Success Stories By MajorProgram FY2025Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025
Teen Conferene
Author: Hunter Carroll
Major Program: Leadership
Teen Conference 2024Success Story The 100th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference took place at the University of Kentucky from June 11th to 14th, 2024. The conference aimed to achieve several objectives for its participants, including developing leadership and teamwork skills, improving communication abilities, fostering civic engagement, expanding knowledge in 4-H core content areas, and enhancing social skills through networking. Additionally, the event provided an opportunity for yo
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Kenton County Attends 100th Annual Teen Conference
Author: Lori Clark
Major Program: Leadership
The 100th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference took place at the University of Kentucky from June 11th to 14th, 2024. The conference aimed to achieve several objectives for its participants, including developing leadership and teamwork skills, improving communication abilities, fostering civic engagement, expanding knowledge in 4-H core content areas, and enhancing social skills through networking. Additionally, the event provided an opportunity for youth to become acquainted with the University
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Tri County Homeschool Carlisle Hickman & Fulton
Author: Daniel Bell
Major Program: Leadership
According to the National Home Education Research Institute, about 3.1 million homeschooled students in grades K-12 in the United States in 2021- 2022. According to the John Hopkins School of Education, 5% of Kentucky’s K-12 students were homeschooled. In Kentucky's far Mississippi River counties, the number of homeschooled students seems to have significantly increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. As this number continues to rise, homeschool families are looking to take advantage of E
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Building Tomorrow’s Leaders: Livingston County 4-H Council's Impact
Author: Sharee Schoonover
Major Program: Leadership
The Livingston County 4-H Council has been working tirelessly to provide support and opportunities for the youth in our community. Through their dedication to maintaining a rigorous meeting schedule, they have developed new programs, fundraisers, and goals that have directly benefited our 4-H members. One of their most notable achievements is their commitment to raising funds to support 4-H campers, making camp more accessible to local youth.This year, the Council contributed $125 toward coverin
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4-H Speed Interviews: Leadership & Communication
Author: Renata Farmer
Major Program: Leadership
Life skills are essential in preparing youth for success in life. Leadership is one of the most important life skills that youth should learn. Research shows that effective leadership is a necessary factor for success within today’s communities and organizations. Knox County 4-H collaborated with Lynn Camp and Barbourville High School's JAG program to promote leadership and communication skill development at the high school level. Ninety-six high school students participated in a
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4-H Sparks Impactful Program
Author: Julie Brown
Major Program: Leadership
Successful leaders must acquire communication, leadership, and civic engagement to be effective. The 4-H program is a great organization for youth to learn and practice these skills to develop into future leaders. With hard work and effort, youth and teens can hone their skills to achieve their goals.Christopher Sweets began his 4-H career as a 5-year-old Cloverbud member attending 4-H Cloverbud Camp with his mom and now has grown into the chairman of the State 4-H Shooting Sports Teen Ambassado
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4-H Sparks Teen Success
Author: Janet Turley
Major Program: Leadership
Successful leaders must acquire communication, leadership, and civic engagement to be effective. The 4-H program is a great organization for young people to learn and practice these skills to develop into future leaders. With hard work and effort, youth and teens can hone their skills to achieve their goals.Christopher Sweets is in his 12th year as a 4-H member. He began his 4-H career as a 5-year-old cloverbud member attending 4-H Cloverbud Camp with his mom. After many projects and leadership
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Barren County 4-H Kick-Off Carnival
Author: Paula Tarry
Major Program: Leadership
Why should your child be involved in 4-H? A quote from Mollie Webb, Barren County 4-H member and KY State 4-H President 2023-2024 may say it best “Of all of the extracurricular activities I participated in, 4-H helped me to develop the greatest number of important qualities that I use. From working with my peers to accomplish our goals to developing my skills through the feedback of leaders and judges, you are provided the ability to develop your skills and your person overall.” 
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Boone County 4-H Teen Club
Author: Rusty Wolf
Major Program: Leadership
The Boone County Extension Affirmative action plan lists increasing teen involvement in 4-H programs as a priority. And our 4-H group enrollment in Boone County shows a sharp decline in high school aged youth being involved in our program vs middle and elementary. In 2022-23 4-H Program year our program saw 1380 8th grade youth and only 404 9-12th grade youth. So, there is a need for more teenage involvement in Boone County. With this decline we are not getting the long-term outcomes in the thri
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Bell County 4-H and Middlesboro Middle School Collaboration
Author: Brian Good
Major Program: Leadership
Bell County 4-H and Middlesboro Middle School have joined forces to enhance community engagement and provide a valuable platform for the youth to develop essential life skills. This collaboration has not only facilitated transportation to and from 4-H Club meetings but has also resulted in a significant surge in attendance, showcasing the positive impact of such partnerships. The partnership between Bell County 4-H and Middlesboro Middle School has proven to be mutually beneficial, with bot
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Leadership Ballard
Author: Paula Jerrell
Major Program: Leadership
Describe the Issue or Situation.In our small county, we need to continue to develop young leaders for the futureDescribe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).We partner with local businesses, Chamber of Commerce, school system to recruit participants, secure funds and plan the educational programming for Leadership BallardProvide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.We target the middle school population for applicants. Last years pa
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Building Leaders
Author: David Gabbard
Major Program: Leadership
Leadership is a trait that some possess however most can learn leadership also. Leadership among youth, especially high school age is on a decline in the eyes of some communities. Knowing what is stated above the Lincoln County 4-H Agent has made it a focus to enhance Teen Programming for youth grades 6-12. By having monthly teen club meetings, youth learn many skills, communication with others and their abilities to grow are enhanced. There are 12 active youth in Lincoln County 4-H teen club wh
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Franklin County Teens Make a Difference at Southern Region Teen Leadership Conference (SRTLC) 2024
Author: Austin Brewer
Major Program: Leadership
The Southern Region Teen Leadership Conference (SRTLC) brings together youth from across the southern U.S., providing them with a chance to develop leadership skills, give back to their communities, and connect with peers from different states. This year, Franklin County was proud to send two delegates to join the 400 participants at the 2024 conference.For many teens, this was their first time attending a regional leadership event, and the experience left a lasting impression. In fact, 85% of p
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4-H Club Youth Leadership
Author: Gary Druin
Major Program: Leadership
The 4-H Thriving Model is the theory of change for positive youth development in 4-H. The model illustrates the process of positive youth development in 4-H programs by connecting high quality program settings to the promotion of youth thriving. Kentucky 4-H has identified development of youth leadership skills as a precedence for community development. 4-H Clubs provide support for youth in developing the ability to analyze their own strengths and weaknesses, set personal and professional goals
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Teen Club Officer Elections
Author: Nolan Pettit
Major Program: Leadership
After the formation of our county Teen club we have been working together as our teens are starting to come and volunteer at more 4-H events. We recently had our officer elections for the first time in our clubs, this was a great experience for the teens. I watched as the nominations and elections of officers went smoothly. The teens identified who they thought the best were for every position instead of thinking of themselves and nominated those individuals. We had a smooth supportive elec
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Building Tomorrow’s Leaders: 4-H Teen Retreat Inspires Connection and Growth
Author: Mary Beth Riley
Major Program: Leadership
Studies show that middle and high school students who actively engage in leadership and networking activities are 60% more likely to develop strong interpersonal and decision-making skills, key attributes for future success.The 4-H Teen Retreat, held at West Kentucky 4-H Camp, provided an unparalleled opportunity for 8th-12th grade students to cultivate leadership and life skills in a dynamic and supportive environment. Organized entirely by a committee of 4-H teens and 4-H agents, the retreat r
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Middle School Leadership Retreat
Author: Mary Anne Garnett
Major Program: Leadership
On November 8, 16 middle school students from Christian and Trigg counties took part in the 4-H Middle School Retreat, an event designed to enhance leadership skills, encourage community involvement, and emphasize the importance of local service. Through engaging, hands-on activities, these young participants laid a strong foundation for future growth both within 4-H and in their broader community. A key focus of the retreat was a community service project in partnership with Wonderfully Ma
