Life skills are essential in preparing youth for success in life. Leadership is one of the most important life skills that youth should learn. Research shows that effective leadership is a necessary factor for success within today’s communities and organizations. Knox County 4-H collaborated with Lynn Camp and Barbourville High School's JAG program to promote leadership and communication skill development at the high school level.  

Ninety-six high school students participated in at least 3 leadership and communication lessons based on recognizing their personal strengths and also developing strengths in working as a team. Youth had the opportunity to learn and practice skills related to communication, interviewing, conflict resolution, and team building.  More than 60 youth and 40 volunteer business leaders/organizations participated in our final project, 4-H Speed interviews. During this event, youth put the skills they had learned into practice by interviewing with local business leaders and rotating to a new interviewer every two minutes.

Short-term evaluations of the program show that:

100 percent of participants can identify qualities of a good leader

90 percent of participants can identify at least two personal leadership qualities

85 percent of participants understands the importance of effective communication, including listening and speaking skills

94% of the 60 youth participating in mock interviews stated that the practice made them feel more comfortable for real-life interviews.