The objectives of Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference are to develop leadership and teamwork skills, improve communication skills, foster civic engagement, and to expand knowledge and skills related to 4-H core content areas.  To 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 are also objectives.  

The 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. Eighty-one percent of youth who completed the survey reported that Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was their first experience staying overnight in a UK dormitory and this experience was their first visit to the University of Kentucky for 44% of youth. 208 youth representing 68 counties participated in the 2021 Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference

After a long year of limited in-person programming, Kentucky 4-H hosted their annual 4-H State Teen Conference event. Nelson County parents, teens, and agents worked together to make this event a success for the 7 Nelson County delegates that attended. Among the 7 attending delegates, all of the delegates attended as representatives on state level leadership boards, 5 participated in the achievement program, and 1 received a scholarship through the 4-H Foundation. During this event, teens exhibited growth in independence, networking skills, leadership, and inclusion.