As outlined in the county plan of work, Boone County Extension supports communications education through 4-H school enrichment, school clubs, and other areas of education to establish or enhance necessary communications skills that develop college and career ready youth in Kentucky. 

Strong writing, reading and presentation skills present youth with the dexterity of being good communicators as well as allowing them to form receptive relationships with peers and adults. When young people are confident and capable in presenting their thoughts and feelings they are more likely to accept roles of responsibility in their communities and enhance their contribution to society. This development of internal and external assets, as researched by the Search Institutes “The 40 Developmental Assets” helps to develop youth into competent, caring and contributing adults. (Jones, K.R. 2006)

4-H provides communications education to many school clubs throughout the public and parochial schools as well as home-school groups in the county through speech practice and scored presentations. Over 1,600 youth receive 4-H communications education in Boone County. This is provided through 4-H assistant led school clubs, agent led home school groups, or agent led school enrichment delivery methods. 4-H’ers also learn communications skills through volunteer-led club meetings and activities as well as through leadership opportunities that allow speaking in front of the group or being an active listener as part of a presentation. 4-H'ers are invited to participate in the county level communications contest for an opportunity to present their prepared speech or demonstration and receive constructive feedback to become better speakers. Participants were also invited to participate in the written communications contest. The county level competition grew from 6 participants in 2017 to 40 participants in 2019 after recruitment efforts by 4-H Youth Development Education Agent, Paul Adkins, and other 4-H agents and assistants. The written communications contest grew from 1 entry in 2018 to 6 entries in 2019.

Likert scale communications evaluations were distributed and collected after the conclusion of the county level competition. Youth were asked to select one of the following responses for each statement. Each response was then assigned a number and those are noted here. Strongly Disagree (1), Disagree (2), Agree (3), or Strongly Agree (4). The statements provided and average scores from responses are noted below. It is important to note that all respondents agreed or strongly agreed with every statement after participating in 4-H Communications education and an opportunity to practice their communications skills through speeches and/or demonstrations. 

• I learned how to research a topic to prepare for a presentation. (3.7)
• I am able to develop an outline using research for a presentation. (3.6)
• I can utilize my new skills to lead others. (3.6)
• I can utilize my new skills to express my opinion and feelings. (3.6)
• I have improved my communication skills. (3.6)
• I am a good listener. (3.5)
• I can express myself through written and verbal communication. (3.6)
• I am comfortable sharing my thoughts with others. (3.2)
• I used information I learned to make decisions.(3.5)
• I have the confidence to speak in front of groups. (3.3)
• I got to know adults who care about me and are interested in my success. (3.5)
• I use skills I learned in 4-H in other activities at home, school or in my community. (3.7)

Seven county level communications night participants progressed to the district level communications contest and three progressed to the state level competition.