Author: Raymond Cox
Planning Unit: Harlan County CES
Major Program: Leadership 4-H Core Curriculum
Plan of Work: Strengthen Community, Leadership and Economic Development in Harlan County
Outcome: Long-Term Outcome
A component of 4-H Teen Conference this summer was a leadership development experience, where adults and 4-H youth leaders led delegates through a common leadership experience. All delegates experienced the opportunity to network and belong to a group of individuals, explore personal communication styles, and work in a team environment through a community service project. Of the 590 youth attending, 75% of 4-H Teen Conference delegates reported feeling connected to their leadership group. Forty-two community service projects were completed with the assistance of a grant through the Bluegrass Community Foundation. Over thirty community serving organizations collaborated with Kentucky 4-H to provide the community service experience of the conference. 85% of delegates reported feeling like they had the opportunity to give back through the community service project. After high school, 91% of the 4-H Teen Conference delegates plan to attend a 4-year college or university. 25% of the delegates reported receiving academic scholarships (full, partial, or armed forces). 45% of the conference delegates graduated high school with honors, 22% graduated Top 10 in their class, and 17.6% graduated valedictorian or salutatorian. 22.6% reported being selected as a Kentucky Governor Scholar. 4-H’ers expressed their satisfaction with 4-H Teen Conference, “I absolutely love 4-H Teen Conference, it is one of the best conference experiences! I love meeting new people and seeing my old friends again.” 4- H parents expressed their satisfaction with 4-H Teen Conference, “Thank you for the awesome week for my child. She had a great time and is in love with 4-H. It has definitely brought her outside of her box.” Delegates reported the greatest benefits of 4-H Teen Conference are: having fun, developing leadership skills, expanding personal network and making new friends, gaining 4-H program skills, and expanding 4-H knowledge. Also, 87% of the delegates learned something new by participating in the core content area of their choice. 71% of the delegates expressed interest in attending UK after going to Teen Conference.