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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.
Smithsonian's Stories
Smithsonian's Stories
4-History Project
4-History Project
Virginia 4-H was recently selected to participate for the second year in the Smithsonian's Stories 4-History program. This grant-funded program empowers teens to develop a civic engagement project that reflects a local story of democracy. With the support of Smithsonian experts, 4-H'ers will research a topic of interest and interview stakeholders to learn more about the issues impacting their local communities. Then, they'll use Adobe Express to create a video as the project to share with the community.
Stay tuned for a sneak peek at their project!
Coming Again in Fall 2026
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 2024 – March 2025. Applications will be accepted until September 30, 2024. 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.
2024-2025 Mecklenburg 4-H Innovative Leadership Academy
Tentative Schedule
Pre-Work -Completed Before the First Session
Leadership Trait Questionnaire
Tuesday, October 15
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Mecklenburg Extension Office
Classroom Session 1: Intro to Leadership and Community Issues
Tuesday, November 19
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Mecklenburg Extension Office
Classroom Session 2: Effective Communication and Civil Discourse
Monday, December 9
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
Tuesday, January 21
6:00 – 7:30
Mecklenburg Extension Office
Classroom Session 4: Issue Teams Begin Work
Tuesday, February 18
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Mecklenburg Extension Office
Issue Teams Work Session
Tuesday, March 4
6:00 p.m.
Mecklenburg Extension Office
Group Presentations and Graduation
CLICK HERE TO APPLY (Check back in August 2026.)
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.
Congratulations to the graduates of our previous Innovative Leadership Academy programs!
2021-2022 Inaugural Class
Jarell Chavies - Bluestone High School
Rafferty Lee - Park View High School
Micah Christian - Homeschool
Connor Whitten - Bluestone High School
DeAndre Watson - Park View High School
Trinity Pamplin - Bluestone Middle School
Sophie Crowder - Kenston Forest School/SVCC
Joshua Laaissaoui - Park View High School
Jackson Medlin - Bluestone High School
2022 - 2023 Class
Skylar Stevens, Mecklenburg County High School
Landon Funderburk, Mecklenburg County High School
David Rimon, Kenston Forest School
Lacy Wagstaff, Mecklenburg County High School
Griffin Bowen, Mecklenburg County High School
Avyonna Hester, Mecklenburg County High School
Jaleah Pulliam, Mecklenburg County High School
Emma Reynolds, Kenston Forest School
Christopher Powell, Mecklenburg County High School
Zacchaeus Gooch, Mecklenburg County High School
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