Youth Leadership Resources

4-H is the largest positive youth development organization in the nation (over 6 million youth), and one of the only youth programs facilitated through the land grant university system. The materials produced are research-based and the programs are either evidence-based or being developed as such. The materials found on this page are developed by 4-H youth specialists and any youth leadership program will benefit from utlizing these resources. 

Whether you are starting a 4-H club or running a youth council we've got resources to help you teach essential leadership skills. 

Building Leaders

Youth Participation

Youth should be active participants in our communities and their voices should be heard. A sociologist by the name of Roger Hart came up with a model describing youth participation. Follow the link to read about different levels of youth participation and consider what type of youth participation you have in your community.

Team Building Tips
Playmeo is a helpful tool. You can use this website to find icebreakers, team building activities, as well as many helpful tips when working with youth. Visit Playmeo's facilitator tips presented in 3-minute video tutorials of group facilitation, particularly in the context of group games and activities. 

 Lesson Plans for Leadership Skills 

Strengthen your youth leaders and take the stress out of trainings with our researched-based curriculum. Below you will find a library of leadership skills broken down into 10-15 minute lessons to help supplement trainings and teach youth invaluable skills. Each guide is written with simple instructions, supply lists, and clear objectives to help facilitation be successful and stress-free.
 

Career Readiness | Leadership | Relationship Development | Service Learning

Adaptability
Adaptability

Communication
Communication

Interpersonal Skills
Interpersonal Skills

Personal Leadership
Personal Leadership

Planning and Organizing
Planning and Organization

Problem Solving
Problem Solving

Social Awareness
Social Awareness

Teamwork
Teamwork

Have you tried our Leadership Lesson Plans? We'd love to hear from you!

Feedback Survey

Additional Resources and Training Materials

Career Readiness
Career Readiness

Relationship Development
Relationship Development

Service Learning

Guidebooks & Tips

Training Opportunities

USU Extension Professor and Youth Leadership Expert, Vernon Parent can provide training to the youth or advisors of your council. Training opportunities are available in a wide range of topics and time intervals to fit whatever works best for your council's specific needs. To see a complete list of available training opportunities, see the document below. 

  • Youth Leadership Training Opportunities
To schedule a training, contact Vernon Parent via email: vernon.parent@usu.edu