Through the 94^th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference, 4-H’ers from across the Commonwealth 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. There were 590 senior level 4-H’ers who attended the 2018 leadership conference. For most of the delegation it was their first time attending the conference, and their first time staying overnight in a residence hall at the University of Kentucky. Most of the conference delegates have been members of 4-H for 5-9 years. Delegates represented 95 counties from across the commonwealth. Laurel County 4-H had 8 participants with 4 of them it their first time. The dynamic learning opportunities delegates participated in during the conference were made possible by the event sponsor, Farm Credit Mid-America.

Through 4-H Teen Conference, delegates gained six hours of instruction in a core content area of their choice led by an expert in the field. Over forty departments within the University of Kentucky, agencies in the Lexington-Fayette County area, and local stakeholders conducted the learning experiences for 4-H Teen Conference delegates. 87% of delegates learned something new by participating in the core content area of their choice. As a result of 4-H Teen Conference delegates reported they are interested in learning more about majoring or finding a career in the following areas (in order of interest): science, engineering and technology, health, agriculture, leadership/citizenship, communication, expressive arts, family consumer sciences, and natural resources. 71% of the delegates reported they were likely to attend the University of Kentucky as a result of attending 4-H Teen Conference. 

An additional component of 4-H Teen Conference was a leadership development experience supported by Farm Credit Mid-America, 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. 75% of 4-H Teen Conference delegates 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. 85% of delegates reported feeling like they had the opportunity to give back through the community service project.

After high school, 91% of the 4-H Teen Conference delegates plan to attend a 4-year college or university. 25% of the delegates reported receiving academic scholarships (full, partial, or armed forces). 45% of the conference delegates graduated high school with honors, 22% graduated Top 10 in their class, and 17.6% graduated valedictorian or salutatorian. 22.6% reported being selected as a Kentucky Governor Scholar. 

One teen from Laurel County was at this conference for the fourth straight year. For the first time, this student took on a leadership role and helped guide and direct other teens. These experiences and opportunities created an environment that allowed them to feel comfortable to take charge and make others feel welcomed. It was the first time this 4-Her has ever shown this type of growth and it continued the following week at 4-H camp. Hopefully it will continue in their future!