Success StoryYouth Learn Life Skills at 4-H Teen Conference



Youth Learn Life Skills at 4-H Teen Conference

Author: Courtney Brock

Planning Unit: Lincoln County CES

Major Program: Leadership 4-H Core Curriculum

Plan of Work: Leadership Development & Volunteerism

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

The 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; 11 of which represented Lincoln County. 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. 100% of Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference delegates attended a College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment 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. 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. 4-H Teen Conference delegates engage in minors that focus on citizenship and leadership, delegates receive five hours of leadership and citizenship development. The delegates are randomly assigned a minor group that is co-led by a State Teen Council Member and Kentucky 4-H Agent. The minor focuses on developing leadership skills and providing the opportunity for youth to participate in a service project in the Central Kentucky area. In 2019, Kentucky 4-H partnered with 34 community serving agencies to allow 557 youth to log 1,671 hours of service. This translates into a cost savings of $12,114.75 (3 hours * $7.25/hour) for organizations versus using paid employees. These efforts support local service organizations and empowered the 4-H delegation to think about their ability to impact change in their community. Over 93% of conference delegates felt they were able to give back to their community through the service project. Kentucky 4-H partnered with the Kentucky Soybean Board to provide the leadership keynote speaker who focused on authentic leadership and workshop focused on diversity and inclusion. The curriculum for the leadership workshop was a collaboration between Kentucky 4-H and the Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences Program at the University of Kentucky. The delegates focused on understanding differences and working through those differences and including all people as leaders. 77.77% felt they made a connection with their minor group. 81% believe that developing leadership skills is one of the greatest benefits of 4-H Teen Conference. Kentucky 4-H is committed to providing educational experiences to all youth. The Kentucky 4-H Foundation through the Kentucky 4-H Achievement Program awarded over $21,000 to 139 Kentucky 4- Hers to attend Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference. The Kentucky 4-H Foundation awarded over $10,000 to fourteen 4-Hers in post-secondary education scholarships during Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference.






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