Registration is Open for 4-H Teen Leadership Civic Engagement Program: Youth Have a Voice!
Youth have a Voice is a program for teens and recent high school graduates who are interested in taking a more active role in serving their local communities, the state, or the country. Youth will learn leadership skills and ways to participate in civic action by completing a service project in a topic of their interest.
Youth projects will be in one of three categories:
- Public Service Leader: Carry out a community service project of their choosing.
- Youth Board Member: Join a board or advisory council as a youth representative
- Policy Leader: Provide input to a policy or rule being developed
The program is open for teens ages 14+ years old or entered high school in the fall of 2024. Teens are matched with adult mentors and 4-H staff advisors to provide guidance on their projects, assist their learning of civic processes and plan ways to meet project goals. The total time commitment may vary from 30 to 80 hours depending on the type of project. Monthly statewide program meetings will be online via Zoom and occasional in-person gatherings will be scheduled for participant availability at central locations.
The program will admit new members in fall/early winter 2024 as resources become available. Interested teens will need the following items to register for the program:
- Fill out the application form.
- Two letters of recommendation from adults who are not related to the applicant
- Brief description (100 to 500 words) about why you are interested in this program
- A signed Program Requirement Summary Form
Registration is open through Saturday, November 23, 2024. To register or learn more, visit our website. Individuals with questions or who need to request an accommodation, please contact Andrew Hudacs, andrew.hudacs@maine.edu, (207) 581-8204