The 100th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference took place at the University of Kentucky from June 11th to 14th, 2024. The conference aimed to achieve several objectives for its participants, including developing leadership and teamwork skills, improving communication abilities, fostering civic engagement, expanding knowledge in 4-H core content areas, and enhancing social skills through networking. Additionally, the event provided an opportunity for youth to become acquainted with the University of Kentucky, aiding in their college and career readiness.

The 100th-year Teen Conference celebration garnered significant attention, drawing 588 participants to the University of Kentucky campus. Among them were 472 youth and 116 adults from 82 Kentucky counties. The event received sponsorship from esteemed organizations, including the University of Kentucky Martin Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Cooperative Extension Service 4-H Program, the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Farm Credit Mid-America, the Kentucky Soybean Board, Kentucky Farm Bureau, and Field & Main Bank. Additionally, we collaborated with a 4-H Alumni who owns a small business to create impactful marketing materials for the centennial year. As part of our efforts, we secured a former 4-H Alumni as our keynote speaker for the 100th celebration. Furthermore, we worked closely with the Agriculture Communications department to strategically recruit major leaders and participants.

During the educational experience, all youth participated in a UK recruitment session with the Office of Enrollment Management. They also received academic exploration materials from the Martin Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Center for Student Success. This exposure allowed them to learn about the University of Kentucky and consider it as a potential institution for their higher education. In the post-conference evaluation, 77% of respondents expressed interest in attending the University of Kentucky, and 25% were keen on learning more about Agriculture. Overall, 90% of youth responded positively to the overall conference. Among the attendees, 47% were first-year members, 31% were second-year members, and 22% had attended the conference for three or more years. To capture the progressive experience, youth were also asked about their previous involvement in 4-H. Of those who responded, 83% had attended 4-H Camp, and 51% had participated in 4-H Summit.

As part of the conference, 4-H collaborated with 25 different units and departments across the University to offer six hours of educational content in various subjects (majors). Youth engaged in hands-on lessons both inside and outside classrooms, providing them with a glimpse of student life at the University of Kentucky. The majors covered areas such as agriculture, health, natural resources, expressive arts, family consumer sciences, science, engineering, technology, and communication. According to the evaluation, 89% of participants indicated that they learned something new in their chosen major. 62% of participants indicated that the greatest benefit to Teen Conference is learning about the University and understanding the options better.  

In addition to educational content, participants dedicated six hours to leadership development and service learning. They attended a leadership workshop led by a youth-adult facilitation team and collaborated with over 25 community-serving organizations for three hours of service work. The 472 youth collectively logged 1,284 hours of service, resulting in a cost savings of $9,309 (calculated at $7.25 per hour) for organizations compared to using paid employees. These efforts not only supported local service organizations but also empowered 4-Hers to recognize their ability to impact change in their community. By hosting the conference on campus, the University of Kentucky generated $100,950 in revenue for university services, including housing, catering, and food services. Additionally, the CLOVERFEST event contributed over $25,000 to small businesses. The success of this year’s 4-H Teen Conference was a collaborative effort involving university services, small businesses, and the dedicated team behind the event.

Kentucky 4-H is committed to providing educational experiences for all youth. The Kentucky 4-H Foundation awarded $11,620 to 68 Kentucky 4-Hers to attend Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference. The Kentucky 4-H Foundation awarded $20,500 to 4-Hers in post-secondary education scholarships during Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference. 

Jessamine County had 13 youth attend teen conference this year. Of those, we had one current state teen council member, one newly selected state teen council member, and one bronze achievement award winner. 

Jessamine county alumni Hannah Snyder was the key note speaker for the final day of the conference.  Hannah served as a State 4-H officer in 2019-2020.  She works as the deputy clerk for the US house of representatives permanent select committee on intelligence.  She has previously worked with Us senator Mitch McConnell's Office, office of the Kentucky Governor and the FBI. SHe credits her relationship building, speaking ability and much more to the 4-H Program. 

Total Demographics For 2024 Teen Conference

Race/Ethnicity:    Non - Hispanic     Hispanic     

White     549    11    

Black     19         

Asian / Pacific Islander     2         

Native American Indian / Alaska Native     2        

Hawaiian     1         

Multi / Two or more Races      13         

Other/Choose Not to Identify    2        

Cannot be determined              Total 

     588    11    588

Gender     Male     Female     

     145    443    

Youth     472        

Adults volunteer     8        

Intern     15        

Program Assistant     12        

Agent     81        

    588    Total