The Ohio 4-H Teen Leadership Council (TLC) is a statewide group of 4-H teens and young 4-H alumni that provides a youth stakeholder perspective in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of Ohio 4-H programming. In this process, council members develop knowledge, skills, attitudes, and aspirations needed for future success. Council members share advice and recommendations to 4-H professionals in order to improve, strengthen, and expand the Ohio 4-H program. Members also make recommendations regarding opportunities for Ohio 4-H teen programming. They serve as a sounding board for Ohio 4-H program direction.
Current TLC Members l Ohio Map of Representation
Do you need a Teen Leadership Council member to assist as 4-H youth spokespersons, emcees, speakers, program facilitators, hosts or hostesses, or in other 4-H youth leadership roles for your statewide program or event? Please complete this request form:
Request Form: Online Submission
(Requests are assigned subject to Teen Leadership Council member’s availability. State Fair requests are due April 15, 2025 (It is recommended that all other requests be sent at least six weeks prior to the program/event/activity.)
If you would like to schedule a TLC member to appear at your 4-H event, or to learn more about the TLC, please contact Frances Foos or Sara Deakin.
2024-2025 TLC Applications have closed. 2025-2026 applications will be available in June.
Individuals must be 14-18 as of January 1 of the year of application to apply for council member, committee member, committee chair, and officer positions. Junior Advisor applicants must be 18-20 years old (as of January 1) when they apply.
HOW TO APPLY:
- Review the Teen Leadership Council Selection Procedures & How to Apply
- Complete the application found at https://go.osu.edu/TLCapp.
- Ensure two (2) reference forms including one from an unrelated county Extension/4-H professional, and a second from another unrelated adult such as a 4-H club advisor, coach, minister, teacher, employer, or other adult who has worked with you are completed on your behalf at https://go.osu.edu/TLCref.
- Please note: it is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all references have been submitted on their behalf.
- Complete payment, which can be made online via credit card. First year applicants need to pay $50 at http://go.osu.edu/TLC50, and subsequent year applicants need to pay $15 at http://go.osu.edu/TLC15. (Funds go toward attire for the council members, nametags, service and other projects, etc.) If individuals are not selected for this role, applicants will be refunded.
- All application materials must be received by the application deadline (August 5 for committee chairs; August 9 for committee members and council members) for the applicant to receive full consideration.
2024 Achievement Form Workshop
Learn about opportunities that can arise from successful achievement form completion, improve record keeping skills, and enhance forms to make them even stronger! We hope you walk away with confidence and tools to help you put your best foot forward!
ACHIEVEMENT FORM WORKSHOP (Informational Flyer)
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2024, 6:00 P.M.
- Location: hosted virtually on Zoom!
- Cost: FREE
- Who: 4-H members interested in completing the achievement form; 4-H professionals, parents and advisors interested in supporting 4-H members
- RSVP by October 17 at go.osu.edu/AchForm2024
- Recording Available: If you were unable to attend live, you can request a recording by emailing Frances Foos (foos.61@osu.edu).
Reaches Out Curriculum
Information Card
Seven different lesson plans have been developed to educate teens throughout the state. TLC members have been educated and are equipped to teach them in the counties! Please contact a TLC member or the state 4-H office to have a member teach your next program! You may also use them on your own, but if you do use them, please notify us so we can document impacts!
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Learning to Learn
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Older Youth Opportunities
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Parliamentary Procedure Basics
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Presenting the Best Even Better
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Putting Pizazz in Public Speaking
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Service Learning
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Team Building
A Brief History of TLC:
Two become One
In the past, there were two primary ways for teens to become involved at the state level with Ohio 4-H: State 4-H Ambassadors and the Teen Advisory Council (TAC). Based upon feedback from county 4-H professionals and teens, these two groups were merged to form the Ohio 4-H Teen Leadership Council (TLC) in September 1, 2016.
Why was there a merge?:
- There was confusion with county 4-H professionals and in turn older youth on the difference between TAC and Ambassadors.
- There was confusion among the older youth who are members as to what their role is.
- Both groups were doing similar programs:
- Community service
- Fundraising
- Programs at meetings (Public speaking, Real Colors, First Impressions, etc.)
- Requests from various outside groups for similar services needed (e.g. Legislative Luncheon)
- Teen Luncheon
- 4-H Conference Overnight
- Holiday Party
- The majority of the funds used to support these programs are earmarked for “teen” programs (there is not differentiation).
- Most states have one statewide council/board… why did Ohio have 2 separate entities