At the 94^th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference, a 4-H member from Ohio County developed leadership and teamwork skills, improved communication skills, became involved in civic life, expanded knowledge related to a 4-H core content area: communication/citizenship, health, natural resources, agriculture, expressive arts, family consumer sciences, and science, engineering, and technology. The participants fostered a sense of belonging through networking, engaged in youth-adult partnerships, and became acquainted with the University of Kentucky to aid in college and career readiness. Through 4-H Teen Conference, the delegate gained six hours of instruction in a core content area of their choice led by an expert in the field. The delegates (87%) learned something new by participating in the core content area.  Delegates reported they are interested in learning more about majoring or finding a career in the following areas: science, engineering and technology, health, agriculture, leadership/citizenship, communication, expressive arts, family consumer sciences, and natural resources.

An additional component of 4-H Teen Conference was a leadership development experience, where adults and 4-H youth leaders led delegates through a common leadership experience. All delegates experienced the opportunity to network and belong to a group of individuals, explore personal communication styles, and work in a team environment through a community service project. 4-H Teen Conference delegates (75%) reported feeling connected to their leadership group. Forty-two community service projects were completed with the assistance of a grant through the Bluegrass Community Foundation. Over thirty community serving organizations collaborated with Kentucky 4-H to provide the community service experience of the conference. Delegates (85%) reported feeling like they had the opportunity to give back through the community service project. 4-H’ers expressed their satisfaction with 4-H Teen Conference, “I learned so much and met so many new people! 4-H parents expressed their satisfaction with 4-H Teen Conference, “My child had a great week and I absolutely love what 4-H does for my child”. Delegates reported the greatest benefits of 4-H Teen Conference are: having fun, developing leadership skills, expanding personal network and making new friends, gaining 4-H program skills, and expanding 4-H knowledge. The Ohio County 4-H delegate received the Kentucky 4-H Honors Bronze Medal at the Conference.