According to research, middle school is a time where young people find their place in this world, they are exploring where their strengths and interests align (Fagell. P.L., 2019). Therefore, it is imperative to provide positive experiences where young people may explore the world in a safe environment. Due to the decline in enrollment numbers throughout the middle school years in 4-H programming, Kentucky 4-H hosts the Kentucky 4-H Summit Leadership Conference for middle schoolers (grades 6-8) in an effort to continue engagement. The program continues to grow and meet programmatic goals, 50% of the high school participants at the 4-H Teen Conference in 2018 had attended 4-H Summit during middle school. 4-H Summit provides youth the chance to learn about opportunities provided through 4-H, while developing friendships, leadership skills and communication skills that may benefit them as they explore their strengths and interests in relation to the world. 

552 youth from 102 Kentucky counties participated in Kentucky 4-H Summit in 2019 including five youth from Shelby County. 76% of the youth completed the program evaluation. Of the group that completed the survey, 64% of the youth had never attended the event before, 76% had attended 4-H Summer Camp. 80% of the youth reported that they would like to advance in their leadership skills by applying to serve on the State Teen Council, the high schoolers that serve as leadership ambassadors for the Kentucky 4-H Program. 72% reported they would be interested in serving on one of the Kentucky 4-H leadership boards (Fashion Leadership Board, Performing Arts Troupe, Shooting Sports Teen Ambassadors Board, Science, Engineering, and Technology Leadership Board, and Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Ambassadors Board). 94% reported hearing about 4-H Teen Conference, which is the high school leadership conference held at the University of Kentucky each summer that attracts approximately 590 youth.

Through 4-H Summit programming, middle schoolers had the opportunity to create friendships with their peers and mentorships with older 4-Hers who served as their team leaders and taught their classes. Of those surveyed 97% of the middle schoolers reported feeling accepted by their team. 87% reported that they made a connection with their 4-H State Teen Council team leader. All of the Shelby County youth reported positively on those areas.

As a result of participating in 4-H Summit, middle schoolers reported that they increased their communication, leadership, and teambuilding skills. 88% of youth felt they improved their communication skills, 88% felt they improved their leadership skills, 91% felt they improved their teambuilding skills, and 93% felt they were able to give back through the community service activity. 

A major benefit of 4-H Summit is the confidence instilled in middle schoolers to go back to their community and find ways to become a leader and share their new skills with others. Youth were surveyed on their confidence in taking what they learned at 4-H Summit and applying it in activities at 4-H, school, church, or other organizations in their community. 86% reported they would be comfortable facilitating a leadership activity, 87% felt they could lead a communication activity, and 87% felt they could lead a group discussion. 

All of the Shelby County participants that are eligible plan to attend again next year and are hoping to recruit their friends to attend also.