The Green River 4-H Teen Leadership Academy is a community leadership development program for Senior 4-H members in 8 Western Kentucky counties.   The 7-month program is a series of sessions held monthly during the school day from September through April focusing on different topics that inform and strengthen teen awareness of the opportunities that exist in 4-H and their communities.  The teens must have an interest in expanding their knowledge of our region, developing the skills needed to become future leaders, and the maturity to interact with established leaders making a difference in their community and state.  TLA is designed to educate through experiential learning and motivate young leaders to take an active role in their community and 4-H.  Through education, networking, peer interaction and problem solving, the Teen Leadership Academy helps prepare teens for constructive and responsible involvement in community affairs and career exploration.  

Outcomes of TLA:

1. Participants participated in experiential opportunities for substantive interaction with his or her peers, community-based service organizations, University of Kentucky/Kentucky State University, and professionals from the region.
2. Teens in the program learned the importance of teamwork and gained a better understanding of what it means to be a leader.
3. Completed Career exploration, received training from Human Resources professions on the application and interview process,  mock interviews, and resume writing.
4. Gained an awareness of the need for community service, civic participation, and an understanding of how government functions in our state by meeting with state legislators.
5. Acquired a network of youth leaders in Western Kentucky, which will form an excellent basis for their success in 4-H and post high school careers. 
6. Enhanced communication skills in sharing, reflecting and discussion. 
7. Practiced an understanding of the importance of diversity and inclusion.
8. Delivering soft-skills training to help teens develop the skills necessary for the workforce.

Thirty-two Western Kentucky youth graduated TLA in 2024 and have put their skills to use back in their home counties, serving as club leaders, 4-H Camp Teen Leaders and other leadership positions. In Ohio County 3 TLA graduates are serving as 4-H Camp Leaders, Teen Club advisors, and other roles in the community. 4-H TLA Graduate, “I am involved with 4-H because it’s where ‘I can be me and make a difference in my life and others’ “