The Kentucky 4-H Green River Advanced Teen Leadership Academy made a meaningful impact on high school youth from Hancock, Henderson, Ohio, and Webster Counties. This year’s pilot program brought together 13 motivated Teen Leadership Academy graduates from 9th to 12th grades to participate in the first Advanced Teen Leadership Academy. The group met 4 times for extended day-long sessions of which one was overnight.

These 4-H teens stepped into a wide variety of leadership roles, serving as workshop committee members and electing a committee, graduation planners, group leaders, and even taking on officer positions like President and Vice President. Each member had to give a speech for an officer position and/or committee member/chair.

The Academy included learning and practicing Parliamentary Procedure, speeches and presentations, career speakers, civic engagement, communication workshops, and a challenge course. In the Qualtrics survey at the conclusion of the program, the participants rated their experience highly, with most giving the program a score of 4 or 5. They highlighted communication skills, public speaking, and leadership development as the most valuable aspects of their participation. Many reported significant personal growth, particularly in their ability to lead others, collaborate as a team, and solve problems effectively. In the written evaluation, one member said, “It has boosted my confidence and inspired me to seek leadership roles in community service and youth organizations.”

The program’s reach extended beyond the 4-H setting. Several students credited the experience with increasing their involvement in leadership roles within their schools and organizations such as FFA. They also expressed appreciation for the networking opportunities and educational trips to iconic Kentucky locations like Churchill Downs and the Muhammad Ali Center.

Highlights from the year included overnight trips, team-building projects, and meaningful community service at the Daniel Pitino Shelter. The participants left with a stronger sense of self, new friendships, and the confidence to lead in their schools and communities.

As one teen summarized, “This program helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect. I’m more confident speaking in front of others and I’ve even run for a leadership position at school because of what I learned here.”

With results like these, the Advanced Teen Leadership Academy stands as a powerful example of how Extension and 4-H programming can shape the next generation of leaders.