Extension
It Starts With Us
Youth Leadership
Leadership and Community Development
Stewart
Family and Consumer Science
Leadership is a needed and important programming emphasis in Kentucky 4-H. The Cooperative extension service provides opportunities to youth and families to help improve their leadership ability and create most positive futures. Leadership opportunities for youth create a setting that reduces the access of youth to risk factors that can negatively impact their success.
Basic leadership knowledge & skills are essential for success in almost any field. The skills associated with leadership are necessary when working in a group or communicating with others. Employers look for leadership skills in the persons they hire. Developing leadership in the youth and adults who are involved in the 4-H program is a priority. By assisting the development of leadership skills in today’s youth, we improve their ability to face the challenges of tomorrow. (Unlock Your Leadership Potential, University of Florida)
The development of life skills [such as leadership ]allows youth to cope with their environment by making responsible decisions, having a better understanding of their values, and being better able to communicate and get along with others. (Boyd, Herring & Briers, 1992, Journal of Extension).
Youth will serve as teen and adult leaders in their communities, community organizations, and as mentors for younger youth.
• Youth will demonstrate the understanding of diversity, inclusivity and multiculturalism in their daily life.
• Youth will identify and address critical issues that impact the community
• Youth will be productive, contributing adults in the future.
• Youth will use leadership and communications skills needed to be successful in the workplace on a daily basis.
Youth will demonstrate leadership, teamwork and communication skills in their day to day lives.
• Youth will utilize leadership skills learned during their time in 4-H in clubs, activities and other venues with 4-H and other community organizations.
• Senior 4-H members will become leaders or co-leaders of a 4-H project club, day camp or other project based group of younger 4-H members.
• Youth will indicate increased awareness of diversity issues in their community and personal lives.
• Youth will engage in community based service projects selected to address identified needs.
Youth will learn the communication, leadership and procedural skills that will allow them to run a meeting.
• Youth will increase their knowledge about leadership and how to be an effective leader, team player and communicator.
• Youth will learn about leadership styles and will be able to identify positive and negative leadership characteristics.
• Youth will learn about diversity and will demonstrate inclusivity.
• Youth will acquire decision making skills and gain an appreciation for civic engagement.
• Youth will learn how to set appropriate, attainable goals.
• Youth will listen to people who have different ideas from them.
Initial Outcome: Youth will increase their interest in civic government
Indicator: Youth will learn how to run a meeting
Method: observation and verbal assessment
Timeline: school year 2023-2024
Intermediate Outcome: Youth will apply civic engagement
Indicator: more leadership roles in youth clubs
Method: observation, increase in numbers
Timeline: school year 2023-2024
Long-term Outcome: Youth will be more active in their community and on the job or college
Indicator: More involvement and leadership roles in program council and community organizations
Method: observation, parents, teachers, follow-up phone calls or texts
Timeline: one year
Audience: 4-H Member (Middle and High School)
Project or Activity: 4-H Teen Conference, Teen Summit, Southern Region,
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum
Inputs: University of Kentucky,Leadership Center, Other locations throughout the state, Support Staff, Volunteer support and time, printed and on-line resources, Partnerships with community and state organizations
Date: School year 2023-2024
Audience: 4-H Members
Project or Activity: 4-H Teen Council and 4-H is Fun
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum
Inputs: Public School, Support Staff, Volunteer support and time, printed and on-line resources, Partnerships with community and state organizations
Date: School Year 2023-2024
Audience: 4-H Members (Teens)
Project or Activity: 4-H Camp
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum
Inputs: Extension Office, 4-H Camp, Volunteer Support and time, printed and on-line resources,
Date: spring and summer 2024
Author: Lora Stewart
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, cogni
