4-H Teen Conference has been held at the University of Kentucky for 93 years. In 2017, 4-H 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 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 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. 

In 2017 the Carter County 4-H agent recruited and chaperoned two delegates at Teen Conference.  The delegates received partial scholarships after earning their Gold awards.  Both delegates reported learning new things during their tracks and workshops.Riley reported learning about new science experiments during the SET track and insects in his workshop.Alyssa said “I learned about a new instrument, a dulcimer, and how to play it. I also learned how important it is to give back to the community and how important friendship is.”   Both are planning to continue their 4-H involvement and use the leadership skills they gained at Teen Conference during future 4-H events and club meetings.