Being hired for a highly desired job is many young adults’ dream.  The competition for professional positions is fierce and sometimes the tiniest detail will land the job.  Yet, without good communication skills interviewees will not have a chance.

Boyd County 4-H recognizes the importance of communications skills.  Communication projects, leadership roles in clubs, membership of councils are some of the opportunities that are offered to 4-H members during his or her 4-H participation.

Providing youth with the ability to enhance and develop communication skills is of great importance in Kentucky.  The development of communications skills is one of the preeminent skills necessary to grow as an individual, a community member and a leader.   Using age appropriate activities selected from the approved Kentucky 4-H Communications & Expressive Arts Curriculum, educators can maximize the ability of youth to develop their writing, reading and personal communication capacities.  This in turn creates a solid foundation for positive youth development (Jones, K. R. 2006)

Strong writing, reading and presentation skills present youth with the dexterity of being good communicators as well as allowing them to form receptive relationships with peers and adults.  When young people are confident and capable in presenting their thoughts and feelings they are more likely to accept roles of responsibility in their communities and enhance their contribution to society.  This development of internal and external assets, as researched by the Search Institutes “The 40 Developmental Assets” helps to develop youth into competent, caring and contributing adults.        (Jones, K.R. 2006)

The Boyd County young adult began his 4-H career as a 4-H club member in the 4^th grade at Hager Elementary.  He participated in demonstration competitions, attended 4-H camp, volunteered in his community as a teen council member, held numerous club officer positions, attended 4-H Teen Conference, and belonged to the University of Kentucky Collegiate 4-H Club.  This young man even returned as an adult 4-H camp counselor.   

Twelve years later, when asked by his new law firm employer where he acquired his impeccable speaking and presentation skills, the young adult replied that he must credit his experiences in 4-H with his communication skills.  Not only were his parents and family members proud of his new job; the Boyd County 4-H agent was beaming with pride when she heard the news as well.

Because 4-H reaches youth in early adolescence, 4-H has the opportunity to significantly influence the development of young people. The importance of reaching these youth is documented in a study by Ladewig and Thomas (1987) indicating that skills and attitudes formed during 4-H carry into adulthood.  The Boyd County 4-H agent has a testament that skills and attitudes formed during 4-H do indeed carry into adulthood.