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, reflecting, and discussing

-understand the importance of diversity and improve their ability to relate to others

-learn effective decision-making methods and experience problem-solving situations

-learn group social skills (Unlock Your Leadership Potential: A Leadership Project Guide, University of Florida, October 2009.)

4-H utilizes high school students in a variety of settings to help them develop their leadership skills as well as life skills. For this reason UK Cooperative Extension 4-H programs from Hancock County, Webster County, Ohio County and Henderson County partnered to offer a 4-H Teen Leadership Academy (TLA) for 8^th-11^th grade members. The Academy met monthly throughout the school year in various locations and counties and focused on developing leadership, social, communication, and life skills.

The post-evaluation results showed have consistently showed an overall increase of knowledge, skills, and aspirations:

*are more confident in their increased leadership skills as a result of TLA

*believe TLA had a positive impact on their self-confidence

*have a better understanding of personality styles and how to work with others

*understand how personality styles can affect the group’s dynamics

Monthly Leadership Academy sessions prepared them for county, district, and state leadership opportunities in 4-H and at school that will benefit them in post-secondary education and in the workforce. One Hancock County TLA graduate has moved into the role of the county 4-H Cloverbud club assistant leader. Without the skills and confidence gained from TLA, she would not be involved in this leadership role with our youngest 4-H members.