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CloverBud Day Camp
Author: Mackenzie Pogue
Major Program: Leadership
Day camps are more than just a place to have fun—they offer a unique opportunity to teach young children valuable life skills. At this year's 4-H CloverBud Day Camp, 40 participants engaged in a range of activities designed to help them grow both personally and socially. From learning how to safely use tools to appreciating the beauty of nature, campers spent their day developing skills that will benefit them for years to come.One of the key focuses of the camp was teaching the importa
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2024 4-H Issues Conference
Author: Genaea Sarantakos
Major Program: Leadership
This year, Fayette County had the pleasure of supporting two delegates for the 2024 Issues Conference. "More than 100 delegates for the 35th annual Kentucky 4-H Issues Conference are convening at Dale Hollow State Park in Burkesville, Kentucky, this month to learn how they can take an active role in tackling the pressing concerns affecting their home counties. The conference, which takes place on Nov. 14–16, brings together youth in grades 9–11 and adults from across t
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Green River Area 4-H Team Challenge
Author: Gary Druin
Major Program: Leadership
4-H Team Challenge The Kentucky 4-H Core curriculum is used to develop workforce skills that include leadership, teamwork and communication that are important to their career ready development. Young people, whether pursuing a career-path in entrepreneurial ventures or seeking employment opportunities in the future need to build core competencies and foundation skills, which include those identified in the Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) report. Agents and s
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Southern Region Teen Leadership Conference
Author: Ralph Hance
Major Program: Leadership
The Southern Region Teen Leadership Conference is a multi-state leadership conference that was created to bring together youth from across the southern region. (https://4-h.ca.uky.edu/SRTLC) This year the conference had over 400 attendees and through their community service project, were able to create 1000 paper cranes, dog toys and help spruce up the camp! Trimble County has participated in this conference for over 10 years now. This year we had a record number of youth partici
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Leadership Symposium
Author: Kellsey Agnew
Major Program: Leadership
Results from the most recent University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Statewide Community Needs Assessment identified needs across the state. The number two identified youth development need in Kentucky was youth life skill training opportunities (e.g., leadership and communication skill building opportunities). Furthermore, Campbell County respondents identified this need as the number one concern for youth development in Campbell County.Campbell County 4-H met with teachers from Dayto
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Teen Club Growth
Author: Erin Leach
Major Program: Leadership
Estill County Teen Club had lost steam over recent years due to some various factors and including turnovers in the 4-H & Youth Development Agent position. Participation had dwindled. In the spring of 2024, club was lucky to have 4 or 5 members show up for a monthly meeting, if at all. After 6 months on the job, the new 4-H agent planned to re-invent and market the program differently to entice teen involvement. Starting in the fall of 2024, there were several teen events planned to hel
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4-H's Season of Service
Author: Carissa Miske
Major Program: Leadership
In Owsley County, there is a growing need for community involvement and support for local families and youth, particularly during the holiday season. Many families face financial difficulties, and there is a lack of structured opportunities for youth to engage in meaningful acts of kindness and service. According to the 2024 University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment results “Maximizing youth voices in issues that matter to them” was a “high n
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Kentucky 4-H Issues Conference Celebrates Its 35th Year
Author: Lisa Dodson
Major Program: Leadership
More than 100 delegates for the 35th annual Kentucky 4-H Issues Conference are convening at Dale Hollow State Park in Burkesville, Kentucky, this month to learn how they can take an active role in tackling the pressing concerns affecting their home counties. The conference, which takes place on Nov. 14–16, brings together youth in grades 9–11 and adults from across the Commonwealth to discuss how local issues can be addressed and how they can play a significant part in the proce
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Breakfast with Santa
Author: Lucas Powell
Major Program: Leadership
When meeting new families for the first time, we always hear about how they wish they knew of our program sooner. Our Breakfast with Santa Event has been a great way to engage new and existing participants in a fun community event. It has also served as a potential fundraiser for our 4-H Council and Clubs. In planning for the program with our 4-H council this year, we invited local entrepreneurs to set up booths to sell during the event. One of our 4-H members had a booth during the program. We
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Food Safety and Fundraising
Author: Lori Clark
Major Program: Leadership
Kenton County 4-H Council fundraises to support not only the Kenton County 4-H Camping program, but other 4-H programs and 4-Hers throughout the county. The 4-H Council chose to fundraise by providing a farm to table dinner and selling holiday boxes. Both fundraisers included either a meal or other food products for purchase. While our council and other volunteers were excited about these fundraisers and the opportunity to help, they were also concerned about food safety. According to the Center
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Teen Leadership
Author: David Gabbard
Major Program: Leadership
Oppurtunites for youth to grow, build skills, and develop qualities such as leadership skills are not as prevalent as they were 10 years ago. With that being said it has been a goal of the Lincoln 4-H Program, under the guidance of the 4-H Youth Development Agent to provide these opportunities. Lincoln County 4-H offers many events, clubs, and trips that will help mold teens into leaders. The Clubs at the county level are as follows: Teen Club, Outdoor Adventure Club, Homeschool Club a
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Breakfast with Santa Fundraiser
Author: Allison Croslin
Major Program: Leadership
Describe the Issue or Situation. There has been a growth in Graves County 4-H over the last few years. from 2024 to 2025, there are currently 8 community clubs (previously 5 community clubs). There are many opportunities that 4-H'ers have now such as Teen Conference, 4-H Camp, Capitol Experience and more. We want our 4-H'ers to get as many progressive experiences as possible throughout their time in 4-H, and fundraising money to help pay for those experiences is one way we can help.Descr
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Teen Conference 2024
Author: Madison Adkins
Major Program: Leadership
Teen Conference 2024Success Story The 100th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference took place at the University of Kentucky from June 11th to 14th, 2024. The conference aimed to achieve several objectives for its participants, including developing leadership and teamwork skills, improving communication abilities, fostering civic engagement, expanding knowledge in 4-H core content areas, and enhancing social skills through networking. Additionally, the event provided an opportunity for yo
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Achieving through positive development
Author: Charles Comer
Major Program: Leadership
More than 100 years ago 4-H began. Its approach at the time was to work with young rural kids to help them adapt to new thinking, learn new methods, and gain confidence in a learning-by-doing approach that allowed them to see their achievements. It began with college educators sharing new knowledge and methods. And it resulted in young rural youth becoming leaders in the home, in the field, in the community and in their career.According to www.4-h-learns.org/pyd, this learning-
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Area Middle School Leadership Retreat
Author: Susan Campbell
Major Program: Leadership
According to Adolescent Health: Think, Act, Grow Research Review: Opportunities for Teens to Engage as Learners, Leaders, Team Members, and Workers, “Adolescents…benefit from opportunities to shape programs and activities, which can improve the programs, provide valuable leadership skills and build confidence.” Area 4-H Youth Development Agents, to fulfill the need for providing leadership development experiences and working in partnership with the Central 3 / Central 4 A
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Building Leaders
Author: Cathy Toole
Major Program: Leadership
Providing leadership opportunities is a large part of the developmental youth portion of the 4-H program. This past year the Henry County youth have benefited from opportunities to explore many offerings that have opened their eyes to possibilities for future success.There are 5 Henry County youth serving on state teen council and leadership boards. We have a Natural Resource Ambassador, Shooting Sports Ambassador, Fashion Leadership Ambassador, a State Teen Council Representative as well
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Monroe County Tabletop Farmers continues to grow young leaders
Author: Christina Hogue
Major Program: Leadership
The Monroe County Tabeltop Farmers 4-H Club was established in November 2022. This club has grown in number and is producing some of this area’s most effective young leaders. Members from this club have been actively involved in numerous community service projects, 4-H projects, and also fund raising events for the club. The club worked together to sell over 500 steak sandwiches to raise money to help them expand the club. Although this raised a great amount of mone
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Retreat!
