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Empowering Teen Leaders
Contact:
Travis County Extension Office
512-854-9600
Harris County Extension Office
281-855-5600
By matching high school sophomores and juniors to adult mentors and elected officials, schools in Harris and Travis Counties have seen increased communication skills, coalition building, involvement in community issues, and participation in the governmental process by their students.
Young Leaders In Action
Contact:
Harris County Extension Office
281-855-5600
This leadership development program for middle school students involves motivational and informative speakers who work with youth to understand topics such as goal setting, conflict resolution, relationships, personalities, etc. Many counties have such programs.
Leadership Councils
Every youth has the opportunity to serve as an officer of a club, or on the county, district and even state leadership council. Each level of leadership is governed by a set of standing rules. Most councils are advised by adult leaders who assist in discussions and business. The Texas 4-H Council is the state level leadership team. To become a delegate to Texas 4-H Council, a member must have been elected either President, 1 st Vice President or Delegate at Large of the District Council. Contact your county Extension agent or regional 4-H program specialist for information about serving in these roles.
Texas 4-H Congress
Contact:
Dr. Toby L. Lepley, Extension 4-H and Youth Development Specialist
tlepley@ag.tamu.edu 979-845-1212
This mock legislative educational event is held in Austin in even-numbered years. During the week-long program, senior 4-H youth experience the legislative process first hand. By role-playing senators, representatives, lobbyists and press corps members, youth are exposed the full political scene. Activities range from debating bills in the actual Texas Legislature chambers to socializing with advocates and opponents at evening receptions. Youth return to their communities with a better understanding of how our state government works. Information is sent to county Extension offices in the Fall preceding the event year.
4-H C.A.P.I.T.A.L.
Contact:
Ms. Lilliane Goeders, County Extension Agent
lgoeders@tamu.edu 512-854-9600
After-school clubs and summer day camps help students increase their science, technology, and literacy levels, and their ability to become productive, contributing members of society. For the format of this educational experience contact the Travis County Extension Office, (512) 854-9600.
District Leadership Labs
Contact:
County Extension Office
Each Extension district and region hosts a 2- to 4-day leadership retreat where senior 4-H members receive in-depth training. Dates and costs vary from district to district. Information is mailed to county Extension offices in the Spring of each year.
Teen Leadership Connection (TLC) Project
Contact:
Cooperative Extension Program 4-H & Youth Development
Unit at Prairie View A&M University
936-857-2517
The Teen Leadership Connection (TLC) project delivers educational, preventive and developmental programs. Through a variety of interactive activities, youth participants gain skills designed to improve self-esteem, enhance cultural awareness, promote wellness, provide positive role models, improve on leadership and life skills, and promote drama and fine arts. The TLC curriculum comprises eight modules with 60 lessons aimed at youth in grades 6 through 12, using activities and visuals that focus on 4-H club organization, cultural diversity, conflict resolution, social skills, community service, entrepreneurship, leadership and cycling. Because of the lessons’ sensitive nature, training is provided to adult leaders and county agents who wish to conduct this program with teens. For training schedule, contact the Cooperative Extension Program 4-H & Youth Development Unit at Prairie View A&M University.
Career Awareness and Youth Leadership Laboratory
Contact:
Gail Long, 4-H Youth Development Specialist
Cooperative Extension Program PVAMU
glong@ag.tamu.edu 936-261-5119
The Career Awareness and Youth Leadership Laboratory is an educational program held each year during the month of June on the Prairie View A&M campus for youth ages 14 to 19. Hands-on workshops expose youth to careers in agriculture, family and consumer sciences, communications and entrepreneurship.
County Youth Boards
Contact:
Dr. Chris Boleman, Extension Specialist
ct-boleman@tamu.edu 979-845-7280
Mrs. Courtney Dodd, Extension Program Specialist - Volunteerism
cfdodd@ag.tamu.edu 979-845-6533
The County Youth Board serves a strategic function by helping the county Extension agent determine what programs should be implemented from year to year, reviewing the educational impacts of programs, determining how to reach new youth audiences, and helping decide whether task forces or coalitions are needed to address priority issues. The Youth Board is made up of 8 to 15 youth and adults (three youth to one adult) who work or have interest in the area of youth development and who represent the demographics and diversity of the county. Youth members not only represent the 4-H and Youth Development Program but other youth organizations in the county (FFA, Boy/Girl Scouts, Student Councils, etc.). The board should sponsor or play a significant role in at least one major program each year. This may be an ongoing program or a different program each year. The key is for the board members to work together and take ownership of the program to ensure its success.
Shooting Sports Ambassadors
Contact:
Dr. Ron Howard, Extension 4-H and Youth Development Specialist
ra-howard@tamu.edu 979-845-1214
Senior 4-H Shooting Sports members may apply from July through the end of November to be 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassadors. Ambassadors represent the program and the state at a variety of events and promote the program in their regions.
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