In a 2016 survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center, one in four youth were unable to name the three branches of government. In addition, in July 2018 the Kentucky Revised Statute (KRS) 158.141 stated a student must pass a civics test at a rate of 60% or higher, composed of 100 questions to graduate from a public high school with a regular diploma. To address this need, Kentucky 4-H Capitol Experience was established with the objectives of: 

1. Developing a positive relationship between elected officials, 4-H members, 4-H Agents, and 4-H volunteer leaders. 
2. Increasing the knowledge of civics and state government in Kentucky 4-H participants.
3. Increasing the knowledge of 4-H Youth Development programs to state elected officials. 
4. Increasing a sense of responsibility in Kentucky 4-H members to take an active role in local and state government.

Clark County 4-H Agents took 6 Clark County youth on to the 4-H Capitol Experience where they learned about Kentucky government and heard from local Legislators. All of these youth indicated that they felt more confident and comfortable about talking with elected officials after the trip. They also shared that they were all interested in continuing to explore careers and ways to get involved with government and the lawmaking process.