Author: Eric Comley
Major Program: Leadership
According to Adolescent Health: Think, Act, Grow Research Review: Opportunities for Teens to Engage as Learners, Leaders, Team Members, and Workers, “Adolescents…benefit from opportunities to shape programs and activities, which can improve the programs, provide valuable leadership skills and build confidence.” Area 4-H Youth Development Agents, to fulfill the need for providing leadership development experiences and working in partnership with the Central 3 / Central 4 Area 4
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C4 Area Middle School Retreat
Author: Shannon Farrell
Major Program: Leadership
According to Adolescent Health: Think, Act, Grow Research Review: Opportunities for Teens to Engage as Learners, Leaders, Team Members, and Workers, “Adolescents…benefit from opportunities to shape programs and activities, which can improve the programs, provide valuable leadership skills and build confidence.” Area 4-H Youth Development Agents, to fulfill the need for providing leadership development experiences and working in partnership with the Central 3 / Central 4 A
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Teen Issues Conference
Author: Emily Chaney
Major Program: Leadership
On the state level, it was seen that public libraries and extension offices were often targeting the same groups of people with little collaboration. An initiative was taken for pubic libraries with teen librarians and extension offices with teen leadership to work together and identify teens participating in both programs. The identified teen would then be sent to the 4-H Teen Issues Conference. At this conference, the teens would learn to identify issues in their community and then learn how t
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Central 3 and Central 4 Middle School Retreat
Author: Catherine Weaver
Major Program: Leadership
According to Adolescent Health: Think, Act, Grow Research Review: Opportunities for Teens to Engage as Learners, Leaders, Team Members, and Workers, “Adolescents…benefit from opportunities to shape programs and activities, which can improve the programs, provide valuable leadership skills and build confidence.” Area 4-H Youth Development Agents, to fulfill the need for providing leadership development experiences and working in partnership with the Central 3 / Central 4 A
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4-H Middle School Retreat
Author: MacKenzie Preece
Major Program: Leadership
According to Adolescent Health: Think, Act, Grow Research Review: Opportunities for Teens to Engage as Learners, Leaders, Team Members, and Workers, “Adolescents…benefit from opportunities to shape programs and activities, which can improve the programs, provide valuable leadership skills and build confidence.” Area 4-H Youth Development Agents, to fulfill the need for providing leadership development experiences and working in partnership with the Central 3 / Central 4 A
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Hickman County teens gain valuable leadership skills at the Southern Region Teen Leadership Conference
Author: Melissa Goodman
Major Program: Leadership
The Southern Region Teen Leadership Conference (SRTLC) is an event that brings together youth from across the southern U.S. to foster leadership, community involvement, and connections with peers from different states. This year, Hickman County was proud to send two delegates to the 2024 conference, which had 400 total participants. For many attendees, this was their first regional leadership event, which proved to be an inspiring experience. Key takeaways from the conference include:Increa
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Building Great Leaders
Author: Amy Branstetter
Major Program: Leadership
Metcalfe County 4-H youth and adults have been very successful at the area, state, and national levels. Metcalfe County 4-H set a County record at the Kentucky Volunteer Forum with thirty-five attendees, of those thirty-five 6 adults and fourteen youth won 24 different awards.Awards won by Metcalfe 4-H Youth14 youth-received 10 year member awardsTeen Camp VolunteerCommunity Service Award2 youth-received The Conrad Feltner Leadership AwardAwards won by Metcalfe 4-H AdultsIDEA (Inclusion, Diversit
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C3-C4 Middle School Retreat
Author: Kimberly Ragland
Major Program: Leadership
According to Adolescent Health: Think, Act, Grow Research Review: Opportunities for Teens to Engage as Learners, Leaders, Team Members, and Workers, “Adolescents…benefit from opportunities to shape programs and activities, which can improve the programs, provide valuable leadership skills and build confidence.” Area 4-H Youth Development Agents, to fulfill the need for providing leadership development experiences and working in partnership with the Central 3 / Central 4 Area 4
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Youth Shine at the Kentucky 4-H Issues Conference
Author: Leslea Barnes
Major Program: Leadership
Issue Crittenden County youth face a need for leadership development and public engagement skills to address local challenges effectively. Many young people in the area lack opportunities to develop critical skills such as public speaking, problem-solving, and collaboration. This gap limits their ability to take active roles in identifying and solving community issues. The Kentucky 4-H Issues Conference is a wonderful opportunity to address these needs by providing youth with the knowledge
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Teen Retreat
Author: Samantha Gamblin
Major Program: Leadership
The purpose of Kentucky 4-H Retreat is to retain youth involvement in 4-H activities through the middle and high school years, along with empowering youth to become active 4-H leaders on the local and state levels. Objectives of Kentucky 4-H Retreat are to provide youth from Area C5/C6 with the opportunity to develop leadership skills through acquiring new knowledge to take back and implement within their local communities. Youth have the opportunity to belong to a group of peers and expand team
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4-H Jr. and Teen Leadership Academy: Creating Self-Confident and Involved Leaders
Author: Deana Reed
Major Program: Leadership
Describe the Issue or Situation.Leadership education builds several important assets in Kentucky youth and provides critical elements of youth development (Search Institute, 2004; Pittman, Irby & Ferber, 2001). The fewer assets young people have, the more likely they are to engage in negative behaviors (Benson, 1997; Eccles & Gootman, 2002). The more assets that are provided to youth, the more likely they are to exhibit positive behaviors. Strong leadership and decision making skills are
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8th Grade Leadership Program
Author: Rebecca Brown
Major Program: Leadership
I started a leadership program with the 8th-grade students at St. Romuald Catholic School. This program began as a series of three classes focused on evaluating the students' personal values and exploring how technology can either hinder or enhance those values. Throughout the sessions, the students examined their values and considered how modern technologies impact their ability to live out those values. They learned that making choices aligned with their values can contribute to a greater
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Adulting, Money and how to keep it.
Author: Lloyd Saylor
Major Program: Leadership
Adulting Class: Life Skills in Butler CountyPublicity about students being unprepared for the real world of, "Adulting," the Butler county 4-H Council decided to address the issue. Greg Drake our Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent assisted.What is credit, good credit vs. bad credit, how to plan a budget, What to know when taking a car loan, to cooking basic meals, changing a tire and check fluids, . What is insurance? Interview skills were also addressed.The 6 evenings of the prog
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“Building Tomorrow’s Leaders: 4-H Teen Retreat Inspires Connection and Growth”
Author: Leslea Barnes
Major Program: Leadership
Studies show that middle and high school students who actively engage in leadership and networking activities are 60% more likely to develop strong interpersonal and decision-making skills, key attributes for future success.The 4-H Teen Retreat, held at West Kentucky 4-H Camp, provided an unparalleled opportunity for 8th-12th grade students to cultivate leadership and life skills in a dynamic and supportive environment. Organized entirely by a committee of 4-H teens and 4-H agents, the retreat r
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Jr. Capitol Experience
Author: Bridgett Poteet
Major Program: Leadership
Many of our young people today don't understand what our elected officials are responsible for, how to advocate to those officials, and what these stewards provide to our communities. Towards the end of October, 11 of our 4-Hers took on the Courthouse for our first ever Edmonson County Capital Experience. During their experience, they got to meet our county’s elected officials, learn about what they do, explore their offices, the courtrooms, visit our Veteran’s memorials, a
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Teen Leadership Program
Author: Michael Rose
Major Program: Leadership
Many of the community organizations lack effective leadership as a part of their program. Our advisory councils, schools, and county/city leadership indicated there is a need for more youth leadership development programs. It is vital to instill the values of volunteerism and strong leadership in our young people. Strong leaders are vital to the future of our communities, government, and organizations. The Adair County Cooperative Extension Service sponsored a Teen Leadership program for mi
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c3-c4 Middle School Retreat
Author: Madison Adkins
Major Program: Leadership
According to Adolescent Health: Think, Act, Grow Research Review: Opportunities for Teens to Engage as Learners, Leaders, Team Members, and Workers, “Adolescents…benefit from opportunities to shape programs and activities, which can improve the programs, provide valuable leadership skills and build confidence.” Area 4-H Youth Development Agents, to fulfill the need for providing leadership development experiences and working in partnership with the Central 3 / Central 4 A
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4-H Summit 2025
Author: Patrick Allen
Major Program: Leadership
4-H Summit Success Story: 4-H Summit is a transformative event for middle school youth, and this year's Summit was a success. With 115 middle school youth, 33 Teen Leaders, and 43 adults in attendance, the event highlighted the power of social activities, hands-on learning, and a supportive environment.Social activities are crucial for youth development. At 4-H Summit, 57% of attendees were motivated by the opportunity to meet new people, while 51% enjoyed spending time with friends. Th
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4-H Teen Summit
Author: Mollie Tichenor
Major Program: Leadership
4-H Summit is a transformative event for middle school youth, and this year's Summit was a success. With 115 middle school youth, 33 Teen Leaders, and 43 adults in attendance, the event highlighted the power of social activities, hands-on learning, and a supportive environment.Social activities are crucial for youth development. At 4-H Summit, 57% of attendees were motivated by the opportunity to meet new people, while 51% enjoyed spending time with friends. These interactions build social a
