Success Stories - Kentucky Extension Reporting System

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Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Cooperative Extension Service

Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

Impacts

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Fiscal Year: 2025

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2025

Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025

Success StoriesKentucky Extension Reporting System

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 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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 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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Leading Today for a Better tomorrow

Author: Renata Farmer

Major Program: Leadership

Research shows that effective leadership is a necessary factor for success within today’s communities and organizations. After looking at our Knox County Community Needs Assessment, it was noted that many individuals in our area thought it was important to promote leadership among our Knox County youth.  Knox County 4-H collaborated with Lynn Camp and Barbourville High School's JAG program to promote leadership and communication development at the high school level.  Ninety-s

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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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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

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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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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Acting Associate Dean & Director — Craig Wood, Ph.D.
S107 Ag. Science Center North
Lexington, KY 40546-0091
+1 (859) 257-4302

© 2024 University of Kentucky, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment