Author: Brian Walker
Planning Unit: KSU Administration
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
Plan of Work: Unrelated to a specified County Plan of Work
Outcome: Long-Term Outcome
The 4-H team at KYSU facilitated their first 4-H Teen Leadership Retreat at the Rosenwald 4-H Youth Development Center. 4-H has worked heavily with first-generation 4-H participants from minority and limited resource audiences who have expressed interest in developing leadership and civic engagement skills. As a result, this retreat is a culmination of upcoming leadership programmatic efforts and a preparatory program for first-generation 4-Hers who have joined 4-H and will be representing KSU at the 2024 National 4-H Conference in Arlington, V.A. The purpose of this retreat was to prepare youth to engage in civic issues as developing leaders who can confidently and strategically work together to create solutions to various issues that currently impact youth, the future of agriculture, health, college and career readiness, as well as equitable 4-H experiences for all. From the tri-county area there were students representing Butler High School, Central High School, Shelby County High School, Fairdale High School, Bryan Station High School, and Tate’s Creek High School. Dr. Gardner, 4-H Program Leader, was present to start the day off with encouraging words for the developing leaders, followed by a teen guest speaker from Montgomery County, Ms. Kyera Wright, who spoke on her experiences with 4-H and how it has shaped her future. A question was asked, "what advice would you give to youth in the room, to make the most out of their 4-H experience?", to which Ms. Wright replied, " Say yes! If you don't think you will enjoy it, still say yes. That is what has made me the 4-Her I am today." In addition to attending the leadership retreat, these 4-Her's were able to attend High School Day that was sponsored by KSU Admissions. Back at Rosenwald they were able to have a one-on-one panel discussion with The Student Government Association (SGA) and the Royal Court to answer all questions pertaining to being student leaders. According to our surveys, prior to the retreat 50% of participants reported that they stop to think before making a decision, afterward 70% reported they stop to think before making a decision and 100% of participants reported 4-H is a place where they have a chance to be a leader before and after the retreat. The success of this retreat is attributed to the careful planning, engaging curriculum, dedicated 4-H Team, and creativity to engage our Kentucky teens as they prepare to be our future leaders.
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