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4-H Teen Summit
Author: Michael Rose
Major Program: Leadership
The 4-H Summit is a transformative event for middle school youth, and this year's Summit was a success. With 115 middle school youth, 33 Teen Leaders, and 43 adults in attendance, the event highlighted the power of social activities, hands-on learning, and a supportive environment. Adair County had 4 middle school youth and 1 State Teen Council member who attended the 2025 4-H Teen Summit.Social activities are crucial for youth development. At the 4-H Summit, 57% of attendees were mot
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Pulaski County Teen Summit 2025
Author: Abigail Roy
Major Program: Leadership
4-H Summit is a transformative event for middle school youth, and this year's Summit was a success. With 115 middle school youth, 33 Teen Leaders, and 43 adults in attendance, the event highlighted the power of social activities, hands-on learning, and a supportive environment.Social activities are crucial for youth development. At 4-H Summit, 57% of attendees were motivated by the opportunity to meet new people, while 51% enjoyed spending time with friends. These interactions build social a
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Teen Summit
Author: Cathy Toole
Major Program: Leadership
4-H Summit Success Story: 4-H Summit is a transformative event for middle school youth, and this year's Summit was a success. With 115 middle school youth, 33 Teen Leaders, and 43 adults in attendance, the event highlighted the power of social activities, hands-on learning, and a supportive environment.Social activities are crucial for youth development. At 4-H Summit, 57% of attendees were motivated by the opportunity to meet new people, while 51% enjoyed spending time with friends. Th
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4-H Summit 2025
Author: Toni Humble
Major Program: Leadership
Middle school is a crucial period for youth development, marked by significant physical, cognitive, social, and emotional changes. Fostering leadership skills in middle school students is essential for preparing them for future challenges and responsibilities. Engaging them through interactive and enjoyable activities not only makes learning fun but also instills vital qualities such as communication, teamwork, and decision-making.At this age, youth encounter numerous physical, cognitive, langua
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4-H Teen Leadership Academy
Author: Lisa Hagman
Major Program: Leadership
Kentucky 4-H is grounded in Positive Youth Development. One important focus is working with, high school student to develop and guide them in a variety of settings to help them develop their leadership and life skills and then providing opportunities for them to lead. For this reason UK Cooperative Extension 4-H programs from Hancock, Daviess, McLean, Hopkins, Webster, Union, Ohio, and Henderson Counties partnered to provide a 4-H Teen Leadership Academy (TLA) for 8th-11th grade members. The Aca
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4-H Summit
Author: Madalyn Hale
Major Program: Leadership
4-H Summit is a transformative event for middle school youth, and this year's Summit was a success. With 115 middle school youth, 33 Teen Leaders, and 43 adults in attendance, the event highlighted the power of social activities, hands-on learning, and a supportive environment.Social activities are crucial for youth development. At 4-H Summit, 57% of attendees were motivated by the opportunity to meet new people, while 51% enjoyed spending time with friends. These interactions build social a
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4-H School Club Members learn about Leadership
Author: Allison Croslin
Major Program: Leadership
Describe the Issue or Situation. In the 2024 Community Needs Assessment, the top priority issue within Graves County was Youth life skill development opportunities such as leadership and communication skills. Northside Baptist Christian School is heavily involved in 4-H. 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders meet as separate 4-H Clubs monthly to practice teamwork skills and leadership skills in a variety of activities streaming across different 4-H core areas.Describe the Outreach or Educational Progr
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Teen Summit
Author: Samantha Gamblin
Major Program: Leadership
4-H Summit Success Story: 4-H Summit is a transformative event for middle school youth, and this year's Summit was a success. With 115 middle school youth, 33 Teen Leaders, and 43 adults in attendance, the event highlighted the power of social activities, hands-on learning, and a supportive environment.Social activities are crucial for youth development. At 4-H Summit, 57% of attendees were motivated by the opportunity to meet new people, while 51% enjoyed spending time with friends. Th
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Todd County Tweens, 4-H Summit, Area Teens and Leadership
Author: Lee Ann McCuiston
Major Program: Leadership
Middle school age youth often times struggle with social interaction and personal growth in a supportive environment. Todd County 4-H provided multiple opportunities for middle school youth this year including 4-H Summit, Area 4-H Teen Council and Area 4-H Teen Retreat. These opportunities are designed for middle school youth, providing them with opportunities for social interaction, hands-on learning, and personal growth in a supportive environment. The events foster essential skills such
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Stuck in the Middle at 4-H Camp
Author: Mackenzie Pogue
Major Program: Leadership
Stuck in the Middle at West Kentucky 4-H CampStuck in the Middle at West Kentucky 4-H Camp is a unique and impactful event designed specifically for middle school youth (6th-8th grade). This event was a success, bringing together young people from 13 counties in Western Kentucky for a weekend of fun, friendship, and growth. With 81 youth participants, 7 teen leaders, and 23 Extension personnel/ adult volunteers in attendance, the program highlighted the importance of social connection, hand
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Stuck in the Middle at West Kentucky 4-H Camp
Author: Sharee Schoonover
Major Program: Leadership
Stuck in the Middle at West Kentucky 4-H Camp is a unique and impactful event designed specifically for middle school youth (6th-8th grade). This event was a success, bringing together young people from 13 counties in Western Kentucky for a weekend of fun, friendship, and growth. With 81 youth participants, 7 teen leaders, and 21 Extension personnel/ adult volunteers in attendance, the program highlighted the importance of social connection, hands-on engagement, and supportive environments for y
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4-H Middle School Summit
Author: Amanda Clark
Major Program: Leadership
4-H Summit Success Story: 4-H Summit is a transformative event for middle school youth, and this year's Summit was a success. With 115 middle school youth, 33 Teen Leaders, and 43 adults in attendance, the event highlighted the power of social activities, hands-on learning, and a supportive environment.Social activities are crucial for youth development. At 4-H Summit, 57% of attendees were motivated by the opportunity to meet new people, while 51% enjoyed spending time with friends. Th
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Stuck in the Middle at West Kentucky 4-H Camp
Author: Mary Beth Riley
Major Program: Leadership
Stuck in the Middle at West Kentucky 4-H Camp is a unique and impactful event designed specifically for middle school youth (6th-8th grade). This event was a success, bringing together young people from 13 counties in Western Kentucky for a weekend of fun, friendship, and growth. With 81 youth participants, 7 teen leaders, and 23 Extension personnel/ adult volunteers in attendance, the program highlighted the importance of social connection, hands-on engagement, and supportive environments for y
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4-H Summit
Author: Melissa Goodman
Major Program: Leadership
4-H Summit is a transformative event for middle school youth, and this year's Summit was a success. With 115 middle school youth, 33 Teen Leaders, and 43 adults in attendance, the event highlighted the power of social activities, hands-on learning, and a supportive environment.Social activities are crucial for youth development. At the 4-H Summit, 57% of attendees were motivated by the opportunity to meet new people, while 51% enjoyed spending time with friends. These interactions build soci
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Teens Teach and Lead at 4-H Summit
Author: Kimberly Ragland
Major Program: Leadership
4-H Summit Success Story: 4-H Summit is a transformative event for middle school youth and the teen leaders who teach them. With 115 middle school youth, 33 Teen Leaders, and 43 adults in attendance, the event highlighted the power of social activities, hands-on learning, and a supportive environment.Social activities are crucial for youth development. At 4-H Summit, 57% of attendees were motivated by the opportunity to meet new people, while 51% enjoyed spending time with friends. These in
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Stuck in the Middle at West Kentucky 4-H Camp
Author: Leslea Barnes
Major Program: Leadership
Stuck in the Middle at West Kentucky 4-H Camp is a unique and impactful event designed specifically for middle school youth (6th-8th grade). This event was a success, bringing together young people from 13 counties in Western Kentucky for a weekend of fun, friendship, and growth. With 81 youth participants, 21 teen leaders, and 23 Extension personnel/ adult volunteers in attendance, the program highlighted the importance of social connection, hands-on engagement, and supportive environments for
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Boone County youth attend 4-H Leadership summit
Author: Rusty Wolf
Major Program: Leadership
4-H Summit is a transformative event for middle school youth, and this year's Summit was a success. With 115 middle school youth, 33 Teen Leaders, and 43 adults in attendance, the event highlighted the power of social activities, hands-on learning, and a supportive environment.Social activities are crucial for youth development. At 4-H Summit, 57% of attendees were motivated by the opportunity to meet new people, while 51% enjoyed spending time with friends. These interactions build social a
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4-H Summit, a Transformative Event
Author: Kellsey Agnew
Major Program: Leadership
4-H Summit is a transformative event for middle school youth, and this year's Summit was a success. With 115 middle school youths, 33 Teen Leaders, and 43 adults in attendance, the event highlighted the power of social activities, hands-on learning, and a supportive environment. Three active members of Campbell County 4-H were able to participate in this experience.Social activities are crucial for youth development. At 4-H Summit, 57% of attendees were motivated by the opportunity to meet n
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Summit youth reach higher achievement
