Ignite by 4-H is an exciting four-day experience for teenagers held annually in Washington, D.C. The event provides youth with the chance to explore areas like STEM, Agriscience, Healthy Living, and Career Readiness.

This year, Bertie County and NC A&T was proud to send seven teens, all of whom were attending for the first time! On the opening evening, the group participated in a lively pin trade, swapping pins with other states in hopes of collecting one from all 50 states!

Day 2 kicked off with a visit to the iconic Washington Monuments, followed by workshops and an oyster shell painting activity. The day was action-packed, but the teens also enjoyed some downtime, visiting sensory rooms set up throughout the hotel to relax and unwind.

On Day 3, the group had the opportunity to visit NASA, where they learned about cutting-edge space exploration and got an up-close look at the next telescope set to be launched into space. After returning to the hotel, the teens participated in hands-on workshops where they flew drones, built a hydraulic press, and assembled various gadgets. To top off the evening, they enjoyed ice cream from a local shop, reflecting on all they'd learned.

While the schedule was busy, the teens couldn’t stop talking about how much they enjoyed the experience. They left inspired, eager to return next year, and excited about the many possibilities in STEM careers. Ignite by 4-H not only sparked their curiosity but also broadened their understanding of the endless opportunities awaiting them after high school graduation.