The promotion of consistent and diverse opportunities for middle school-age youth provides the necessary foundation for successful management of conflicting and confusing developmental periods. The District Four 4-H Middle School Leadership Academy (MSLA), using Positive Youth Development along with Kentucky 4-H Core Curriculum, implemented participant-evaluated leadership activities over a programming year to enhance social, emotional, and community-based development for middle school participants. Middle School 4-H members were able to connect to youth and adults from around the 17-county district and build positive relationships with adults, as well as youth in similar peer groups, to proliferate social skills and additional life-skill enrichment. Service learning, facility tours, youth-led projects, social gathering, communication, and fun-driven activities highlighted an effective program for middle school participants and the general and specific evaluated successes of the District Four 4-H Middle School Leadership Academy. 

Garrard County, to ensure the consistent development of middle school youth and in conjunction with District programming opportunities, engaged 8 youth from Garrard Middle School to participate in MSLA. During post-program evaluations, 100% of youth understood the value of leadership development and looked forward to seeking out community involvement. 87.5% built a new relationship (made a friend) from another community during this program. 100% of all respondents would like to continue in the program and progress into Teen involvement (County and District Teen Council, Teen Conference, and State Leadership Boards).