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 where 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. The program continues to grow and meet programmatic goals, 50% of the high school participants at the 4-H Teen Conference in 2018 had attended 4-H Summit during middle school. 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. 

6 youth from Taylor County participated in Kentucky 4-H Summit in 2019.  50% of the youth had never attended the event before, 83% had attended 4-H Summer Camp and 100% reported hearing about 4-H Teen Conference, which is the high school leadership conference held at the University of Kentucky each summer that attracts approximately 590 youth.

Through 4-H Summit programming, middle schoolers had the opportunity to create friendships with their peers and mentor-ships with older 4-H’ers who served as their team leaders and taught their classes.  All participants reported feeling accepted by their team and that they made a connection with their 4-H State Teen Council team leader. 

As a result of participating in 4-H Summit, all attendees reported that they increased their communication, leadership, and team-building skills. 

A major benefit of 4-H Summit is the confidence instilled in middle schoolers to go back to their community and find ways to become a leader and share 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. 90% of attendees were able to give back to their community by facilitating a leadership activity by assisting with Fantastic Friday, an after-school program or by peer coaching in the Shooting Sports program.