Providing youth with the ability to enhance and develop communication skills is of great importance in Kentucky. The development of communications skills is one of the preeminent skills necessary to grow as an individual, a community member and a leader. Using age-appropriate activities selected from the approved Kentucky 4-H Communications & Expressive Arts Curriculum, educators can maximize the ability of youth to develop their writing, reading and personal communication capacities. This in turn creates a solid foundation for positive youth development (Jones, K. R. 2006)

 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, understand the importance of diversity and improves their ability to relate to others, learn effective decision-making methods and experience problem-solving situations, and learn group social skills. (Unlock Your Leadership Potential: A Leadership Project Guide, University of Florida, IFAS Extension, October 2009)

 Three 5^th grade in-school clubs participated in the 4-H club program at Cline Elementary during the 2021-22 school year. Each of the clubs elected officers to run the business meeting each month. After the meeting, Sherri Farley, 4-H Youth Development Agent, conducted a lesson focused on various forms of communication such as listening, public speaking, and writing a speech.  52 students completed an end of the year evaluation. All of the students learned about the 4-H club officers, 4-H pledge, how to make a motion during a club meeting, and how to nominate someone to run for an office.

 As part of the communication lessons, students improved their communication skills in listening, public speaking, sharing their thoughts with others, and used their skills to make better decisions. 37 of the students will use the skills they learned in 4-H in other activities outside of school. 33 of the students now have more confidence speaking in front of groups.