | Registration in 4Honline open March 6 – April 26, 2026 Payment due: May 10, 2026 | 1 adult / 10 youth Track leads & advisory support All staff are invited to serve as leads |
| American Spirit East go.wisc.edu/AmericanSpirit | June 19 – 28, 2026 July 3 – 12, 2026 | East Coast | Grades 8-10 at time of registration | $3,000 (estimate) | Apply in 4Honline, open November 1 – November 30, 2025 Capacity is limited. Payment due: May 15, 2026 | 1 adult / 10 youth 2 staff leads per week |
| National 4-H Congress 2026 go.wisc.edu/4HCongress | November 27 – December 1, 2026 | Atlanta, GA | Grades 9-12; maximum age 18 on January 1 of program year. | $1,500 (estimate) | Registration in 4Honline open June 1 – 30, 2026 Payment due: October 23, 2026 | 1 adult / 10 youth 2 adult advisors selected 2 staff leads |
Wisconsin 4-H Youth Key Award (Grades 9 – 13)
**Must have completed at least 3 years in 4-H to qualify/apply**
The Wisconsin Key Award is one of the most prestigious honors awarded to 4-H members across Wisconsin. This is your opportunity to highlight what you have accomplished through 4-H. The Wisconsin 4-H Key Award Program recognizes a select group of 4-H participants who’ve demonstrated consistent growth in their 4-H involvement, developed and applied leadership skills, and actively participated in the functions of their 4-H club and community. Candidates must have passed their 14th birthday on January 1 and must have completed at least three years of 4-H and one year of youth leadership. Selection is based on an evaluation of the candidate’s total 4-H record, which consists of membership, projects, activities, leadership, personal development and county 4-H and community involvement. Each Key Award recipient receives a certificate, a Key Award pin and notable recognition.
Questions please call UW Extension Dodge County at 920-386-3790
