Leadership education builds several important assets in Kentucky youth and provides critical elements of youth development (Search Institute, 2004; Pittman, Irby & Ferber, 2001.) Youth who participate in leadership development opportunities are exposed to a variety of opportunities for personal development. Leadership activities help youth:

-develop confidence in their leadership potential and their own sense of identity

-improve their self-esteem

-enhance their communication skills in sharing, reflecting, and discussing

-understand the importance of diversity and improve their ability to relate to others

-learn effective decision-making methods and experience problem-solving situations

-learn group social skills (Unlock Your Leadership Potential: A Leadership Project Guide, University of Florida, October 2009.)

4-H utilizes high school students in a variety of settings to help them develop their leadership skills as well as life skills. For this reason UK Cooperative Extension 4-H programs from Hancock County, Webster County, Ohio County and Henderson County partnered to offer a 4-H Teen Leadership Academy (TLA) for 8^th-11^th grade members. The Academy met monthly throughout the school year in various locations and counties and focused on developing leadership, social, communication, and life skills.

The youth built relationships and worked in teams to accomplish tasks at each session. Some of the activities ranged from physical challenges at a “ropes course” to applying food safety and preparation skills in competing in a contest that included oral and visual presentations. After expanding their understanding of the job hiring process, each completed a resume. The resumes were reviewed and scored so each teen had a resume ready to use with job interviews and college scholarship applications. After spending the day with a KET instructor, they worked in collaborative groups to create a marketing/promotional video that can be used on social media. 

The 14 teens completed a post-evaluation on the final day and results showed an overall increase of knowledge, skills, and aspirations.

*86% felt confident in their increased leadership skills as a result of TLA

*50% believed TLA had a positive impact on their self-confidence

*79% are prepared to complete a job application, resume, and job interview

*86% have a better understanding of personality styles and how to work with others

*71% understand how personality styles can affect the group’s dynamics

Monthly Leadership Academy sessions prepared them for county, district, and state leadership opportunities in 4-H and at school that will benefit them in post-secondary education and in the workforce. The 4-H teen involvement from these 4 counties has already seen a significant increase. These 4 counties have more than 10 TLA graduates attending 4-H Teen Conference on the UK campus in June 2019. The number of teens that applied to serve on the State 4-H Teen Council increased significantly as well as applicants for State 4-H Leadership Boards, State 4-H Officers, and the Ky 4-H Performing Arts Troupe. 

Some of the statements from the post-assessment included:

”TLA has made me able to speak in front of others”

“My leadership skills have increased because I learned how to take charge and step up to the plate”

“I learned how to work with other types (personality styles) of people”

“I learned how to try something new, be bold, and be the best”

“I learned how to function as a team”

“I learned how to work together and be creative”

“I loved being in front of the camera to share what I love to do”