Author: Charles Comer
Major Program: Leadership
4-H Summit is a transformative event for middle school youth, and this year's Summit was a success. With 115 middle school youths, 33 Teen Leaders, and 43 adults in attendance, the event highlighted the power of social activities, hands-on learning, and a supportive environment.Social activities are crucial for youth development. At 4-H Summit, 57% of attendees were motivated by the opportunity to meet new people, while 51% enjoyed spending time with friends. These interactions build social
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Teen Leadership Academy Strengthens Leadership Skills
Author: Alexandria Brasher
Major Program: Leadership
Leadership education builds several important assets in Kentucky youth and provides critical elements of youth development (Search Institute, 2004; Pittman, Irby & Ferber, 2001.) Youth who participate in leadership development opportunities are exposed to a variety of opportunities for personal development. Leadership activities help youth:-develop confidence in their leadership potential and their own sense of identity-improve their self-esteem-enhance their communication skills in sharing,
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Teen Summit
Author: Lora Stewart
Major Program: Leadership
4-H Summit is a transformative event for middle school youth, and this year's Summit was a success. With 115 middle school youth, 33 Teen Leaders, and 43 adults in attendance, the event highlighted the power of social activities, hands-on learning, and a supportive environment.Social activities are crucial for youth development. At 4-H Summit, 57% of attendees were motivated by the opportunity to meet new people, while 51% enjoyed spending time with friends. These interactions build social a
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4-H Teen Summit
Author: Hannah Ratliff
Major Program: Leadership
Describe the Issue or Situation.4-H Summit offers a positive environment, essential for youth development. Structured learning, leadership experiences, and adult mentoring lead to higher academic achievement, civic engagement, and healthier lifestyle choices. 4-H Summit helps youth develop competence, confidence, character, connection, and caring.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).Social activities are crucial for youth development. This year
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4-H Summit
Author: Julie Brown
Major Program: Leadership
4-H Summit is a transformative event for middle school youth, and this year's Summit was a success. With 115 middle school youth, 33 Teen Leaders, and 43 adults in attendance, the event highlighted the power of social activities, hands-on learning, and a supportive environment.Social activities are crucial for youth development. At 4-H Summit, 57% of attendees were motivated by the opportunity to meet new people, while 51% enjoyed spending time with friends. These interactions build social a
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4-H Summit
Author: Jeremiah Johnson
Major Program: Leadership
4-H Summit is a transformative event for middle school youth, and this year's Summit was a success. With 115 middle school youth, 33 Teen Leaders, and 43 adults in attendance, the event highlighted the power of social activities, hands-on learning, and a supportive environment.Social activities are crucial for youth development. At 4-H Summit, 57% of attendees were motivated by the opportunity to meet new people, while 51% enjoyed spending time with friends. These interactions build social a
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Nine Youth Attend 4-H Summit
Author: Amanda Sublett
Major Program: Leadership
Nine youth from Marion County attended 4-H Summit which is a record attendance. Participants learned at the Leadership Conference and those that are in 8th grade expressed a desire to attend Teen Conference. All 9 attendees say they want to attend 4-H Summit next year.4-H Summit is a transformative event for middle school youth, and this year's Summit was a success. With 115 middle school youth, 33 Teen Leaders, and 43 adults in attendance, the event highlighted the power of soci
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Mercer County Youth Leadership Program (YLP)
Author: Dana Anderson
Major Program: Leadership
Youth leadership is a vital part of helping young people transition successfully from childhood to adulthood. It empowers them to discover and cultivate their leadership potential, harnessing their energy and enthusiasm to contribute meaningfully to their communities (Jones, 2009; Redmond & Dolan, 2014). In collaboration with the Mercer County Chamber of Commerce and the Cooperative Extension Service, we proudly offer the Mercer County Youth Leadership Program. This annual initiative targets
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Stuck in the Middle at West KY 4-H Camp
Author: Bernita Cheirs
Major Program: Leadership
Stuck in the Middle at West Kentucky 4-H Camp is a unique and impactful event designed specifically for middle school youth (6th-8th grade). This event was a success, bringing together young people from 13 counties in Western Kentucky for a weekend of fun, friendship, and growth. With 81 youth participants, 21 teen leaders, and 23 Extension personnel/ adult volunteers in attendance, the program highlighted the importance of social connection, hands-on engagement, and supportive environments for
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2024 4-H Pet Show
Author: Eric Collins
Major Program: Leadership
Describe the Issue or Situation.For many years, the Lee County 4-H program has hosted a pet show which kicks off the Wooly Worm Festival in Beattyville, Ky. The 4-H Pet Show is a beloved event in Beattyville that many community members look forward too each year. However, over time, the 4-H Pet Show has devolved into a show & tell session for the youth of Lee County and their pets. While the participation has remained consistent with 10-15 youth showing pets each year, the educational compon
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4-H Summit
Author: Tracie Goodman
Major Program: Leadership
4-H Summit is a transformative event for middle school youth, and this year's Summit was a success. With 115 middle school youth, 33 Teen Leaders, and 43 adults in attendance, the event highlighted the power of social activities, hands-on learning, and a supportive environment.Social activities are crucial for youth development. At 4-H Summit, 57% of attendees were motivated by the opportunity to meet new people, while 51% enjoyed spending time with friends. These interactions build social a
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4-H LifeSmarts
Author: Eric Comley
Major Program: Leadership
Describe the Issue or Situation.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.
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Kentucky 4-H Area Advanced Teen Leadership Academy Empowers Future Leaders
Author: Lisa Hagman
Major Program: Leadership
The Kentucky 4-H Green River Advanced Teen Leadership Academy made a meaningful impact on high school youth from Hancock, Henderson, Ohio, and Webster Counties. This year’s pilot program brought together 13 motivated Teen Leadership Academy graduates from 9th to 12th grades to participate in the first Advanced Teen Leadership Academy. The group met 4 times for extended day-long sessions of which one was overnight.These 4-H teens stepped into a wide variety of leadership roles, serving as w
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Kentucky 4-H Area Advanced Teen Leadership Academy Empowers Future Leaders
Author: Gary Druin
Major Program: Leadership
Kentucky 4-H Area Advanced Teen Leadership Academy Empowers Future LeadersThe Kentucky 4-H Green River Advanced Teen Leadership Academy made a meaningful impact on high school youth from Hancock, Henderson, Ohio, and Webster Counties. This year’s pilot program brought together 13 motivated Teen Leadership Academy graduates from 9th to 12th grades to participate in the first Advanced Teen Leadership Academy. Four delegates from Ohio County completed the program including 2 minority yo
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Progressive Experiences Increase Confidence and Critical Thinking Skills
Author: Janet Turley
Major Program: Leadership
What makes a great leader? Confidence, connection, commitment, and courage are well known attributes of leadership. The 4-H program does a great job developing these skills in young people by providing progressive experience opportunities for youth between the ages of 9-18 years old. Progressive experiences can lead to a progressive mindset, an essential skill to function in today’s world. This leadership strength helps youth to be confident, resilient, adaptable, optimistic, and great pro
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The Power of Volunteers
Author: Janet Turley
Major Program: Leadership
Warren County has the 4th largest population in Kentucky, encompassing 142,229 residents. With 32 schools (22 elementary, 5 middle, 5 high schools), and only two 4-H Youth Development Agents and no program assistants, it is difficult to make significant impact on positive youth development. To extend the reach of 4-H youth programming, it became imperative to empower volunteers to lead clubs, project groups, and chaperone campers at 4-H Camp.The Warren County 4-H program has a thriving volunteer
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Kentucky 4-H Achievement Program Success Story
Author: Ashley Osborne
Major Program: Leadership
Recognizing Outstanding Accomplishments The Kentucky 4-H Achievement Program celebrates the remarkable achievements of young people throughout their 4-H journey. Recognition levels include Clover Levels 1, 2, and 3; Bronze; Silver; Gold; and Emerald. As 4-Hers advance through these levels, they become eligible for scholarships to events like Kentucky 4-H Teen Summit, Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference, National 4-H Congress, National 4-H Conference, and eventually sc
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Lyon County 4-H Seniors: Ready for Life Beyond High School
Author: Mary Beth Riley
Major Program: Leadership
A recent study shows that youth involved in 4-H feel that out-of-school programs are 77% more likely than school programs to give them confidence. Additionally, 62% of 4-H youth report that programs like 4-H help them manage stress more effectively. Even more inspiring, 70% of 4-H teens feel prepared to apply both technical and life skills in their careers after high school.This year, Lyon County 4-H celebrates the graduation of five high school seniors who exemplify these statistics—and m
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4-H Camp Orientation Video Bridges the Gap for Busy Parents
Author: Benjamin Rudy
Major Program: Leadership
The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension, Fulton County office, is excited to report a successful initiative aimed at improving parent engagement and preparedness for the upcoming 4-H camp. Recognizing the challenges many parents face with busy schedules, our office developed and implemented a comprehensive 4-H Camp Orientation Video. This innovative approach provided an alternative for those unable to attend the traditional in-person orientation sessions.The orientation video was meticu
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KY 4-H Issues Conference
Author: Ashley Duvall
