Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) is a citizenship and leadership program conducted by the National 4‑H Council for high school age youth. The program is run for six consecutive weeks during the summer months. It is held at the National 4‑H Youth Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland just outside Washington, D.C. Using Washington, D.C. as a working classroom, delegates learn about the government, citizenship, and civic education.
New Jersey 4‑H sends 20-30 4‑H members and 2-3 adult advisors to Citizenship Washington Focus each year. The learning takes place through energetic workshops, special appointed committees, appropriate field trips (including visits with congressional representatives) and fun social events. Citizenship Washington Focus is a total Washington, D.C. experience.
There are approximately 200 4‑H members representing 6-8 different states at the 4‑H center during one week of CWF. The cost for the week is approximately $1100, which includes registration, lodging, transportation, all activities, and most meals. There are local scholarships available to participants through their county 4‑H program. Participants may only attend this event one time during their 4‑H career. All interested 4‑H members must be in grades 9-12 at the time of application and must go through a local selection process. For further information about attending as a New Jersey delegate contact your county 4‑H office. Applications are due on March 1 for the conference in July.
Opportunities are also available for college students to attend the program as Program Assistants. The Program Assistants are assigned to state delegations and run the workshops, act as tour guides and hosts. Compensation is provided along with room and board.
Contact the National 4‑H Council for details or 301-961-2800.
For more information and application materials, Citizenship Washington Focus
Citizenship Washington Focus 2020 will take place 7/12-18, 2020
Applications are due March 9, 2020
