The 4-H Thriving Model is the theory of change for positive youth development in 4-H. The model illustrates the process of positive youth development in 4-H programs by connecting high quality program settings to the promotion of youth thriving. Kentucky 4-H has identified development of youth leadership skills as a precedence for community development. 4-H Clubs provide support for youth in developing the ability to analyze their own strengths and weaknesses, set personal and professional goals, and have the self-esteem, confidence, motivation, and abilities to carry them out.

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).

Youth leaders who motivate their peers and lead by example made the youth group stronger and more effective. 4-H youth need the kind of direct, youth-led experiences that 4-H clubs provide, where they learn by doing, grow from failure, express their ideas, and use their influence to promote positive outcomes. Membership in an organized 4-H club provide opportunities for youth to apply life skills such as leadership, citizenship, service learning, public speaking and fosters youth-adult partnerships that result in active involvement and participation in their club and community. 4-H programs provide experiential learning based on research-based core curriculum as a primary teaching approach that promotes the Essential Elements of Youth Development.

Ohio County youth who participated in 4-H Leadership development programs experienced a variety of opportunities for personal development and growth. There are 41 school clubs and 7 community clubs in Ohio County, comprised of more than 950 youth. Ages 9-18. Within these clubs 321 youth were elected to a leadership role by serving as a club officer (34%).

1. Leadership: Youth developed leadership potential and a sense of identity. When faced with a leadership role over 90% of club members said they felt comfortable in their abilities.
2. Communication: Youth enhanced their communication skill in sharing, reflecting and discussion – 100% of the youth elected as a club officer prepared a speech for officer elections, 100% of the club presidents can preside over a 4-H club meeting utilizing a meeting agenda. 100% of secretaries kept accurate club minutes.
3. Social Competence:  Youth practiced effective decision using methods and experience problem-solving situations. One hundred percent of the clubs followed parliamentary procedure in meetings.
4. Diversity - Youth improved their ability to relate to others and understand the importance of diversity in their communities. Forty-one school clubs presented a program on cultural diversity.
5. Academic - 4-H Horticulture Club Junior Judging team received Reserve Grand Champion Team, and the Senior Judging team received Grand Champion and will advance to a national contest representing Kentucky 4-H.
6. Service Learning: Youth the importance of community by collecting 391 items for the Food Pantry and the Ohio County Animal Shelter.

4-H Youth, “I wanted to be a 4-H officer because I want to bring people together.” 

4-H Youth, “4-H is my happy place where I feel I can belong and be myself.”

4-H Youth, “I am confident and can lead the club in the best way possible.”

4-H Youth, “I wanted to improve my social skills in a club and be responsible.”

“The 4-H Thriving Model is the theory of change for positive youth development in 4-H. The model illustrates the process of positive youth development in 4-H programs by connecting high quality program settings to the promotion of youth thriving. Youth who achieve positive developmental outcomes are more likely to also achieve long-term outcomes marked by vocational or academic success, civic engagement, employability and economic stability and happiness and well-being.” (National 4-H Council). The 4-H developmental curriculum empowers young people to have self-confidence; know how to work well with others; persevere through challenges; and stick with a task until completed. The result? Empowered youth with the skills to lead for a lifetime.