The 99^th 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 4-H program skills, 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 7 individuals (1 minority) from Ohio County, 4 youth were first time participants. One youth received a $1000 scholarship to attend college, 1 youth received the Kentucky 4-H Silver Achievement award ($132 Scholarship to attend the Conference) and 2 received the Bronze Achievement Award $66 scholarship to attend Teen Conference each).  Youth were provided with an evaluation following the conference where they were asked about their plans after high school, 100% showed an interest in attending college and 25% were interested in learning more about Agriculture. To capture the progressive experience youth were also asked about their previous involvement in 4-H and of those that responded100% attended 4-H Camp and 2 youth attended 4-H Summit.  The youth received six hours of educational content in a subject of their choice. Youth engaged in hands-on lessons inside and outside of classrooms showing them what student life might be like if they attended college. The majors focused on: agriculture, health, natural resources, expressive arts, family consumer sciences, science, engineering and technology, and communication. 

Participants engaged in five hours of leadership development and service learning, and participated in a mentorship workshop. 4-H collaborated with over 25 community serving organizations to engage in three hours of service work. Ohio County youth logged 21 hours of service translating into a cost savings of $152 (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.