The Green River Area 4-H Teen Leadership Academy is comprised of eight counties in the western part of the state. The purpose of this program is to enhance leadership skills both inside and outside of 4-H and become a part of positive development in the community. The program runs from September through April (except for December) once a month during the school day and rotates among the counties involved. Youth get to experience a different leadership topic each month, build relationships with fellow academy participants, and enhance their leadership abilities to take back to their county. Topics included: team building, video creation and editing with KET, local media outlet education, culinary challenge, mock interviews, community service, legislative day in Frankfort, and human resources presentation focused on applying for jobs. 

Thirty-two youth participated in the 2023-2024 program. 81% of youth reported feeling more confident working in a team, 77% were able to put their new leadership skills to use, and 72% reported improving their communication skills. Daviess County 4-H had four participants. One parent stated they have seen their child’s confidence grow over the year through participation in the Green River Area 4-H Teen Leadership Academy and would like for other family members to participate when they are old enough.