Kentucky 4-H Area Advanced Teen Leadership Academy Empowers Future Leaders

Leadership development is increasingly recognized as a vital component of youth development, especially during the high school years. Leadership development programs have been shown to significantly enhance students’ academic engagement, motivation, and future planning. According to a 2023 report by the Aspen Institute, youth who participate in high-quality leadership programs are more likely to complete their education and be prepared for the workforce.  Research published in the Journal of Youth Development emphasizes that leadership programs grounded in the PYD framework—focusing on strengths, opportunities, and supportive relationships—are particularly effective for high school students. These programs not only build leadership skills but also promote emotional and social well-being 

The Multi-County 4-H 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.”

Statement from a Parent of one of the Youth who participated in the Advance Teen Leadership Academy.-  “Carson has always been an outgoing young man, never meets a stranger, can talk to anyone about anything and doesn’t care to be put on the spot. He flies by the seat of his pants and can handle any situation you throw at him, even if under pressure. So, when he decided to join Advance Teen Leadership Academy (ATLA), no one was surprised. We knew this was a perfect decision for him. Carson absolutely loved ATLA. If you asked him what ATLA has done for him, he would tell you that he proved that by being in ATLA, his outgoing personality and confidence has made him a natural leader that can think quickly on his feet, even when faced with unexpected challenges. For example, over the summer of Carson’s junior year, he had an opportunity to apply for a 2-year internship through Data Seam and Webster County School District. He had to send in a resume, which he already had thanks to TLA, and he had to do an interview via video. The kicker to this was he had to draw a topic randomly and had a short time span to prepare a speech on the topic, video himself doing it and send it in. He and 14 other students from Webster County High School all had to do the same and all had different topics, and they were only choosing 2 students for this opportunity. He was like, no problem, I got this. Then he drew, and his topic was.... “How to Shut a Door”. He had to do a speech on this, and it had to last 5–7 minutes and video himself doing it. Not going to lie, we really had our doubts, HOW TO SHUT A DOOR?? But again, Carson said, “don’t worry I got this,” and he DID, he got chosen for the 2-year internship and he is loving it. By learning the speech and demonstration skills, and leadership opportunities at ATLA and by having the perfect personality, he was able to persuade them through his speech to hire him for this job. He could also be guaranteed a job opportunity when he graduates from high school, and I have no doubt he will be. Thanks to ATLA Carson has become an amazing young man, an outstanding leader, with confidence to do anything.”

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.