In 2023-2024 Taylor County 4-H introduced a new leadership program geared toward increasing the involvement of teens in the Taylor County 4-H Program through the Taylor County 4-H Ambassadors Program. In its pilot year, five teens from two school districts and three schools learned leadership skills, completed community service projects, and increased the visibility of Taylor County 4-H in the Community.

This year, our ambassadors attended Chamber of Commerce luncheons, networked with local businesses, met Taylor County leaders including County Government officials and our State Representative. The program ended the year with a trip to the State Capitol

One Ambassador said about the program “It has taught me some many different things like responsibility, integrity, passion, and so much more. I have a drive to work through tough problems, creativity that allows me to innovate to solve challenges, and learned that it is okay as long as you try again.”

Another Ambassador said, “Taylor County 4-H has invested in me, and has given me a place to fit in. It has given me a love of different activities. Most of all, 4-H has given me confidence. Many different people involved in 4-H have invested in me, and I now feel like it is my time to step up. I have gained experience and leadership skills that could benefit new and existing 4-Hers to realize the potential and reach their goals. 4-H has so much to offer youth, and I know that I can share the experiences that I have been blessed to have with 4-H.”

100% of the Ambassadors learned something new about 4-H and the Cooperative Extension Service.