Teen Leadership Academy – Shaping the Next Generation of Leaders!
Kentucky 4-H Teen Leadership Academy: Growing Tomorrow’s Leaders

The Kentucky 4-H Teen Leadership Academy (TLA) focuses on youth in 8th through 12th grades, offering a variety of leadership development experiences designed to strengthen the character and qualities of emerging young leaders.

To bring this vision to life, the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension 4-H programs from Union, Hancock, Ohio, Webster, Henderson, Daviess, McLean, and Hopkins counties have partnered to provide this dynamic program. The Academy meets monthly throughout the school year at various locations across the region, with sessions aimed at building leadership, social, communication, and life skills essential for future success.

At the heart of TLA is the belief that youth are the key to our future. Teaching young people to express gratitude for what they have, while fostering empathy for the needs of others, enriches their lives and inspires them to make a positive impact. Through volunteerism, teens gain valuable skills such as leadership, effective communication, dependability, time management, and decision-making—skills that are highly sought after in today’s workforce. Additionally, research shows that teens who engage in community service often perform better academically and build stronger resumes for college admissions and scholarship opportunities.

The Teen Leadership Academy is grounded in the principles of Positive Youth Development, empowering young people to grow into capable, confident, and compassionate leaders. Open to 4-H members in grades 8 through 12 across eight Western Kentucky counties, TLA runs from September through April, bringing teens together once a month during the school day to focus on:

• Building leadership capacity
• Enhancing civic awareness
• Inspiring teens to take active roles in both 4-H and their communities

TLA is designed for youth eager to expand their knowledge of the region, develop essential leadership skills, and connect with influential leaders who are making a difference locally and statewide. Through hands-on learning, networking, and skill-building activities, the program prepares young people for responsible community involvement and future career success.

Key Outcomes of the Teen Leadership Academy:

• Experiential Learning & Networking:
Teens engaged in hands-on experiences with peers, community organizations, the University of Kentucky, Kentucky State University, and regional professionals.
• Teamwork & Leadership:
Participants learned the value of teamwork and problem-solving while gaining a deeper understanding of effective leadership.
• Career Readiness:
Youth took part in résumé writing workshops, mock interviews, and received expert guidance on job applications and the hiring process.
• Civic Engagement:
Participants met with state legislators, toured the State Capitol, and learned about civic responsibility and how government functions in Kentucky.
• Youth Leadership Network:
Teens built lasting connections with youth from other counties, forming a network of young leaders across Western Kentucky.
• Enhanced Communication:
Through public speaking opportunities, participants strengthened their communication and interpersonal skills.
• Diversity & Inclusion:
The Academy emphasized the importance of understanding and valuing diversity, equipping youth to lead inclusively.
• Soft Skills Development:
Teens developed essential workplace skills including professionalism, problem-solving, adaptability, and strong communication.

In 2025, 32 youth from across eight Western Kentucky counties proudly graduated from the Teen Leadership Academy. Many have already applied their newly gained skills by serving as 4-H club officers, 4-H Camp Teen Leaders, and volunteers in their communities.

In Union County, for example, TLA graduates have expanded their leadership roles by volunteering with various community organizations and supporting their local 4-H clubs. Participants expressed gratitude for the guidance they received and shared their desire to make a meaningful difference in their communities. One participant even plans to work at the Extension Office during cooperative education this fall to explore the impact of Extension programs firsthand.

The Green River 4-H Teen Leadership Academy continues to cultivate confident, informed, and service-minded young leaders—empowering them to shape the future of their communities and beyond.