Major Program: Leadership
In 2025, the Clinton County Extension Council identified Youth Leadership and Substance Abuse as a priority for the Plan of Work. To address this issue, County Agent, Ashley Duvall worked with 2 teen 4-H members who were interested in attending the Ky 4-H Youth Issues Conference held at the Dale Hollow State Park in Burkesville, KY. The two members learned about civic engagement and how to identify community issues, develop an action plan to address these issues and make a presentation to a mock
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Stuck In The Middle
Author: Paula Jerrell
Major Program: Leadership
Describe the Issue or Situation.Stuck in the Middle at West Kentucky 4-H Camp is a unique and impactful event designed specifically for middle school youth (6th-8th grade). This event was a success, bringing together young people from 13 counties in Western Kentucky for a weekend of fun, friendship, and growth. With 81 youth participants, 21 teen leaders, and 23 Extension personnel/ adult volunteers in attendance, the program highlighted the importance of social connection, hands-on engagement,
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Kentucky 4-H Area Advanced Teen Leadership Academy Empowers Future Leaders
Author: Wade Raymer
Major Program: Leadership
Kentucky 4-H Area Advanced Teen Leadership Academy Empowers Future LeadersLeadership development is increasingly recognized as a vital component of youth development, especially during the high school years. Leadership development programs have been shown to significantly enhance students’ academic engagement, motivation, and future planning. According to a 2023 report by the Aspen Institute, youth who participate in high-quality leadership programs are more likely to complete their educat
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4-H Member to Community Service
Author: Joyce Doyle
Major Program: Leadership
Since the community is aware of the 4-H Garden Club, we have been asked many questions of how to have a successful garden. The public library director called me and asked if the garden club would come and clean out their raised beds that they wanted to plant a salsa garden. I met with my garden club and since it was at the end of the school year (the busiest time of the year) only one member stepped up to the plate. He went to the public library and cleaned out their beds
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Four River Counties 4-H Leadership Academy
Author: Paula Jerrell
Major Program: Leadership
Describe the Issue or Situation.The Challenge The Four River Counties—Ballard, Carlisle, Hickman, and Fulton—recognized the need to cultivate young leaders to sustain and grow our agriculture-driven economy. Developing youth leadership in this vital sector is key to future economic development in western Kentucky.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).Through a partnership with Dr. Tony Brannon and the WAVE Ag Initiative, the counties
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Logan County 4-H Teen Club Leadership Adventure
Author: Maci Venable
Major Program: Leadership
Describe the Issue or Situation.Logan County identified a gap in youth programming specifically geared toward teens. Local youth lacked structured opportunities to build leadership skills, challenge personal limits, and form peer connections outside the classroom. There was a clear need for a program that offered personal growth, encouraged teamwork, and fostered community among young leaders.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).In response, Logan C
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Teen Conference 2025
Author: Patrick Allen
Major Program: Leadership
Teen Conference 2025Success Story The 2025 Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky from June 10th to 13th, continuing its long-standing tradition of empowering youth through leadership, education, and service. This year’s conference welcomed a total of 528 participants, including 365 youth delegates, 35 State Teen Council members, 24 State Board members from SET, NRESci, and SSTAB, 80 4-H Agents, 9 4-H Program Assistants, 7 4-H Interns, and 8 voluntee
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4-H Teen Conference
Author: Lloyd Saylor
Major Program: Leadership
Teen Conference 2025 Success StoryButler Co. was well represented with 1 retiring State Officer, 1 Fashion Review finalist, 1 State Teen Council member, and 1 SET Leadership Board Chairmen.The 2025 Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky from June 10th to 13th, continuing its long-standing tradition of empowering youth through leadership, education, and service. This year’s conference welcomed a total of 528 participants, including 365 youth deleg
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Boyle County Teens Participate in 2025 Teen Conference
Author: Kimberly Ragland
Major Program: Leadership
The 2025 Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky from June 10th to 13th, continuing its long-standing tradition of empowering youth through leadership, education, and service. This year’s conference welcomed a total of 528 participants, including 365 youth delegates, 35 State Teen Council members, 24 State Board members from SET, NRESci, and SSTAB, 80 4-H Agents, 9 4-H Program Assistants, 7 4-H Interns, and 8 volunteers. Ten delegates, 2 State Teen Council membe
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4-H History and Heritage
Author: Lloyd Saylor
Major Program: Leadership
Butler County 4-H Teen Club Explores American History Through Immersive Educational TravelIn June 2025, 18 Butler County 4-H teens and 12 adult chaperones embarked on a transformative History and Heritage trip through some of the most historically significant cities in the United States: Boston, New York City, and Philadelphia. This immersive, week-long educational experience connected youth with the rich tapestry of American history, fostering a deeper understanding of the nation's founding
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Teen Conference 2025
Author: Mollie Tichenor
Major Program: Leadership
The 2025 Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky from June 10th to 13th, continuing its long-standing tradition of empowering youth through leadership, education, and service. This year’s conference welcomed a total of 528 participants, including 365 youth delegates, 35 State Teen Council members, 24 State Board members from SET, NRESci, and SSTAB, 80 4-H Agents, 9 4-H Program Assistants, 7 4-H Interns, and 8 volunteers. The event was designed to foster leadersh
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State 4-H Teen Conference 2025
Author: Aubrey Lawson
Major Program: Leadership
The 2025 Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky from June 10th to 13th, continuing its long-standing tradition of empowering youth through leadership, education, and service. This year’s conference welcomed a total of 528 participants, including 365 youth delegates, 35 State Teen Council members, 24 State Board members from SET, NRESci, and SSTAB, 80 4-H Agents, 9 4-H Program Assistants, 7 4-H Interns, and 8 volunteers. The event was designed to foster leadersh
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From Fashion to SET: McCracken County Youth Make Their Mark at 4-H Teen Conference
Author: Heather Hunter
Major Program: Leadership
From Fashion to SET: McCracken County Youth Make Their Mark at 4-H Teen Conference The 2025 Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky from June 10th to 13th, continuing its long-standing tradition of empowering youth through leadership, education, and service. This year’s conference welcomed a total of 528 participants, including 365 youth delegates, 35 State Teen Council members, 24 State Board members from SET, NRESci, and SSTAB, 80 4-H Agents, 9 4-H Progra
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Teen Conference 2025
Author: Ashley Vice
Major Program: Leadership
The 2025 Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky from June 10th to 13th, continuing its long-standing tradition of empowering youth through leadership, education, and service. This year’s conference welcomed a total of 528 participants, including 365 youth delegates, 35 State Teen Council members, 24 State Board members from SET, NRESci, and SSTAB, 80 4-H Agents, 9 4-H Program Assistants, 7 4-H Interns, and 8 volunteers. The event was designed to foster lea
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Four River Counties 4-H Leadership Academy
Author: Melissa Goodman
Major Program: Leadership
Four River Counties 4-H Leadership Academy 2025: Growing Tomorrow’s Agricultural Leaders The Four River Counties—Ballard, Carlisle, Hickman, and Fulton—recognized the need to cultivate young leaders to sustain and grow our agriculture-driven economy. Developing youth leadership in this vital sector is key to future economic development in far west Kentucky. Through a partnership with Dr. Tony Brannon and the WAVE Ag Initiative, the counties launched the 4-H Leadership
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4-H Teen Conference
Author: Sherri Farley
Major Program: Leadership
The 2025 Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky from June 10th to 13th, continuing its long-standing tradition of empowering youth through leadership, education, and service. This year’s conference welcomed a total of 528 participants, including 365 youth delegates, 35 State Teen Council members, 24 State Board members from SET, NRESci, and SSTAB, 80 4-H Agents, 9 4-H Program Assistants, 7 4-H Interns, and 8 volunteers. Campbell County delegation consisted of 9
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2025 4-H Teen Conference
Author: Genaea Sarantakos
Major Program: Leadership
The 2025 Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky from June 10th to 13th, continuing its long-standing tradition of empowering youth through leadership, education, and service. This year’s conference welcomed a total of 528 participants, including 365 youth delegates, 35 State Teen Council members, 24 State Board members from SET, NRESci, and SSTAB, 80 4-H Agents, 9 4-H Program Assistants, 7 4-H Interns, and 8 volunteers. The event was designed to foster leadersh
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From Clover to Emerald: Audrey Barker’s 4-H Journey of Growth, Grit, and Giving Back
Author: Rebecca Hayes
Major Program: Leadership
When Audrey Barker joined 4-H as an eager 9-year-old, she didn’t know that the green clover emblem she proudly wore would come to symbolize a decade of growth, discovery, and leadership. Now, ten years later, Audrey has reached the pinnacle of Kentucky 4-H achievement—the Emerald Award, the highest honor a 4-H member in the state can receive.Even more inspiring? Audrey is the first recipient of this prestigious award from Carter County, making her achievement not only personal but hi
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4-H Teen Conference
Author: Lora Stewart
Major Program: Leadership
The 2025 Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky from June 10th to 13th, continuing itslong-standing tradition of empowering youth through leadership, education, and service. This year’s conferencewelcomed a total of 528 participants, including 365 youth delegates, 35 State Teen Council members, 24 State Boardmembers from SET, NRESci, and SSTAB, 80 4-H Agents, 9 4-H Program Assistants, 7 4-H Interns, and 8 volunteers.The event was designed to foster leadership d
