Issue or Situation
In Hopkins County, 5th grade students had limited opportunities to engage in hands-on civic education that connected classroom lessons with real-world government and history experiences. While state academic standards required knowledge of government and citizenship, many students lacked immersive opportunities to explore these concepts beyond textbooks. Recognizing this gap, Hopkins County 4-H and Hopkins County city schools identified the need to create a program that would inspire young learners to understand their roles as active, informed citizens and cultivate leadership skills early.

Outreach or Educational Program Response
 To address this need, Hopkins County 4-H partnered closely with Hopkins County 5th grade city schools to launch a pilot Civics Club program aligned with Kentucky’s 5th grade academic standards and 4-H’s core civic engagement values. The club met in four sessions throughout the school year, creating a safe space for students to build relationships, learn about civic principles, and prepare for an educational trip to Washington, D.C.

The club focused not only on civic knowledge but also on practical leadership development, encouraging students to fundraise creatively by leveraging their individual talents. A cornerstone of the program’s success was the strong partnership with 5th grade teachers, who took on critical roles as mentors, chaperones, and co-leaders of fundraising activities. Their commitment helped foster student confidence and ensure every participant could attend the trip regardless of financial barriers.

The trip itself was a multifaceted learning experience. Students departed early from 4-H Camp, traveling first to Virginia’s historic sites, including Jamestown Settlement, Yorktown, and Colonial Williamsburg, where they explored early American history through guided and self-directed tours. The next day was dedicated to the nation’s capital, where students toured the White House, Arlington National Cemetery, the U.S. Capitol, Supreme Court, National Archives, and multiple national monuments honoring American history and civic ideals.

Community support was vital in bringing this vision to life. Generous sponsors such as GE, KYFB, Walmart, McDonald’s (McEnany), Pollard & Sons, Ahlstrom, Independence Bank, Farmers Bank, First United Bank, Coldwell Banker, Black & Decker Stanley, and many others—including key contributions from the Madisonville Mayor, Hopkins County Judge Executive, KYFB, and the Elks Club—ensured that all students could participate regardless of financial need.

Participants/Target Audience
 The program engaged approximately 46 5th grade students from Hopkins County city schools, ranging from ages 10 to 11. These students, many meeting for the first time through the club, formed a peer group united by curiosity, leadership, and shared experience. The Civics Club offered an inclusive environment for learning, collaboration, and personal growth, focused on developing informed and active citizens.

Outcomes and Program Impact
 The impact of the Civics Club and the Washington, D.C. trip was profound and multi-dimensional. Student reflections highlighted moments of awe and inspiration—especially the excitement around seeing the White House and even spotting the President from a distance. Beyond memorable experiences like a popular stop at Buc-ee’s, students demonstrated significant growth in civic knowledge, leadership skills, and self-confidence.

Teachers observed increased engagement in classroom discussions about government and history following the trip, and students displayed a deeper understanding of civic concepts and pride in their community. The fundraising component fostered teamwork and creativity, with students and teachers collaborating closely to make the trip accessible to all.

This program also strengthened community bonds by highlighting the power of partnerships among schools, 4-H, local businesses, and civic leaders. The success of this pilot serves as a promising model for future efforts to engage youth in civic education through experiential learning, demonstrating that even young students can develop the skills and passion necessary to be effective leaders and citizens.

As the students returned home, the memories and lessons from this trip planted seeds of civic responsibility that will continue to grow—proving that with the right support and opportunities, our youth truly can make a difference.