Five Western Kentucky county 4-H agents – Caldwell, Crittenden, Livingston, Lyon and Trigg – joined forces to meet a need that presented across all county borders. Middle school students lacked opportunities to expand leadership potential and learn about community engagement. Under the direction of the county 4-H agents, four delegates were selected, through an application process, from each county to participate in a year-long leadership academy that would help them become aware of community assets and help them grow leadership skills. Each month the academy delegates visited a different county where they learned about tourism, the medical field, family industry with a global market, the prison system, the judicial system, county government, agriculture in their community, the U.S. Military and corporate industry. One day was also centered on manners and etiquette with a luncheon at a local fine-dining restaurant. 

 Delegates from the host county led ice breakers and leadership activities for the delegation each meeting. Delegates were grouped together, one from each of the four counties, and were given an assignment to prepare a presentation on a topic related to leadership or what they learned about community assets. Each member of the group had to participate in the preparation and presentation, enhancing teamwork and communication skills. Presentations were given at a formal dinner/graduation ceremony for delegates, parents and school administrators.

 Delegate evaluations of the program showed that: 
• 100% of the delegates either strongly agreed or agreed that they learned about assets of the five counties
 • 100% of the delegates strongly agree or agree that they understand the importance of communication when working with others.  
 • 16 of 18 delegates strongly agree that communication skills have increased as a result of their involvement in TLA.
 • 15 of 18 strongly agree that their confidence has increased as a result of their participation in TLA 
Parental evaluations showed that:
 • 89% believe their child  has an increased knowledge of the counties they visited and their community assets. 
 • 76 stated that their child is more responsible for their schedule and being prepared because of their participation in TLA.
• 83% noted that their child is more comfortable speaking in front of others since their involvement in TLA.
 • 100% believe their child’s confidence has increased as a result of his/her involvement in TLA 

 Delegates in Caldwell County put their leadership skills into action in several capacities throughout the year. Several of the delegates served as host for the 2018 Annual 4-H Banquet. All four TLA delegates were members of the Middle School 4-H Teen Club and were responsible for giving a report each meeting of the month’s activities. Three of the four members attended the 2018 4-H Teen Summit and four of the five delegates that attended Teen Conference were graduates of TLA. Each of these events are great opportunities that lead to future leadership potential. 

 The more assets that are provided to youth, the more likely they are to exhibit positive behaviors. Strong leadership and decision making skills are essential assets in helping shape a 4-H member into a responsible adult (Jones, n.d.) It can be assumed that members of the Teen Leadership Academy will have the desired assets to help them exhibit positive behaviors and become responsible adults.