What is A.I.R.E?

AIRE (Application, Interview, Resume, and Essay) is a workforce development and college prep program where you "interview" to win National 4-H trips! These trips are at no cost if you are selected for the "job!"

Who Can Participate?

Youths, ages 11 – 18, are eligible to participate in this program in one of two ways. Any youth ages 14-18 who have been active in county, district 4-H programs may enter the State interview process. Age is determined by age as of January 1 of the current year.

A.I.R.E Program Options

County level (County Activity Day) 4-Hers ages 11 - 18 can participate on the Henderson County level and will complete two portions of A.I.R.E

1. Complete and submit 4-H Resume that will be submitted to an “interview committee” by Friday, May 1, in preparation for your interview at County Activity Day.
2. Schedule your interview and complete the interview at County Activity Day on Friday, May 8 at Grace Lutheran Church.

Youth ages 14 – 18 can choose to advance to the State level competition. Youth who advance must also complete and submit their 4-H Applications and Essay’s. Winners of the State 4-H AIRE contest can win National 4-H trips! These trips are at no cost if you are selected for the “job opportunity!”

Read more at: https://henderson.ces.ncsu.edu/2024/02/4-h-aire/

Special notes if advanced to the State level:

• Only for ages 14 - 18 can go to the State level
• Interviews for A.I.R.E will be face-to-face for 2026 – July 22 – during 4-H Congress
• A FULL application, Resume, Essay and Interview will be required on the State level. 

Option 2: Youth (ages 11-13) participate in this program on the county level by completing the AIRE program components as self-study and/or as part of their local 4-H program. Option 2: Does not require the participant to submit their AIRE packet for State-level review.*Youth participants will be required to register in 4-HOnline. 

2026 AIRE Materials & Program Resource Document

**Click here to register for the A.I.R.E Program**

• 2026 AIRE Application Prep Packet
  • Google Doc Version of Prep Packet
  • PDF Version of Prep Packet

Registration and A.I.R.E packet is due to the County Extension Office by Friday, May 1, 2026. Interviews will be scheduled for Friday, May 8, 2026. 

National 4-H Trips With A.I.R.E

National 4-H Congress

Placing a trip for National 4-H Congress you will experience a paid four-day trip to Atlanta, GA! During the trip 4-Hers participate in leadership workshops, community service, cultural experiences, and meet with other 4-Hers from across the Nation!

National 4-H Conference

Bringing hundreds of 4-H’ers to the nation’s capital each spring, National 4-H Conference is the flagship youth development opportunity of USDA, hosted by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)! As a delegate you will get to attend working workshops, meet with elected officials and tour our Nationals capital buildings!