Teen Conference 2022 

Success Story 

The 98^th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky June 14-17, 2022. The objectives of Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference are: develop leadership and teamwork skills, improve communication skills, foster civic engagement, expand knowledge and skills related to 4-H core content areas, gain club, county and state 4-H program skills, have fun, create a sense of belonging, expand social skills through networking, develop youth-adult partnerships, and become acquainted with the University of Kentucky to aid in college and career readiness of Kentucky 4-H’ers. 

The educational experience returned to full participation in 2022 after the COVID-19 pandemic shut down typical programming in 2020 and 2021. After the impact of COVID-19, many youth reported they were eager to return to face-to-face experiences, Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference being one of those.  The leadership event attracted 489 individuals to the University of Kentucky campus: 389 youth and 61 adults from 84 Kentucky counties. The event was sponsored by the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment Cooperative Extension Service 4-H Program, the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Farm Credit Mid-America, and the Kentucky Soybean Board. 

During the educational experience all youth participated in a UK recruitment session with the Office of Enrollment Management. Additionally, they received academic exploration materials from the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Center for Student Success. This exposure provided youth the opportunity to see what the University of Kentucky has to offer and begin the conversation about their potential to attend the University of Kentucky as a student. 

4-H partnered with 35 different units and departments across the University for participants to gain six hours of educational content in a subject (major) of their choice. Youth engaged in hands-on lessons inside and outside of classrooms at the University of Kentucky, showing them what student life might be like if they attended UK. The majors focused on: agriculture, health, natural resources, expressive arts, family consumer sciences, science, engineering and technology, and communication. 

In addition, participants engaged in five hours of leadership development and service learning. All youth participated in a mentorship workshop led by a youth-adult facilitation team. 4-H collaborated with over 25 community serving organizations to engage in three hours of service work. 389 youth logged 1,167 hours of service. This translates into a cost savings of $8,460.75 (3 hours x $7.25/hour) for organizations versus using paid employees. These efforts supported local service organizations and empowered 4-Hers to think about their ability to impact change in their community. 

Kentucky 4-H is committed to providing educational experiences for all youth. The Kentucky 4-H Foundation awarded $13,980.50 to 88 Kentucky 4-Hers to attend Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference. The Kentucky 4-H Foundation awarded $19,500 to 4-Hers in post-secondary education scholarships during Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference. 

Leslie County 4-H had 3 teens who attended the 2022 Teen Conference. Jathan Shell, who has reapplied for his 3rd term on State Teen Council attended Conference for the 2^nd time this year. Jathan originally got his start through in-school programming, which led him into 4-H Camp and the NRESci program. By participating in different 4-H programs Jathan has observed many different roles and opportunities which led him to wanting to be a STC member. 

Brianna Gilbert also got her start through in-school programming. Those programs led her to 4-H camp and the NRESci Academy. She was interested in Teen Conference because she plans to attend the University of Kentucky someday. Before Teen Conference she applied to be a NRESci ambassador. Teen Conference allowed her to observe current ambassadors and other 4-H roles. Since Conference, Brianna has inquired about State Teen Council, how to become a 4-H State Officer and how to become part of the 4-H Fashion Revue. 

Dalton Gilbert got his start in 4-H by attending 4-H camp. He recently attended 4-H camp as a CIT and will become a Teen Leader next year. Dalton is a true innovator and showed excellent Leadership skills at 4-H Camp and Teen Conference. 

All three teens who attended are looking forward to 2023 Teen Conference and we hope to add more!

It is evident by seeing the experiences our youth had, that Teen Conference was very beneficial with helping them prepare for the future!

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