4-H Youth Development programs provide opportunities for creativity in a learn-by-doing environment and encourage youth to become involved in projects and activities. The Kentucky 4-H Achievement program through motivation and the use of incentives is important to positive youth development by recognizing 4-H youth who have outstanding accomplishments and have increased their knowledge, skills and abilities. Keeping youth involved in leadership opportunities, being civically active, and achieving life goals is important to ensure that they have the necessary skills to be successful in life.  The Achievement program encourages personal and professional growth and development in a time when youth in our communities struggle to see the importance of being active in extracurricular activities, civic engagement and leadership roles.  In 2020, four Ohio County youth were awarded the Kentucky 4-H Achievement Silver Award, two youth were awarded the Bronze Award, two youth received the Clover Level 3 award and two youth received the Clover Level 1 award. 

4-H’s long reaching effects as compared to other youth, 4-H’ers are 4 times more likely to give back to their community, and 2 times more civically active.  These youth have continued to advance their leadership development in the 4-H Program by providing leadership to the 4-H Foods Club, the 4-H Horticulture Club and other leadership and volunteer activities. One youth was recently selected for the Kentucky 4-H Healthy Living Leadership board, organized a county certified baby-sitting workshop, and a Horticulture workshop at the 2020 Kentucky Leaders forum.  The Kentucky Achievement Program has helped these youth recognize how they can develop as leaders in 4-H and their community. After submission of the Achievement program application, the teens stated, “They didn’t realize that they had accomplished so much.”