~~Draw String Back packs  4-H State Teen Conference 2017 4-H State Teen Conference has been held at the University of Kentucky for 93 years. In 2017, 4-H State Teen Conference attracted 536 high school 4-H’ers from 89 counties across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Through 4-H Teen Conference high school 4-H’ers can develop leadership skills, improve communication skills, foster citizenship skills, expand skills & knowledge in specific subjects related to 4-H Core Content areas, gain club and county 4-H program skills, gain a sense of belonging, expand social skills and become acquainted with the University of Kentucky, college life, and career opportunities. In 2017, 53.9% of the youth surveyed reported that this was their first year attending 4-H State Teen Conference and 57.14% had previously attended 4-H Summit, the 4-H middle school leadership conference. Of the youth that attended, 70.13% participated in a 4-H School Club, 83.12% participated in a 4-H Community Club, 68.8% have been a member of their county’s 4-H Teen Leadership Club/4-H Teen Council and 38.56% served on the Kentucky 4-H State Teen Council or one of the Kentucky 4-H Teen Leadership Boards. For 42% of the youth this was their first visit to the University of Kentucky’s campus and 79% of the youth’s first experience staying overnight in a University of Kentucky dormitory. 93.5% reported their plans after high school is to attend a four-year college or university, with 86.92% positively considering the University of Kentucky as a post-secondary option. 4-H State Teen Conference has been proven a useful tool for positive youth development professionals to engage high school youth in 4-H activities that will promote mastery, belonging, independence, and generosity. Youth reported their biggest benefits of 4-H Teen Conference in 2017 were: 75.9% having fun in a safe environment, 68.8% developing leadership skills, 67.53% expanding personal networks by making new friends, 63.63% expanding 4-H knowledge related to 4-H Core Content, 62.33% improving communication skills, 48.7% becoming acquainted with the University of Kentucky and 40.25% gaining skills to take back to their club or county 4-H program. Rowan County and Bath County FCS agent’s team up and taught How to Make a Draw String Backpack class.  Each student used two-18 inch square (fat quarters) material, parachute cord, sewing machines, scissors, pins and iron to create an individual backpack. Twenty students and one college leader finished their projects in the 6 hour class. Only 4 of the students had ever sewed before. 100%Finished their projected.80%Had never used a sewing machine, but was successful in learning.50%     Finished the projected early and had time to learn hand applique.100%   Noted that they would like to have another project of this kind offered again.