RAYMOND, , Miss. (AP) — Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mississippi 4-H will be holding a virtual state congress this year rather than the usual gathering at Mississippi State University.

The congress usually features a wide choice of contests, such as egg production, clothing construction, tractor driving, computers and robotics, over three days.

This year, it will run from July 6-31. Instead of competing, participants can work at their own pace on one to four educational modules, getting a certificate when they finish.

The four programs are career readiness; agriculture and STEM; leadership and citizenship; and healthy living and family consumer sciences.

The congress is open to senior 4-H’ers who were 14 to 18 years old as of Jan. 1.

There will be one contest, for videos showcasing 4-H'ers talents. The best of these will go into a statewide video.