New Jersey 4-H Leadership Academy 2026 participants L-R: Rylie Fellin, Aditi Anand, Aily Wei, Ethan Karuru, and Raima Bera.
Five New Jersey 4-H teen members traveled to Washington, D.C., from May 19–21, 2026, to participate in the national 4-H Leadership Academy, a program that aims to develop young leaders into lifelong problem-solvers who are passionate about tackling society’s biggest challenges. Representing New Jersey 4-H were Aditi Anand (Middlesex County), Raima Bera (Morris County), Rylie Fellin (Somerset County), Ethan Karuru (Bergen County), and Aily Wei (Essex County).
The academy was founded by Joel Roth, an Atlanta-based businessman and philanthropist who believed that an investment in 4-H was an investment in society through the next generation of leaders. Prior to his passing in spring 2025, Roth spoke about his motivation for establishing the 4-H Leadership Academy.
“The problems facing our society are getting bigger and bigger, and more and more lasting. It’s increasingly important that we prepare young people to be thoughtful, effective leaders who are well positioned to take on these challenges. 4-H’s national reach, university-backed expertise, network of highly trained educators, in-person and virtual programming options, and longstanding reputation make them the perfect positive youth development partner for this new academy.”
Across the United States, 4-H clubs and camps form the youth component of a partnership among local, state, and federal governments and public land-grant universities. In New Jersey, 4-H Youth Development is a department within Rutgers Cooperative Extension (RCE). Faculty and staff are based in each of New Jersey’s 21 counties, delivering research-based, evidence-backed science from the university to families throughout the Garden State.
“Programs offered through 4-H provide youth an opportunity to not only learn, but to share what they’ve learned. I believe that the young people involved in the 4-H Leadership Academy embody this to the fullest,” said Matthew Newman, chair of the Department of 4-H Youth Development.
New Jersey is one of five states invited to participate in the program, along with Ohio, Minnesota, Alabama, and Idaho. Each state selected five high school sophomores to represent their state over the next two years. These teens will complete a rigorous leadership curriculum covering topics including critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and civic engagement. Participants will also identify and research a community issue and develop and carry out a plan of action in collaboration with local community leaders.
2026 4-H Leadership Academy teen participants and national leadership team members.
From May 19–21, Aditi, Raima, Rylie, Ethan, and Aily met in Washington, D.C., to kick off the two-year program alongside fellow participants, national stakeholders, representatives from National 4-H Council, congressional 4-H alumni, and national 4-H award recipients. In addition to program activities, the teens explored U.S. history through tours of the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, the Lincoln Memorial, and a nighttime bus tour of the city. Although their time together was brief, the 25 participants bonded quickly, and no one wanted to say goodbye. The group’s next in-person gathering will be held in spring 2028 for the Capstone Project Showcase.
“The youth participating in this program represent a wide range of lived experiences but share the same desire to positively impact their communities,” said Kelly Dziak, 4-H agent and state contact for the program. “Each teen’s unique perspective adds depth to conversations and provides insight into the complexity of community barriers. Participants work together to share ideas for solutions and resources.”
The New Jersey 4-H youth are supported throughout the program by Kelly Dziak, Morris County 4-H agent, and their adult 4-H mentors: Rodrigo Sanchez Hernandez (Hudson County), Alyssa Glynn (Bergen County), Laura Bovitz (Middlesex County), Lisa Rothenburger (Somerset County), Marissa Staffen (Essex County), and Valerie Smit (Morris County). Additional support is provided by Harry Brochinsky, 4-H administrator.
