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The 4-H State Ambassador position is one of the highest service opportunities and recognition attainable in the University of California 4-H Youth Development Program.
The 4-H State Ambassador position is one of the highest service opportunities and recognition attainable in the University of California 4-H Youth Development Program.
2024-25 State Ambassador Team
2024-25 State Ambassador Team
2024-25 State Ambassadors
2024-25 State Ambassadors
Lana Cederlof, Madera County
Asa Chester, Fresno County
Kyle Jordan, Santa Clara County
Ashley Porter, Ventura County
Aiden Reyes, Los Angeles County
Laurelyn Rosser, Orange County (Ambassador II)
Malia Sheaffer, Santa Clara County (Ambassador II)
Advisors
Advisors
Sara Tibbetts
Maura Sparrevohn
Bobbi Jean Harrington
State Ambassador Leadership Team
State Ambassador Leadership Team
The California 4-H State Ambassador program includes support from adult volunteers and former State Ambassadors. They guide our young leaders to take on the higher leadership responsibilities of representing the California 4-H program statewide and nationally.
State Ambassador II
State Ambassador II
State Ambassador teams are supported by their advisors, mentors, and when lucky, 2nd year State Ambassadors, who are State Ambassadors who are staying on the team for a 2nd year to support and guide the new team.
State Ambassador Advisors
State Ambassador Advisors
Advisors are adult volunteers who work in a youth-adult partnership with the State Ambassadors to develop their educational platform and workshops. They help the State Ambassadors develop vital skills in facilitation, communication and goal setting so they can experience a successful State Ambassador term.
Advisors also serve as mentors to the current 4-H State Ambassador team, since they are also former State Ambassadors! As mentors, they assist the current State Ambassadors to work together as a team as they plan workshops and presentations.
Jenna Colburn
Jenna Colburn
State Ambassador Coordinator
State Ambassador Coordinator
Jenna Colburn is the main contact for the California 4-H State Ambassador program. She oversees the development of the team throughout the year and manages the travel, communications and schedules for State Ambassador programming.
Many of the State Ambassadors who have served with Jenna continue to be involved in 4-H as volunteers at the state and national levels:
Program Assistants at the State Leadership Conference in California
Program Assistants at national conferences: Citizenship Washington Focus
Youth Leadership Team & Roundtable Facilitators for the National 4-H Conference
About State Ambassadors
About State Ambassadors
The State Ambassador Program has recognized high achieving 4-H'ers since 1940.
The State Ambassador Program has recognized high achieving 4-H'ers since 1940.
State Ambassadors promoting the Bogs Boots campaign.
The California 4-H State Ambassador Program is represented by youth who are exceptional in their leadership and service to their communities and who can professionally represent the entire University of California 4-H Youth Development Program.
The size of the 4-H State Ambassador team varies each year and is determined by the number of outstanding youth who apply.
As a State Ambassador, you encourage leadership through education and service.
As a State Ambassador, you encourage leadership through education and service.
Term
Term
15 month commitment, May 1, 2025 thru August 31, 2025
Eligibility
Eligibility
Completed at least one year as a California 4-H member.
Must be 16 years old on May 1, 2025 and no older than 18 years old as of December 31, 2024.
Time Commitment
Time Commitment
10-40 hours per month, not including travel time.
Ambassadors are expected to make this role a priority for the length of their term.
What do State Ambassadors do?
What do State Ambassadors do?
Become a stronger leader
Become a stronger leader
The State Ambassador team makes an action plan to engage in the six leadership skills, or competencies: Advise, Advocate, Mentor, Plan, Promote and Teach.
Advance Positive Youth Development
Advance Positive Youth Development
As a team, adopt an educational platform that makes a statewide impact over the course of your term.
Help build support for 4-H
Help build support for 4-H
Build good relationships with people who support 4-H. Make sure our supporters feel appreciated.
Represent California 4-H
Represent California 4-H
Represent California 4-H at different local, state and national events. Take part in public talks, workshops, and activities that help in developing leadership skills.
Provide the Youth Voice to improve the CA 4-H program
Provide the Youth Voice to improve the CA 4-H program
Participate in state Advisory Committees to identify needs in the 4-H program and develop recommendations for improvement
Applications are now closed for the
2025-26 State Ambassador team.
Applications are now closed for the
2025-26 State Ambassador team.
Application Process
Application Process
The California State 4-H Office coordinates the selection of candidates to ensure that a similar, fair and equitable process is followed.
Complete application includes:
4-H Resume attached to your application.
Three references submitted through Online Reference Form by 8 am, January 21, 2025. Additional references or a different format will not be accepted.
References must include one from each of the following:
4-H University of California Cooperative Extension Staff: 4-H Academic Advisor, 4-H Program Representative, 4-H Administrative Assistant, 4-H Regional Coordinator, 4-H State Supervisor or County Director
4-H Adult Volunteer Leader
4-H member or recent alumni (not over 21 years of age)
References may not be from family or fellow Ambassador candidates.
In person Interview and Presentation
In person Interview and Presentation
March 22, 2025, 12 pm to 5:30 pm**
California 4-H State Office in Davis, CA
**All applicants should save the date in anticipation of an invitation to advance to the interview phase.
The interview will consist of several activities that will allow the interview panel to get to know you. The activities highlight your strengths and how you may contribute to the overall success of the team.
Interview Presentation
Interview Presentation
Prepare a 4-5 minute presentation on one of the topics that will be provided with your invitation to interview.
Presentations will be ordered randomly.
Visual aids (props) and digital slides may be used (digital projector provided).
Evaluation of presentations will be based on basic 4-H presentation guidelines, including presentation of subject to judges, knowledge of subject, creativity, professional demeanor, voice, eye contact and answering questions.
Accommodations
Accommodations
Candidates who need accommodations to complete the application, essay or interview in the usual method should contact the California State 4-H Office for assistance.
Criteria and Evaluation of Selection
Criteria and Evaluation of Selection
In general, selection of California 4-H State Ambassadors will be based on evidence of the qualifications outlined in the California 4-H State Ambassador Position Description. The evaluation of candidates is based on the following:
Application, Resume, Essays and Letters of Reference – Screening to qualify for interview
20% Presentation
50% Interactive Interview
30% Overall Presence and Qualifications
Timeline
Timeline
January 21, 2025 - Applications and references due online to the State 4-H Office
February 7, 2025 - Letter of invitation to interview emailed to selected candidates; letters of regret sent to candidates not being interviewed.
March 22, 2025 - Interactive interview and presentation (in person attendance required)
April 4, 2025 - Letter of notification emailed to candidates
May 3-4, 2025 - State Ambassador Team Orientation (attendance required)
For questions about the State Ambassador program, please contact Jenna Colburn at jcolburn@ucanr.edu or 530-750-1336
For questions about the State Ambassador program, please contact Jenna Colburn at jcolburn@ucanr.edu or 530-750-1336
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