Retaining teens in 4-H isn’t just about keeping them busy, it’s about giving them purpose, agency, and support. When we help young people take ownership of their growth, they are more likely to stay engaged, lead confidently, make a difference in their communities, and inspire others.
This aligns with the 4-H Beyond Ready approach, which encourages deeper youth engagement by helping teens develop key leadership mindsets and skills. This approach encourages us to think beyond basic involvement and instead focus on developing leadership through real experiences, reflective growth, and intentional support. It’s about helping teens move from participation to purposeful engagement where they build confidence, take initiative, and begin to see themselves as capable leaders within their club, community, and future careers.
Teens who feel empowered in their roles are more likely to continue participating in 4-H programs, mentor younger members, and transition into adult roles as alumni and volunteers. Retention becomes a natural outcome when we prioritize meaningful leadership opportunities.
Here are ten ways to empower teen leaders in 4-H:
1. Trust Them & Give Them Space to Lead
Leadership development begins with trust. Give teens room to lead projects, facilitate meetings, and solve problems. When young people are given responsibility, and know you believe in them, they grow.
2. Delegate Real Decision-Making Power
Youth should be part of actual planning and decision-making processes, not just given token roles. Include them in setting goals, designing workshops, and planning events and service projects. Ownership leads to sustained involvement.
3. Foster Strong Relationships
Positive relationships are one of the most important factors in youth retention. When teens feel connected to their leaders, mentors, and peers, they’re more likely to stay engaged. Show up, listen, and create safe spaces for teens to express ideas and grow. Build a real connection that is beyond 4-H.
4. Provide Opportunities to Make a Difference
Teens want their contributions to be meaningful. Involve them in projects that address real community needs, such as local service initiatives, collaborations with community organizations, or advocacy for positive change. When young leaders see how their efforts strengthen their community and create opportunities, their motivation and commitment to 4-H will grow.
5. Communicate Clearly and Consistently
To effectively connect with busy teens, communicate clearly and consistently through channels that fit their lives. Be strategic by utilizing a mix of platforms they actively use and delivering concise, easy-to-understand messages. This thoughtful approach ensures they feel informed, prepared, and valued, reducing confusion.
6. Connect Them with Mentors & Role Models
Mentors help youth feel supported and seen. Pair teens with older members, alumni, or adults who can offer guidance, feedback, and encouragement. Strong mentor relationships keep youth connected and growing.
7. Offer Advanced Leadership Training
To meet the needs of teens seeking greater leadership opportunities, offer advanced training that focuses on practical skills such as workshop facilitation, public speaking, conflict resolution, and project management. These experiences, delivered through avenues like officer workshops, leadership retreats, and skill-building sessions, equip them to effectively lead younger members and club meetings, build valuable resume experience, and confidently navigate professional environments.
8. Create Peer Mentoring Opportunities
Encourage experienced teen leaders to mentor younger members. This builds leadership through teaching, supports new member onboarding, and strengthens club culture from within. Empower older teens to guide newer members. Peer mentoring promotes confidence, responsibility, and inclusion. It’s also a great way to help youth see themselves as role models and community builders.
9. Encourage Representation & Public Speaking
Give teens meaningful opportunities to represent 4-H at events, advisory councils, and community events. When young people share their 4-H experiences, they develop powerful communication skills and gain confidence as advocates. Their authentic voices resonate with peers and adults, demonstrating the program's value and potentially inspiring new members and volunteers.
10. Keep It Meaningful and Engaging
Leadership should be purposeful and rewarding. Ensure that teen-led initiatives are relevant and engaging to their interests. When young people find value in their work, they stay involved. Avoid leadership roles that feel like busywork. Ask teens what they care about and help them design projects around those interests. When leadership is connected to their passions, retention naturally follows.
Putting It All Together: Leadership = Retention
Empowering teens isn’t a one-time opportunity, it’s a mindset built into how we run our clubs, plan our events, and support our youth. When young people know their leadership matters, they stay.
What’s Working in Your Community?
What strategies have helped you support and retain teen leaders in 4-H? Share your experiences with Katie Duitsman at pilcher3@illinois.edu.
Together, we can create spaces where young people lead with confidence and stay involved for years to come.
About the Author
Katie Duitsman is a 4-H Youth Development Specialist in Leadership. She advises the Illinois 4-H Youth Leadership Team and provides statewide support and resources for 4-H programs, clubs, and youth leadership initiatives. Katie develops research-based educational programs and resources aimed at empowering young people to become confident and effective leaders within their communities and beyond. Her work emphasizes practical strategies for youth engagement, skill-building, and creating meaningful leadership opportunities within the 4-H framework