Leadership education builds several important assets in Kentucky youth and provides critical elements of youth development (Search Institute, 2004; Pittman, Irby & Ferber, 2001.) Youth who participate in leadership development opportunities are exposed to a variety of opportunities for personal development. Leadership activities help youth:

-develop confidence in their leadership potential and their own sense of identity

-improve their self-esteem

-enhance their communication skills in sharing, reflecting, and discussing

-understand the importance of diversity and improve their ability to relate to others

-learn effective decision-making methods and experience problem-solving situations

-learn group social skills (Unlock Your Leadership Potential: A Leadership Project Guide, University of Florida, October 2009.)

4-H offers high school students a variety of settings to help them develop their leadership and life skills. The UK Cooperative Extension 4-H programs from Hancock, Webster, Ohio, Union, Hopkins, McLean, Daviess, and Henderson Counties partnered to offer a 4-H Teen Leadership Academy (TLA) for 8^th-12^th grade members. Thirty-two youth participated in the 2023-2024 program. The Academy met monthly throughout the school year in various locations and counties and focused on developing leadership, social, communication, and life skills.

The post-evaluation results showed have consistently showed an overall increase of knowledge, skills, and aspirations. Results show the teens: 

*are more confident in their increased leadership skills as a result of TLA

*believe TLA had a positive impact on their self-confidence

*increased their communication skills

*completed a resume and mock job interview

*are more confident working as a team to accomplish tasks.

* able to put their new leadership skills to use 

 Monthly Leadership Academy sessions prepared them for county, district, and state leadership opportunities in 4-H and at school that will benefit them in post-secondary education and in the workforce. 4 Past TLA graduates serve as 4-H Camp Leaders, and two past TLA Graduates are planning on starting a 4-H Podcast. All say their TLA experience helped them gain the leadership skills and confidence to serve in these roles.