We all want to see our world become a better place. This is something that cannot happen overnight but can be made with education about or civic duty as American citizen. More than one-third of United States high school students do not have a basic understanding of democratic citizenship and government; therefore, lack the skills to competently participate as an informed citizen. (Schillings & Fox, n.d.)

The Mercer County 4-H Citizenship Academy is an educational program sponsored by the Mercer County Cooperative Extension Service. The program provides selected middle school aged students an opportunity to learn about local and state government with a "hands-on" approach. 14 students participated this year in which they had the opportunity to engage with local leaders, gain understanding of public issues, and learn how citizens work within government to accomplish public objectives and meet community needs. 

The 10 month program met monthly and youth learned how government in the United States is established on the local, state and federal level. Youth participated in field trips to city/county government, state government and Ky Department of Agriculture, where they met with leaders and had the opportunity to address issues. A grant from KY 4-H Foundation was secured and youth learned in depth about Ag policy within the state and national level.

As a result of the program, one youth stated, “I learned how to legislators make budgets. How they spend the money and how they help us with that money.”