Over 150 youth from across Minnesota planted seeds of leadership at state 4-H leadership conference

In mid-June, over 150 youth gathered on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus to plant seeds of leadership at the annual Youth Exploring Leadership & Learning Opportunities (YELLO), Minnesota’s premier state 4-H leadership conference. 

The multi-day experience is designed to bring together 4-H youth from across Minnesota to explore personal growth, develop leadership skills and connect with peers and mentors.

Through engaging speakers, hands-on learning and meaningful service, participants leave inspired and ready to make a difference.

Youth teaching youth

YELLO’s unique “youth teaching youth” model sets it apart. 

Many workshops were designed and led by 4-H youth leaders themselves, the Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors — young people who serve as role models and spokespeople for the Minnesota 4-H program. 

Participants built leadership skills through small-group sessions led by Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors, where they explored communication, decision-making and teamwork through activities like challenging assumptions and a disaster simulation.

Completing service and exploring new interests

Youth also completed service projects across the Twin Cities, packing meals, assisting with yard work for seniors and organizing supplies — gaining a deeper understanding of how their actions can impact their communities.

Through “majors,” participants explored topics such as entrepreneurship, the arts, animal science and emergency response, helping them develop practical skills and consider future careers.

Additional workshops and networking opportunities allowed youth to connect with professionals and peers, practice communication skills and explore new interests in a supportive, hands-on environment.

Inspiring speakers

Youth also heard from Keynote Speaker Antonio Becker, a 2026 National 4-H Youth in Action Award Winner who shared his leadership and mental health advocacy journey, and Capnote Speakers The Up Guys, a speaker and entertainer duo known for their motivating energy. 

“I learned from our Keynote speaker Antonio that we get to choose when our chapters in life start and stop, and we get to mostly choose what happens and who is in our story,” said Katie M., Itasca County 4-H’er.

Whether they were exploring future careers, connecting with new friends or discovering their own leadership potential, YELLO participants left with new skills, fresh confidence and a renewed sense of purpose.

TOP PHOTO: Youth paddle from Hidden Falls as part of the Confluences of Land and Water major. (Minnesota 4-H)