Success StoryKentucky 4-H Teen Conference



Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference

Author: Ryan Farley

Planning Unit: Fayette County CES

Major Program: Leadership 4-H Core Curriculum

Plan of Work: Leadership and Volunteer Development

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

The 95th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky June 10-13, 2019. The objectives of Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference are: develop leadership and teamwork skills, improve communication skills, foster civic engagement, expand knowledge and skills related to 4-H core content areas, gain club, county and state 4-H program skills, have fun, create a sense of belonging, expand social skills through networking, develop youth-adult partnerships, and become acquainted with the University of Kentucky to aid in college and career readiness of Kentucky 4-H’ers. The annual event attracted 704 individuals to the University of Kentucky; 557 youth and 147 adults from 98 Kentucky counties. The event was sponsored by the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment Cooperative Extension Service 4-H Program, the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, and Farm Credit Mid-America. Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference provides a dynamic opportunity for youth to experience life on campus while gaining independence and giving them an opportunity to see themselves outside of their typical environment. 81% of youth surveyed reported that Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was their first experience staying overnight in a UK dormitory and this experience was the first visit to the University of Kentucky for 44% of youth. 100% of Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference delegates attended a College of Agriculture, Food, and Enviornment campus tour and Ag Ambassadors presentation. Through choosing a major and minor 4-H members have a chance to develop a network of peers and adults from across the Commonwealth in a caring and safe environment. Delegates select a major of their choice that align with the Kentucky 4-H core content areas and degree programs offered at the University of Kentucky. Delegates have the opportunity to build networks with mentors in their field of interest and connect with like-minded peers. Thirty-three programs and departments across the University of Kentucky and in the local community provided majors for delegates to participate. As a result of 4-H Teen Conference 91% of delegates surveyed reported that they are likely to attend the University of Kentucky. As a result of participating in their major, delegates reported their interest in majoring or finding a career in one of the areas they explored at Teen Conference. Four delegates attending from Woodford County and all expressed interest in not only returning next year, but finding value in their major that connects with a vocational interest they have as well as developing more teen leadership opportunities here in Woodford County and serving at either the District or State level in leadership roles. In addition, one delegate who has now attended for three years is serving as a member of the State Teen Council which can be directly traced to her experiences at Teen Conference.






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