Leadership has no age limit. 4-H members from ages 8 to 18 are uniquely prepared to take on leadership roles and participate in experiences that develop valuable life skills. Youth leadership in 4-H focuses on the development of abilities and behaviors, including communication, decision-making, problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and the ability to motivate and inspire peers.

Youth development professionals in 4-H have a front-row seat and coordinating role in the growth and development of Montana youth: from the point when a 4-H member musters the courage to stand on shaky knees to make a motion during a meeting; to present a demonstration for an audience on making the perfect chocolate chip cookie; or to confidently plan and facilitate a workshop for peers.

Leadership skills empower youth to navigate the challenges of today’s world and to create positive change in their communities. By fostering leadership in young people, 4-H helps create a generation of engaged, capable, and compassionate leaders ready to address the challenges of tomorrow.

A 4-H leader stands and is speaking to a group of people. She is wearing a green 4-H blazer and is surrounded by other 4-H members in the same blazer.

Photo: E. Brush Photography

HOW YOUTH GAIN LEADERSHIP SKILLS IN 4-H

Project-Based Learning

4-H offers a wide range of hands-on projects with the opportunity to set goals, be responsible, manage resources, and solve problems for themselves. Youth learn essential skills like decision-making, planning, and teamwork in project areas such as agriculture, science, technology, engineering, arts, and civic engagement.

As youth master the skills to succeed, they are encouraged by caring adults to take on mentorship roles and to plan and facilitate workshops to share their knowledge and talents with others. Youth are valuable contributors to the 4-H program as they work with adults as partners, delivering learning activities such as 4-H camp, local fairs, and project-related events. Adults can explore volunteer opportunities to mentor 4-H members by contacting their local MSU Extension office.

Leadership Roles

In 4-H, youth are encouraged to take on leadership positions in their clubs, county, state, and even national groups, ranging from club president to event coordinator or committee leader. Youth are an active part of the 4-H program and teach workshops and serve on boards and committees.

Leadership positions allow youth to organize, direct, and motivate others, as well as manage projects from start to finish. The 4-H program is thoughtfully organized to offer leadership opportunities to members. In every 4-H club across Montana, youth serve in vital officer roles, lead meetings, organize activities and guide younger members.

Teens play a key role in planning, facilitating and evaluating events. This gives young people an important seat at the table and the responsibility to see activities to completion while exercising skills of problem-solving, critical thinking and teamwork in real-world experiences.

Public Speaking and Communication Skills

Public speaking is a central feature of 4-H. Youth present projects, give speeches, participate in demonstrations, and speak to diverse audiences of all ages. 4-H’ers can build confidence and are guided to improve their communication skills, learning how to express ideas clearly and persuasively.

4-H members might present project findings at their local fair during a one-on-one interview, give a speech or demonstration at county communication day, or teach a workshop at a summer camp or statewide event. 4-H members can often be identified in school or community organizations by their above-average communication skills and confidence. Confidence and the ability to comfortably address audiences are invaluable life skills to prepare for successful careers and effective communication.

Two young women stand in front of a 4-H branded background. One of the ladies wears a pink dress and has her arm around the other who sits in a wheelchair.

Photo: E. Brush Photography

Teamwork and Collaboration

Many 4-H activities are designed to foster collaboration. Working in teams helps youth learn to navigate group dynamics, resolve conflicts, and develop interpersonal skills. They learn how to leverage the strengths of others while contributing their own skills and ideas.

Leadership activities give youth the opportunity to make decisions that affect themselves and others. Whether selecting a theme for an event, choosing a community service project, or deciding how to use project resources, youth are encouraged to think critically and responsibly. This decision-making process fosters accountability and teaches youth to consider the impact of their choices on the larger group or community.

Mentorship and Peer Leadership

4-H emphasizes the importance of mentoring and peer-to-peer leadership. Older teens are encouraged to mentor younger participants, teaching new skills and providing guidance. Older youth serving in these valuable roles has a dual purpose: teens filling important volunteer positions frees time for adult leaders, and younger members can see peers in valuable positions they may one day fill, encouraging retention and involvement.

Mentorship helps youth develop the ability to lead by example, be patient, and offer constructive feedback. A teen leader might mentor younger members in learning to care for animals or lead a hands-on craft session. As a result, teens learn the importance of being a positive role model and developing empathy and patience.

Community Service and Civic Engagement

Youth are encouraged to engage in community service projects and become active community members. Leadership in community service allows youth to develop skills in organizing events, fundraising, problem-solving, and working with diverse groups to identify community needs. Youth are often tasked with writing grants to raise funds for a project or identifying and communicating with community partners to gather resources.

Four young 4-H members stand together, each in a relective orange vest, preparing to engage in an act of hands on community service.

Photo: E. Brush Photography

WHY ARE YOUTH LEADERSHIP SKILLS IMPORTANT?

Research indicates that many young people entering the workforce lack essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. These findings have raised significant concerns among employers, educators, and policymakers about the skills gap and its impact on the employability and success of young workers.

The U.S. Department of Labor indicated in 2014 in its Ready to Work report that while young people are often technically proficient, they lack critical interpersonal and communication skills.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) regularly conducts surveys to understand what employers are looking for in new graduates. The 2019 Job Outlook survey found that communication skills, the ability to work in teams, and problem-solving were among the most sought-after skills in new hires.

Key findings from these reports show how important leadership skills are for young people entering the workforce:

  • Many employers indicated the soft skills gap – such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving – is a primary challenge in hiring and retaining employees.
  • A study of nearly 2,000 employers revealed that 77 percent of respondents found it difficult to hire candidates with strong communication skills.
  • Over 60 percent of employers said that young workers lacked workplace readiness skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively with others.
  • Teamwork and the ability to work in a group setting were also critical, with 80 percent of employers prioritizing this skill.

WHAT IS NEXT?

Leadership skills are highly sought after by employers and are vital for communities addressing complex challenges. By participating in 4-H activities, youth develop the capabilities necessary to thrive in the workforce and contribute positively to their communities.

Montana 4-H will continue to leverage resources to help youth develop leadership skills and personal growth and foster community engagement. By focusing on hands-on learning experiences, statewide events, and skill-building programs, Montana 4-H aims to empower young people to become confident leaders and active contributors to the world.

The current national 4-H theme and platform is “Beyond Ready.” Through ongoing support and collaboration with certified adult volunteers, community organizations, and educational partners, Montana 4-H is committed to creating impactful programs that empower youth to be Ready to Lead, Ready to Serve, and Ready for the Future.

 

Brett Schomer is the MSU Extension 4-H Youth Leadership Associate Specialist.