The 99th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky June 13-16, 2023. 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-Hers. 

The leadership event attracted 544 individuals to the University of Kentucky campus: 428 youth and 116 adults from 81 Kentucky counties. The event was sponsored by the University of Kentucky Martin Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Cooperative Extension Service 4-H Program, the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Farm Credit Mid-America, the Kentucky Soybean Board Kentucky Farm Bureau, Valvoline, and Tarter. 

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 Martin Gatton 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. Youth were provided with an evaluation following the conference where they were asked about their plans after high school. Of those that responded, 77% showed an interest in attending the University of Kentucky and 25% were interested in learning more about Agriculture. Ninety percent of youth responded positively about the conference this year. Of those that responded, 64% attended as first year members, 25% as second year members and 11% had attended the conference for 3+ years. To capture the progressive experience youth were also asked about their previous involvement in 4-H and of those that responded 81% attended 4-H Camp, and 38% attended 4-H Summit. 

4-H partnered with 27 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. The 428-youth logged 1,284 hours of service. This translates into a cost savings of $9,309 (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 $12,527.20 to 95 Kentucky 4-Hers to attend Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference. The Kentucky 4-H Foundation awarded $20,500 to 4-Hers in post-secondary education scholarships during Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference. 

Four 4-Hers from Spencer County were fortunate to attend the 2023 Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference. Avry Earnshaw, Nash Earnshaw, Geneva Quig, and Zeely Schwartz took part in a week full of leadership experiences, specialized classes, networking opportunities, and community service activities. Avry also served as a member of the State Fashion Leadership Board throughout the week and participated in the State Fashion Revue. The purpose of the 4-H Fashion Revue is to cast the spotlight on youth in sewing, needlework, and Creating Fashion/Expressing Self projects. Avry won 1st place and was given the honor to participate in the 2024 National 4-H Fashion Revue at the beginning of the new year. Congratulations and best of luck, Avry! Mollie Tichenor, agent, Ryan Linton, program assistant, and Casey Montgomery, summer intern, served as chaperones for this trip.