Young adults can provide many skills in creating successful programs. Some of their greatest contributions are an abundance of energy, able to view problems in new lights, an ability to relate to younger 4-H members and an intense desire to contribute back to their community. Green County 4-H sought ways to increase leadership opportunities for high school 4-H members as a way for them to reconnect to their communities and expand the Cooperative Extension Service’s reach in offering programs to our community. 

With an active recruitment program, Green County 4-H saw their 4-H Teen program expand to over 40 members who contributed to community service projects, led 4-H club programs and mentored younger members in positive youth development. The 4-H Teen program participated in district and state 4-H leadership trainings and brought those skills back to assist with many programs including our community Ag Safety Day reaching over 400 elementary students and helped 125 seventh graders learn about financial responsibility and career preparation. These youth have been recognized as the Kentucky Youth Representative on the Kentucky Issues Conference, elected as the District 4-H Teen President and elected to represent the Kentucky 4-H youth program of over 250,000 youth as the Kentucky State 4-H Treasurer. Green County 4-H teens have successfully expanded the local 4-H program by offering new activities, served as a positive role model and encouraged younger 4-Hers to strive for their best.