University of Maine Cooperative Extension 4-H announces the opening of its spring Ag Ambassador program in March and April. The program, open to all Maine teens ages 14-18, focuses on career exploration, building relationships with industry professionals and exploring the Maine food system through farm and production visits around the state.

The program consists of a series of online and in-person learning experiences. The Spring 2026 cohort will meet virtually on March 11 and 18 and April 1, 8 and 15 from 3:30–5 p.m. and in-person on March 21 and 25 (optional). There will be an overnight Ag Symposium for all participants on April 19-21 at UMaine in Orono. Participants will visit a local creamery, maple sugarbush operation, Johnny’s Selected Seeds and more. Transportation assistance for field trips may be available upon request. For a full schedule, visit the program website.

"With the shrinking number of formal agricultural programs offered to high school youth, students are lacking opportunities to learn about local food systems and discover careers in agriculture," said the Extension, in a news release. "The 4-H Ag Ambassador program aims to help teens from all walks of life discover a future in agriculture and connect with other young people with similar goals."

Youth involved in this program will have opportunities to pursue their interest in agriculture and explore career pathways. This includes mentoring in post-secondary opportunities, as well as investigating current issues related to food systems, livestock, crop sciences, aquaculture, climate issues and food equity. Program participants will serve year-long terms as Agriculture Ambassadors for the Maine 4-H program under the guidance of 4-H staff.

This program is open to all Maine youth; previous 4-H membership is not required to enroll. Register on the program website. All participants will be enrolled as members of the Maine 4-H program. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact Alisha Targonski at alisha.targonski@maine.edu or call 207.622.7546. 

University of Maine Cooperative Extension: As a trusted resource for over 100 years, Extension has supported UMaine's land and sea grant public education role by conducting community-driven, research-based programs in every Maine county. UMaine Extension seeks to build thriving communities and help grow the food-based economy. Extension also leads Maine’s 4-H program, the most successful out-of-school youth educational program in the state. 4-H programs are grounded in the belief that kids learn best by doing and suit a variety of backgrounds, interests, budgets and schedules. Participants complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and civic engagement in a positive environment where they are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles.