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.
- Why Youth Leadership?
- Cultivating Youth Voice
- Effective Leadership
- Leadership Quiz-What type of leader are you?
- Fun-Retrospectives Website
- Teen Spheres of Influence Model
- Leadership Skills Lessons - see below
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.
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
Have you tried our Leadership Lesson Plans? We'd love to hear from you!
Feedback Survey
Additional Resources and Training Materials
Guidebooks & Tips
- Teen Spheres of Influence Guidebook
- Youth Council Guidebook
- 4-H Leadership Guidebook
- How to Form a Council
- Join the Utah Association of Youth Councils
- Join the Facebook Group for Advisors
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