California 4-H State Leadership Conference

 

 

 

Program Assistants

 

Develop your leadership skills by becoming a PA!

SLC Program Assistants (PAs) help SLC participants to have the most amazing leadership experience possible.

The 2026 California 4-H State Leadership Conference is almost here! This annual conference helps 4-H youth ages 14-19 strengthen skills in leadership, communications, and goal setting. Conference attendees will partake in educational workshops, listen to inspiring speakers, and reflect in group sessions with their Program Assistants - that’s you! 

Program Assistants are responsible for leading PA Sessions, facilitating groups of youth attendees, creating a positive learning environment, and assisting with conference activities as needed. Program Assistants will work in pairs with small groups of 4-H youth and work as the face of the conference. This is a great way to build a community of other hardworking alumni while giving back to the 4-H program.!

This role has a selection process. 

Photograph of a group of students sitting in a circle on grass outdoors, engaged in a discussion or study session with papers and notebooks. The setting includes trees and buildings in the background, indicating a campus or park environment, with diverse participants focused on collaborative learning.

Program Assistant applications are open until full

 

Requirements:

  • Will be enrolled as a 4-H Adult Volunteer by July 1, 2026
  • Able to complete all three SLC trainings and attend all conference dates
  • Able to successfully facilitate and engage groups of youth ages 14-19
  • Bonus:Have attended State Leadership Conference or another 4-H leadership conference

Responsibilities:

  • Complete ALL necessary Program Assistant pre-conference training (see below).
  • Work with an assigned Program Assistant partner and a group of conference attendees to enhance the educational material taught during the conference.
  • Encourage delegates to participate in self-reflection and meaningful discussion during assigned group meetings.
  • Attend educational sessions as assigned, promote and give full participation, and introduce educational speakers when required.
  • Follow directions and other potential tasks set by committee chairs and conference director.

Expectations:

  • Be present and fully participate in all State Leadership Conference activities, with a commitment to all SLC dates.
  • Skills to be utilized will include public speaking, problem-solving, teamwork and cooperation, strong time management, and the ability to create empathetic connections that will create a lasting development for the attending youths.
  • Be Flexible! The State Leadership Conference has a lot of moving parts that are always changing. We ask that you go with the flow and bear with us as we all try our best. Conference planning is not usually a perfect process, even the week of, and some last-minute changes may be presented.
  • Have a fun, upbeat attitude to help children better enjoy the conference! Being a PA is above all about giving back by creating a fun leadership opportunity for youth, and by Sunday you’ll have a new group of lifelong friends.

Dates:

Orientation and two SLC trainings will be decided by poll following the application selection process, but will only be once a month as follows:

  • Orientation- May (pre-recorded video)
  • Training 1- June (zoom meeting)
  • Training 2- July (zoom meeting)
  • Conference: July 23th-26th, 2026
     
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