Embedded Files
Opportunities for Teens
Opportunities for Teens
Youth ages 14 - 19 may become involved in 4-H through a number of different avenues:
4-H Innovative Leadership Academy: This program is designed to build leadership skills and help teens understand the importance of citizenship and community involvement. This program is open by application only. (ILA is offered every other year. The next class will begin in the fall of 2026.)
Mecklenburg 4-H Honor Club - Open by invitation to teens who have shown excellent leadership potential and/or a dedication to service. Members must have completed Innovative Leadership Academy or have served as a Teen Leader at Junior 4-H Camp.
Junior 4-H Camp Teen Leader Program - Youth who turn 14 by January 1 of the camping year are eligible to apply to become Teen Leaders. Teens receive extensive training to help prepare them for their role as camp counselors. At camp, they help supervise campers, teach classes, and lead evening programs. Applications are usually available each February.
Teen Leader - Teens ages 14 and older are welcome to assist with workshops and other special interest programs. Please contact the Extension Office for more information.
Applications are currently being accepted. Deadline to apply is September 30.
The recent Situation Analysis completed by the Mecklenburg County Extension Leadership Council identified youth development as a priority issue. The need for leadership and citizenship education for teens was highlighted. We plan to address this issue through the implementation of the 4-H Innovative Leadership Academy. This program is open to youth ages 14 and older. Space is limited to 12 participants. Priority will be given to high school students, but 8th-grade applicants will be considered if space is available. In addition to incorporating the six modules outlined in VCE’s Innovative Leadership curriculum, participants will be expected to attend a local board of supervisors’ meeting. Attendance at a town council, school board, or other community meeting is also encouraged. Teens may also have the opportunity to participate in 4-H Day at the State Capital or other out-of-county 4-H events.
As part of the curriculum, participants will work in groups to identify and prioritize issues facing the community. They will then develop goals and strategies to address these issues. As a capstone event, groups will present their work in a public forum.
As a result of participating in this program, teens will gain a better understanding of the characteristics and behaviors of a leader. They will see local government at work to better understand decision-making processes. Teens will have opportunities to practice their leadership, problem-solving, and presentation skills as they work together to complete group projects. At the close of the program, participants will be provided with a certificate and thank-you letter outlining the course objectives that could then be included in the dossier for future college or employment applications.
The Mecklenburg 4-H Innovative Leadership Academy will run from October 2026 – March 2027. Applications will be accepted until September 30, 2026. For more information, please contact the Mecklenburg Extension Office at 738-6191 ext. 4371 or jebowen1@vt.edu.
The fee for this program is $25 to help offset the cost of materials. This fee is due on the first night of class. Checks/money orders may be made payable to Treasurer, VT. Cash in the exact amount is also accepted. We are not able to accept credit cards or electronic payment. Need-based scholarships are available.
2026-2027 Mecklenburg 4-H Innovative Leadership Academy
Tentative Schedule
Pre-Work -Completed Before the First Session
Leadership Trait Questionnaire
Monday, October 26
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Mecklenburg Extension Office
Classroom Session 1: Intro to Leadership and Community Issues
Monday, November 16
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Mecklenburg Extension Office
Classroom Session 2: Effective Communication and Civil Discourse
Monday, December 14
5:30 – 8:30 p.m
Mecklenburg Extension Office/BOS Meeting Room
Classroom Session 3: Introduction to Community Profile followed by Mecklenburg County Board of Supervisors Meeting
Monday, January 11
6:00 – 7:30
Mecklenburg Extension Office
Classroom Session 4: Issue Teams Begin Work
Wednesday, January 20
Tba
Richmond, VA
4-H Day at the Capitol
Monday, February 15 (no school for MCPS)
10:00 – 2:00
Mecklenburg Extension Office
Issue Teams Work Session
Monday, March 1
6:00 p.m.
Mecklenburg Extension Office
Group Presentations and Graduation
Applications will be accepted until September 30. For more information, please contact the Mecklenburg Extension Office at 738-6191 ext. 4371 or jebowen1@vt.edu.
Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and local governments, and is an equal opportunity employer. For the full non-discrimination statement, please visit ext.vt.edu/accessibility.
If you are a person with a disability and desire assistance or accommodation, please notify the Mecklenburg County Extension Office at (434)738-6191 ext. 4371/TDD*during business hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
*TDD number is (800) 828-1120.
Page updated
Report abuse