Pullman, WA -- WSU's Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development program will host 250 youth from throughout the state June 23-27 for its annual teen leadership conference.

The conference offers youth more than 44 different leadership and career programs. During the event, WSU officials will also talk to participants about opportunities and programs at WSU, admissions, financial aid, college life in the Palouse, choosing a college and career.

Representatives from 13 different departments across the university will be present to discuss majors and careers available through their college. They will also offer tours of their facilities and labs and give youth hands-on experience working within their halls and classrooms. Animal Sciences, for example, will be testing milk quality with their group of young people. Food Science and Human Nutrition will be making string cheese, while Crop and Soil Sciences will demonstrate turf and golf course maintenance. The School of Communications is also involved, providing tours of their broadcasting sets and radio station. Human Development will bring participating youth into their Child Development Lab and Observation Rooms, sharing the kinds of research and learning being conducted there.

Other workshop topics include: 4-H leadership opportunities, wild salmon and research, exercise and fitness, youth-adult partnerships, and finding self-fulfillment and satisfaction in decisions. All workshops are geared toward the traditional 4-H topics -- Head, Heart, Hands and Health.

The conference begins with a walking tour of campus, pointing out the buildings where workshops are housed, the CUB, the library, the Bookie, athletic facilities and the new Student Recreation Center. President Lane Rawlins will also make an appearance at the closing brunch, Wednesday morning in the CUB Ballroom.

For more information contact Jennifer Hope, Adolescent Program Coordinator, WSU Puyallup, 253/445-4551.