The 2025 Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky from June 10th to 13th, continuing its long-standing tradition of empowering youth through leadership, education, and service. This year’s conference welcomed a total of 528 participants, including 365 youth delegates, 35 State Teen Council members, 24 State Board members from SET, NRESci, and SSTAB, 80 4-H Agents, 9 4-H Program Assistants, 7 4-H Interns, and 8 volunteers. The event was designed to foster leadership development, enhance communication skills, promote civic engagement, and provide exposure to college and career pathways. All youth participated in a recruitment session with the UK Office of Enrollment Management and received academic exploration materials from the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. As a result, 77% of participants expressed interest in attending the University of Kentucky, and 89% reported learning something new in their assigned academic major. The conference featured over six hours of hands- on educational content delivered in partnership with 25 UK departments, covering topics such as agriculture, health, natural resources, expressive arts, family and consumer sciences, science, engineering, technology, and communication.

A highlight of the conference was the keynote address delivered by a distinguished Kentucky 4-H alum, who shared their personal 4-H journey and how it shaped their professional path. Their story of growth, resilience, and achievement served as a powerful reminder of the lifelong impact of 4-H. By reflecting on their own experiences—from club meetings and leadership boards to national competitions and college decisions—the speaker encouraged delegates to embrace every opportunity 4-H offers. Their message underscored the importance of staying engaged, taking on new challenges, and using the skills gained through 4-H to lead with purpose. The keynote inspired many attendees to continue their 4-H careers and explore new avenues for involvement, including leadership boards, service roles, and career exploration.

In addition to academic enrichment, youth engaged in six hours of leadership development and service learning, including a leadership workshop and three hours of community service with more than 28 local organizations. Collectively, the youth contributed 1,347 hours of service, generating an estimated $9,766 in value for community partners. Evaluation data revealed that 62% of participants identified learning about the University of Kentucky and understanding their options as the greatest benefit of the conference. The average participant had attended Teen Conference for 2 years, with 47% attending for the first time. Many had prior involvement in 4-H, with 83% having attended 4-H Camp and 51% participating in 4-H Summit. The 2025 conference exemplified the 4-H Beyond Ready framework by providing youth with experiences that fostered a sense of belonging through meaningful connections with peers and mentors, mastery through academic and leadership skill-building, independence through decision-making and self-discovery, and generosity through impactful community service. Youth feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing that the experience helped them grow in confidence, build lasting friendships, and feel inspired to pursue higher education and leadership roles. 

The conference also had a significant economic impact, generating $100,000 in revenue for university services and contributing over $15,000 to small businesses through the CLOVERFEST event. The Kentucky 4-H Foundation played a vital role in supporting access and opportunity, awarding $17,900 in scholarships to 90 youth to attend the conference through the 4-H Achievement program. The Kentucky 4-H Foundation and other external donors also contributed to $20,500 in post- secondary scholarships during the event. The 2025 Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference stands as a testament to the power of youth development and the enduring impact of 4-H in preparing young people to be beyond ready for their futures. 

This summer, two outstanding youth from Hopkins County attended Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference—and came home forever changed. From stepping out of their comfort zones to chasing dreams on the track, the experience empowered them to grow in confidence, communication, and connection.

During the week, both young women found themselves in moments they never could’ve imagined. One youth shared, “I had the confidence to go up to the President (Eli Capilouto), shake his hand, and introduce myself.” Another was handed a camera by a UK marketing team member, allowing her to capture the conference through her own lens—literally. Both chose to take communications classes and one even shared her speech with us, which focused on spreading kindness, confidence, and positivity in all the small moments of daily life. Her message was heartfelt and inspiring—echoing the very growth she experienced that week.

A special highlight was a private tour of the University of Kentucky’s Track and Field facility. As a current high school runner, Maddie was awe-struck while walking the same ground as Olympians and UK champions. Witnessing her dreams come to life was unforgettable.

Beyond the moments and milestones, these youth built friendships with teens across the state and discovered a deepened passion for leadership, family and consumer sciences, and the arts. Most of all, they returned home believing in themselves—and that is the heartbeat of 4-H.

Total Demographics For 2025 Teen Conference

Race/Ethnicity: Non - Hispanic 

White (Hon-Hispanic) 502  (Hispanic) 12

Black 13

Asian / Pacific Islander 2

Native American Indian / Alaska Native 1

Hawaiian 1

Multi / Two or more Races 4

Other/Choose Not to Identify 5

Cannot be determined 

Gender 

Male 151   Female 377

Youth 365

STC Members 35

NRESci Board Members 9

SET Board Members 8

SSTAB Board Members 7

Adults volunteer 8

Intern 7

Program Assistant 9

Agent 80

Total 528