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Marshall County 4-Hers Stuck in the Middle
Author: Lena Mallory
Major Program: Leadership
Stuck in the Middle at West Kentucky 4-H Camp is a unique and impactful event designed specifically for middle school youth (6th-8th grade). This event was a success, bringing together young people from 13 counties in Western Kentucky for a weekend of fun, friendship, and growth. Marshall County was represented by four first-time youth participants and one adult volunteer. They were thankful for the opportunity provided by the WKY Extension professionals and teen/adult volunteers.Social c
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4-H Leader Making the Best Better
Author: Amy Branstetter
Major Program: Leadership
Metcalfe County 4-H has a leader that has served in many roles over the past 32 years. His participation started by being a parent volunteer and has led to many other 4-H leadership positions. He states "My most rewarding experience has been seeing youth become good adults.”You may see him at our school, working with youth interested in starting a livestock project, Livestock judging events, forestry field days or collecting donations for upcoming 4-H events. This is just a few
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Bowling Green Housing Authority
Author: Kimberly Harriford
Major Program: Leadership
The problem was the lack of knowledge regarding gardening, educational development, and professional development.The educational program response was educating three different on gardening, educational development, and professional development..The participants/target audience was of various ages.Other partners (if applicable)The program impact or participant response was presentations on gardening, educational development, and professional development. The Bowling Green Housi
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Teen Conference 2025
Author: Amanda Broderick
Major Program: Leadership
The 2025 Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky from June 10th to 13th, continuing itslong-standing tradition of empowering youth through leadership, education, and service. This year’s conferencewelcomed a total of 528 participants, including 365 youth delegates, 35 State Teen Council members, 24 State Boardmembers from SET, NRESci, and SSTAB, 80 4-H Agents, 9 4-H Program Assistants, 7 4-H Interns, and 8 volunteers.The event was designed to foster leadership d
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Chick Incubation Program Expansion
Author: Sherri Farley
Major Program: Leadership
Woodfill Elementary in Fort Thomas, Kentucky (Campbell County) began incubating chicks with 4-H in Spring 2023. The three second grade teachers were delighted by how engaged the students were and noticed the lasting educational impact the program was having on their students and community. They decided to take it even further in 2024 by purchasing their own incubators through grant assistance. The students created an application for chicken adoption and the teachers invited a city official and a
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2025 Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference
Author: Tracie Goodman
Major Program: Leadership
The 2025 Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky from June 10th to 13th, continuing its long-standing tradition of empowering youth through leadership, education, and service. This year’s conference welcomed a total of 528 participants, including 365 youth delegates, 35 State Teen Council members, 24 State Board members from SET, NRESci, and SSTAB, 80 4-H Agents, 9 4-H Program Assistants, 7 4-H Interns, and 8 volunteers. The event was designed to foster leadersh
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Teen Leadership Academy "Excellence in Camping Award"
Author: Nolan Pettit
Major Program: Leadership
Teen Leadership Academy is a multi-county, cross university program including Mclean, Webster, Henderson, Hopkins, Union, Daviess, and Hancock Counties. Each county is allowed to bring up to 4 of their top teams. We meet once a month and cover several different topics including life & interview skills, traditional 4-H projects, and trips to surrounding businesses and community partners. The goal of the program is to take our brightest teens and reward them buy having a fun experience wh
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Teen Conference
Author: Susan Campbell
Major Program: Leadership
The 2025 Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky from June 10th to 13th, continuing itslong-standing tradition of empowering youth through leadership, education, and service. This year’s conferencewelcomed a total of 528 participants, including 365 youth delegates, 35 State Teen Council members, 24 State Boardmembers from SET, NRESci, and SSTAB, 80 4-H Agents, 9 4-H Program Assistants, 7 4-H Interns, and 8 volunteers.The event was designed to foster leadership d
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Greatness at the 2025 Nuel Conference
Author: Brian Walker
Major Program: Leadership
The 2025 National Urban Education Leaders (NUEL) Conference, held in vibrant Durham, North Carolina, marked a transformative milestone in the national dialogue on equity, leadership, and innovation in urban education. Hosted in North Carolina, the event brought together over 1,200 extension leaders, scholars, 4-H agents, and community stakeholders from the southern region.With the theme "Leading for Justice: Innovation, Identity, and Impact in Urban Education," the conference featured
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Teen Conference
Author: Cathy Toole
Major Program: Leadership
Teen Conference 2025 Success Story The 2025 Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky from June 10th to 13th, continuing its long-standing tradition of empowering youth through leadership, education, and service. This year’s conference welcomed a total of 528 participants, including 365 youth delegates, 35 State Teen Council members, 24 State Board members from SET, NRESci, and SSTAB, 80 4-H Agents, 9 4-H Program Assistants, 7 4-H Interns, and 8 vo
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LaRue County 4-H Scholarships
Author: Misty Wilmoth
Major Program: Leadership
The LaRue County 4-H Council offers an annual scholarship to a local graduating high school senior in the amount of $500. In 2025, the passing of a 4-H supporter and past volunteer, Patricia Durham provided the opportunity for individuals to contribute to the scholarship in memory of Mrs. Durham. The family members asked for donations to be made to LaRue County 4-H for the purpose of a scholarship named in her memory. Donations from twenty-six individuals and businesses made it
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Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference
Author: Misty Wilmoth
Major Program: Leadership
The 2025 Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky from June 10th to 13th, continuing its long-standing tradition of empowering youth through leadership, education, and service. This year’s conference welcomed a total of 528 participants, including 365 youth delegates, 35 State Teen Council members, 24 State Board members from SET, NRESci, and SSTAB, 80 4-H Agents, 9 4-H Program Assistants, 7 4-H Interns, and 8 volunteers.The event was designed to foster leadershi
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Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference
Author: Meagan Klee
Major Program: Leadership
The 2025 Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky from June 10th to 13th, continuing itslong-standing tradition of empowering youth through leadership, education, and service. This year’s conferencewelcomed a total of 528 participants, including 365 youth delegates, 35 State Teen Council members, 24 State Boardmembers from SET, NRESci, and SSTAB, 80 4-H Agents, 9 4-H Program Assistants, 7 4-H Interns, and 8 volunteers.The event was designed to foster leadership d
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Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference
Author: Kellsey Agnew
Major Program: Leadership
The 2025 Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky from June 10th to 13th, continuing its long-standing tradition of empowering youth through leadership, education, and service. This year’s conference welcomed a total of 528 participants, including 9 youth delegates and 2 agents from Campbell County and an additional 12 youth from the rest of Central Areas 7 and 8. The event was designed to foster leadership development, enhance communication skills, promote
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Empowering Leaders through Teen Conference 2025
Author: Charles Comer
Major Program: Leadership
The 2025 Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky June 10-13, 2025, continuing its long-standing tradition of empowering youth through leadership, education, and service. This year’s conference welcomed a total of 528 participants, including 365 youth delegates, 35 State Teen Council members, 24 State Board members from SET, NRESci, and SSTAB, 80 4-H Agents, 9 4-H Program Assistants, 7 4-H Interns, and 8 volunteers. The event was designed to foster leadership dev
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Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference 2025
Author: Joe Maynard
Major Program: Leadership
The 2025 Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky from June 10th to 13th, continuing its long-standing tradition of empowering youth through leadership, education, and service. This year’s conference welcomed a total of 528 participants, including 365 youth delegates, 35 State Teen Council members, 24 State Board members from SET, NRESci, and SSTAB, 80 4-H Agents, 9 4-H Program Assistants, 7 4-H Interns, and 8 volunteers. The event was designed to foster leadersh
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Teen Conference 2025
Author: Lisa Jones
Major Program: Leadership
The 2025 Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky from June 10th to 13th, continuing its long-standing tradition of empowering youth through leadership, education, and service. Whitley County was proud to have one boy and one girl participate this year—the first time our county has had teen participants at this event. This year’s conference welcomed a total of 528 participants, including 365 youth delegates, 35 State Teen Council members, 24 State Board mem
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4-H Summit and Teen Conference Provide Progressive Experiences
Author: Regina Browning
Major Program: Leadership
Kentucky 4-H offers a dynamic, progressive pathway for youth development, beginning with the 4-H Summit for middle schoolers and culminating in Teen Conference for high school youth. These two state level events work in tandem to build leadership, life skills, civic engagement, and college readiness. Shelby County 4-H recruits and facilitates the opportunity for local youth to participate in these valuable opportunities. Progressive experiences outside of the county are invaluable as
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4-H Teen Conference Empowers Youth
Author: Stacey Potts
Major Program: Leadership
