Discover youth-led projects creating lasting ripple effects and meet the 2026 Ignite Finalists.

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A Sound That Serves: Music and Giving Back ([link removed] )

A Sound That Serves: Music and Giving Back

Minnesota 4‑H'er Laura Mohapatra turned her passion for music and service into action by co‑founding The Largest Crescendo (TLC), a youth‑led band that performs at local nursing homes and donates concert proceeds to organizations addressing food insecurity. Inspired by her 4‑H experiences in volunteering and community engagement, Laura created TLC to both spread joy through music and make a tangible impact in her community.

Since launching, TLC has hosted six concerts, raised approximately $1,300, collected food donations, and built meaningful intergenerational connections—particularly with seniors who find comfort and holiday spirit in live performances that are enjoyed long after the music ends. Laura's journey highlights how 4‑H empowers young people to lead with purpose and shows that using your talents, no matter how big or small, can create lasting ripple effects.

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Lead to Change: 2026 Ignite Finalists Announced

We are thrilled to announce the three Lead to Change projects that will be presenting at the Ignite 2026 Finals! Each tackling real‑world challenges with creativity, compassion, and leadership.

Leaf It Up!

Washington State University — Kaden Quenzer, Abby Hepting, Everett Flake, Parker Blais, and Amelia Andrews

This youth‑led initiative tackles food insecurity by distributing Microgreens Starter Kits to college students through campus food pantries. Microgreens are nutrient‑dense, easy to grow, and require minimal space, which makes healthy eating more accessible for students.

The project launches at the 2025 Washington State 4‑H Teen Conference, where teens will assemble 400 kits complete with growing supplies, recipes, nutrition information, and surveys. Kits will be distributed statewide, empowering students to take control of their nutrition in a sustainable, practical way.

S.P.E.A.K.

South Carolina State — Zykiera Aaron

Seventy‑five percent of people experience anxiety around public speaking, and S.P.E.A.K. is here to change that. This project addresses the fear of public speaking through a youth summer camp focused on saying how you honestly feel, projecting confidence, and helping to eliminate insecurity.

By building emotional awareness, confidence, and resilience, S.P.E.A.K. helps young people find their voice and keep showing up for opportunities rather than stepping away.

Career Compass: Guiding ESL Students to Success

North Carolina State University — Haeun Kwon, Oviya Amarnath, Jetsari Arvind, and Sai Bethi

With nearly 23% of students in Charlotte‑Mecklenburg Schools identified as ESL, this project responds to a critical need. Career Compass aims to support ESL students as they navigate academics, careers, and U.S. school culture, which can make these areas inaccessible due to language barriers.

The team is building an online platform (eventually an app) that will serve all 35 high schools in their county. Academic, career, and social resources will be offered in seven languages. The platform will also pair students with a buddy for added support and feedback.

Their goal is to complete the platform by February 2026, ensuring language is never a barrier to safety or opportunity.

Ignite Waitlist Update

Our waitlist remains open, and there is still a chance to join us at Ignite 2026! Please note that any available tickets will be offered at the General Admission rate.

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Ready to see how the next generation is becoming #4HBeyondReady for work and life? Follow us on social media for inspiring stories and to see how we're shaping tomorrow's leaders today. Don't miss out—join the movement!

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4-H welcomes kids of all beliefs and backgrounds, helping them find their spark, build real—world skills, and become resilient, adaptable, lifelong learners.

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Copyright ©2025 National 4‑H Council. All rights reserved. 4‑H is the youth development program of our nation's Cooperative Extension System and USDA. The 4‑H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707. This email was written, edited, and published by National 4‑H Council. No endorsement of these partners' products or services is granted or implied by 4‑H.

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