4-H is the largest youth development organization in Cumberland County. Agriculture, Communication, and Leadership education is incorporated into all 4-H programs in Cumberland County. 4-H members learn about the concept of leadership, their role as a leader, and how to effectively lead small groups and teams toward common goals within their community, county, state and beyond.

4-H members grow to become engaged leaders who can make a difference and they are the ones who will be tasked with solving national problems such as the need for more scientist and engineers, global issues of food security, and world peace.

For the 5th consecutive year, 4-H members in Cumberland County had the opportunity to attend a two day leadership conference held on campus at the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFÉ) on December 8-9, 2017.  A total  of 19 young people from Cumberland County attended; one of the largest delegations in the state. This year’s two-day Leadership Institute included interactive workshops, tours, a career awareness fair, and speech contest. In addition to gaining skills developing them both personally and professionally

Following the conference, youth were asked to complete a questionnaire about their experience. An analysis of the results of the survey concluded that the conference significantly increased the likelihood that youth will consider the University of Kentucky as a viable option for pursing higher education after high school. Follow up conversations with parents six months after the conference,