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 in which 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. 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. 

In 2019, 552 youth from 102 Kentucky counties participated in Kentucky 4-H Summit. Boyle County 4-H had 9 middle schoolers participate as delegates.  Another teen attended and taught at two sessions as a State Teen Council member and another did the same as a State 4-H Officer.

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.  As a result of participating in 4-H Summit, middle schoolers reported that they increased their communication, leadership, and teambuilding skills. Another major benefit of 4-H Summit is the confidence instilled in middle schoolers to go back to their communities and find ways to become leaders, sharing 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.

Some highlights of Summit’s positive impact on the 76% of youth completing the program evaluation include:

• 80% of the youth reported they would like to advance their leadership skills by applying to serve on the State 4-H Teen Council.
• 97% reported feeling accepted by their team. 
• 87% reported that they made a connection with their 4-H State Teen Council team leader. 
• 88% of youth reported they improved their communication skills.
• 88% reported they improved their leadership skills.
• 91% reported they improved their teambuilding skills.
• 93% felt they were able to give back through the community service activity. 
• 86% reported they would be comfortable facilitating a leadership activity.
• 87% reported they could lead a communication activity.
• 87% reported they could lead a group discussion.