The 2025 Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky from June 10th to 13th, continuing its long-standing tradition of empowering youth through leadership, education, and service. This year’s conference welcomed a total of 528 participants, including 365 youth delegates, 35 State Teen Council members, 24 State Board members from SET, NRESci, and SSTAB, 80 4-H Agents, 9 4-H Program Assistants, 7 4-H Interns, and 8 volunteers. The event was designed to foster leadersh
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Adelante 4-H Encourages Continued Education After High School
Author: Stacey Potts
Major Program: Leadership
Many Latino youth in Kentucky face significant educational challenges due to the immigrant and socioeconomic status of their parents. According to the National Research Council's report, “Hispanics and the Future of America,” many Latino children start school without the same social and economic resources as their peers. Inadequate school resources and low trust between students and staff exacerbate these disadvantages. The need to support and build community for these young peop
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Middle School Leadership Seminar
Author: Dana Anderson
Major Program: Leadership
A middle school leadership seminar was offered to 4-H leadership participants and gifted and talented students. The goal of this seminar was to enhance young people's leadership abilities and help them develop the skills necessary to become responsible community members. Research indicates that young people with fewer assets are more likely to engage in negative behaviors (Benson, 1997; Eccles & Gootman, 2002). Conversely, the more assets provided to youth, the more likely they are
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Youth Recognition Banquet
Author: Madalyn Hale
Major Program: Leadership
In years past, the recognition banquet for Clark County 4-H has included recognizing seniors, achievement program participants, and club volunteers. This year, Extension Agents for Youth Development, Aubrey Lawson and Madalyn Hale decided to change how we recognize our youth and volunteers. We recognized our volunteers separately at another event so we were able to focus this banquet on the youth. With the help of a committee formed from 4-H Council members, a Youth Recognition Banquet was plann
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Teen Leadership Program empowers future leaders
Author: Alexandria Brasher
Major Program: Leadership
The Kentucky 4-H Area Teen Leadership Academy continues to make a meaningful impact on high school youth across the region. This year’s program brought together motivated students from 9th to 12th grade, with the majority representing 10th and 11th grades. These teens stepped into a wide variety of leadership roles, serving as workshop committee members, graduation planners, group leaders, and even taking on officer positions like President and Vice President of the Advanced Teen Leadershi
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Area Team Challenge Camp
Author: Alexandria Brasher
Major Program: Leadership
The Kentucky 4-H Core curriculum is used to develop workforce skills that include leadership, teamwork and communication that are important to their career ready development. Young people, whether pursuing a career-path in entrepreneurial ventures or seeking employment opportunities in the future need to build core competencies and foundation skills, which include those identified in the Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) report. Agents and staff from Daviess, Hanco
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Through Project Work, the Kentucky 4-H Program exceeds Thriving Indicators at the Kentucky State Fair
Author: Kimberly Schrader
Major Program: Leadership
The Kentucky State Fair serves as a culminating event for 4-H members across the Commonwealth, showcasing the depth and breadth of youth project work. In 2024, Kentucky 4-H members exhibited 6,612 projects and competitions in Cloverville and 2,960 livestock projects, including beef, dairy, dairy goats, market goats, sheep, and swine.Each project required a minimum of six hours of guided instruction, resulting in an estimated 57,432 hours of hands-on learning. This time investment refle
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Teen Conference
Author: Samantha Gamblin
Major Program: Leadership
The 2025 Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky from June 10th to 13th, continuing itslong-standing tradition of empowering youth through leadership, education, and service. This year’s conferencewelcomed a total of 528 participants, including 365 youth delegates, 35 State Teen Council members, 24 State Boardmembers from SET, NRESci, and SSTAB, 80 4-H Agents, 9 4-H Program Assistants, 7 4-H Interns, and 8 volunteers.The event was designed to foster leadership d
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Teen Conference 2025
Author: Victoria Riehemann
Major Program: Leadership
The 2025 Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky from June 10th to 13th, continuing its long-standing tradition of empowering youth through leadership, education, and service. This year’s conference welcomed a total of 528 participants, including 365 youth delegates, 35 State Teen Council members, 24 State Board members from SET, NRESci, and SSTAB, 80 4-H Agents, 9 4-H Program Assistants, 7 4-H Interns, and 8 volunteers. Bullitt County 4-H brought 4 youth and 1
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4-H Middle School Summit 2025
Author: Madison Adkins
Major Program: Leadership
4-H Summit Success Story:4-H Summit is a transformative event for middle school youth, and this year's Summit was a success. With 115 middle school youth, 33 Teen Leaders, and 43 adults in attendance, the event highlighted the power of social activities, hands-on learning, and a supportive environment.Social activities are crucial for youth development. At 4-H Summit, 57% of attendees were motivated by the opportunity to meet new people, while 51% enjoyed spending time with friends. These in
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Teen Conference 2025
Author: Madison Adkins
Major Program: Leadership
Teen Conference 2025 Success Story The 2025 Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky from June 10th to 13th, continuing its long-standing tradition of empowering youth through leadership, education, and service. This year’s conference welcomed a total of 528 participants, including 365 youth delegates, 35 State Teen Council members, 24 State Board members from SET, NRESci, and SSTAB, 80 4-H Agents, 9 4-H Program Assistants, 7 4-H Interns, and 8 volunteers. The ev
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From Cattle to the Courthouse
Author: Shelley Crawford
Major Program: Leadership
Youth in rural communities often face limited access to leadership development opportunities, role models, and educational pathways that connect them to long-term success. In Trigg County, Kentucky, this was particularly evident among children raised in single-parent households, where resources and support for extracurricular involvement could be challenging. There was a clear need for a youth development program that could cultivate essential life skills such as responsibility, public speaking,
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Teen Leadership Civic Engagement Day
Author: Cabrina Buckman
Major Program: Leadership
Teen Leadership Washington County is an annual program for high school juniors and seniors that focuses on leadership development, career opportunities, and learning about the community. The Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, 4-H Youth Development Agent, and School Gifted and Talented Coordinator partner to plan and implement monthly sessions to cover topics like agriculture, healthcare, business and industry, and more. On December 11, 2024, twenty-eight teen leaders took a deep div
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Teen Leadership Academy
Author: Annette Buckman
Major Program: Leadership
Teen Leadership Academy – Shaping the Next Generation of Leaders!Kentucky 4-H Teen Leadership Academy: Growing Tomorrow’s LeadersThe Kentucky 4-H Teen Leadership Academy (TLA) focuses on youth in 8th through 12th grades, offering a variety of leadership development experiences designed to strengthen the character and qualities of emerging young leaders.To bring this vision to life, the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension 4-H programs from Union, Hancock, Ohio, Webster, Hende
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Teen Conference
Author: Rebecca Stahler
Major Program: Leadership
The 2025 Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky from June 10th to 13th, continuing itslong-standing tradition of empowering youth through leadership, education, and service. This year’s conferencewelcomed a total of 528 participants, including 365 youth delegates, 35 State Teen Council members, 24 State Boardmembers from SET, NRESci, and SSTAB, 80 4-H Agents, 9 4-H Program Assistants, 7 4-H Interns, and 8 volunteers.The event was designed to foster leadership d
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A Journey of Growth
Author: Wade Raymer
Major Program: Leadership
A Journey of Growth: How 4-H Helped Taylor and James Become Leaders and Overcome Life’s ChallengesFor our family, 4-H has been more than just a youth program—it has been a lifeline, a classroom, and a second home. Over the past decade, my children, Taylor and James, have grown into compassionate, resilient leaders, thanks to the experiences and support they’ve gained through 4-H. Their journey is a powerful reminder of how leadership is built not only in moments of success, but
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New Faces, New Futures: Fort Knox Youth Explore Extension
Author: Jocelyn Kemp
Major Program: Leadership
According to the 2023 University of Kentucky Community Needs Assessment for Hardin County, 51.3% of residents identified youth life skill development as a top priority, and 46.3% cited the need for more youth leadership opportunities. Additionally, 47.5% of respondents emphasized the importance of agricultural and natural resource education for young people. Military families, including those stationed at Fort Knox, often experience frequent relocation, making consistent youth programming and co
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Four River Counties 4-H Leadership Academy
Author: Bernita Cheirs
Major Program: Leadership
The Challenge The Four River Counties—Ballard, Carlisle, Hickman, and Fulton—recognized the need to cultivate young leaders to sustain and grow our agriculture-driven economy. Developing youth leadership in this vital sector is key to future economic development in western Kentucky.The Response Through a partnership with Dr. Tony Brannon and the WAVE Ag Initiative, the counties launched the 4-H Leadership Academy, securing $5,000 in funding. The program provided juniors wit
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KY 4-H Teen Conference
Author: Bernita Cheirs
Major Program: Leadership
The 2025 Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky from June 10th to 13th, continuing itslong-standing tradition of empowering youth through leadership, education, and service. This year’s conferencewelcomed a total of 528 participants, including 365 youth delegates, 35 State Teen Council members, 24 State Boardmembers from SET, NRESci, and SSTAB, 80 4-H Agents, 9 4-H Program Assistants, 7 4-H Interns, and 8 volunteers.The event was designed to foster leadership d
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