Delegates earn their spot at the 78th Electric Congress -

This July, two Chatham County 4-H’ers proudly represented both our county and their 4-H S.T.E.A.M. Club at the 78th Electric Congress in Wilmington, North Carolina. Each of these delegates earned their spot by submitting the highest-ranking 4-H Project Record Books in the Electric Category for our county. Their record books detailed all of their projects, activities, and accomplishments in their study of the electric field for the year of 2024.

What is Electric Congress?

The North Carolina Electric Congress is the only event of its kind across the nation. Established in the 1940s by a North Carolina employee of the Duke Power Company, this event has inspired youth for 78 years, thanks to the continued generosity of its sponsors.

Each year, youth delegates from across the state earn the opportunity to attend and represent their counties at this prestigious event, which was held this year on the beautiful UNC Wilmington campus.

Delegates took part in an engaging Energy Expo, where representatives from across the industry and academic fields showcased innovations ranging from wave-generated electricity to robotics—complete with a special appearance by

. Participants explored careers in the energy field through hands-on activities, including a virtual reality lineman training demo. They learned about fiber optics, viewed a drone flight demonstration led by Duke Energy operators, and so much more!

One of the most memorable moments was the Live Line Demonstration, which offered a powerful and eye-opening look at the dangers of live electrical lines and the critical safety practices required when working with high-voltage electricity.

Another important aspect of Electric Congress is its strong emphasis on service. Delegates from across the state contributed box fans to be donated to elderly individuals in need, helping them stay safe during the hot summer months. In addition, participants assembled Hurricane Emergency Kits, which will be distributed to communities affected by severe weather events—demonstrating how 4-H youth are making a difference in both their local areas and across the state.

To round out the experience, delegates were treated to an afternoon at Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park, where they had time to relax, have fun, and connect with peers from across North Carolina. The event concluded with a sunset dinner cruise on the Cape Fear River—a memorable way to celebrate a great experience full of learning, leadership, and service.

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Want to learn more about 4-H? Interested in the 4-H Electric Program? Reach out to your local Extension Office to learn how to get involved!