The Montanans for 4-H Committee invites you to be one of two youth speakers to present at the 2027 Montana 4-H Day. Winning speakers will present their speeches twice that day:  11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. sessions. 

Prizes will be awarded to the winning applicants!

• • The winner of the senior (14 and older) speaker will receive $1,000 toward travel to a national 4-H leadership event like Ignite by 4-H or the National 4-H Conference
  • The winning junior speaker (13 and younger) will win a $150 cash prize

Speech Criteria:​​

Youth speakers will present a speech on the: Montana 4-H: Beyond Ready. This theme addresses the National 4-H “Beyond Ready” initiative. The theme highlights challenges facing today’s youth, including loneliness, low self-confidence, limited emotional support, career readiness, chronic school absenteeism, and increasing dependence on screens and social media. Through meaningful opportunities and support, 4-H helps young people become “Beyond Ready.” Learn more about 4-H Beyond Ready here: https://4-h.org/beyond-ready

Montana 4-H youth speakers will address these challenges through personal stories of growth. They will explain how 4-H meets these needs and prepares young people to be Ready to Lead, Ready to Serve, Ready to Build, and Ready to Conquer. Their remarks will show how 4-H has strengthened their character, responsibility, and leadership skills.

The Montanans for 4-H Committee will review applications and audition videos and notify all candidates of the selection of the youth speakers no later than November 29, 2026. The youth speaker’s audition video can be used to develop a full length speech on the same topic.

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​Youth Speaker Qualifications – 4-H Junior and Senior Youth:

• Junior youth speaker: 3–5 minute speech. A 4-H member enrolled and actively involved in 4-H and 8–13 years of age, and able to deliver a speech on how 4-H has provided them with the opportunity to grow their character, responsibility and leadership skills.
• Senior youth speaker: 7–10 minute speech. A 4-H member enrolled and actively involved in 4-H and 14–19 years of age, and able to deliver a speech on how 4-H has provided them with the opportunity to grow their character, responsibility and leadership skills.
• Able to speak clearly and comfortably in front of 400 people, including Montana 4-H members and volunteers, legislators, elected officials and special guests, as well as visitors to the Montana Heritage Center.
• Available and present to speak at both sessions: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

The Montanans for 4-H Committee will review applications and audition videos received by no later than Sunday November 29, 2006 at 8:00 p.m. and will notify all candidates of the selection of the youth speakers no later than December 6, 2026. The youth speaker’s audition video can be used to develop a full length speech on the same topic.