Heather Haines, 4-H Agent, UGA Extension Forsyth County
Strong communication skills are among the most important tools young people can develop to succeed in life. Whether they dream of becoming scientists, teachers, engineers, or community leaders, being able to clearly express their thoughts and ideas will set them apart. Through 4-H Project Achievement, Georgia youth have a unique opportunity to gain those skills early, building confidence, leadership, and a sense of pride that lasts a lifetime.
Public speaking can be intimidating for anyone, especially kids. However, Project Achievement gives young people a safe space where they can learn to organize their thoughts, practice delivery, and gain confidence in their own voice. Those are skills which will pay dividends in the future, regardless of their career path.
Parents and teachers often notice a transformation in students who participate. Youth who were once shy become comfortable speaking in front of groups, and many go on to hold leadership roles in school and community organizations.
In Forsyth County, the youngest competitors, students in 4th through 6th grade, begin their journey at County Project Achievement (CPA). Participants select a topic of interest, research it, write a speech, and deliver their presentation before judges using a poster and props. With more than 50 project areas to choose from, ranging from Bicycle and Wildlife to Sports, Animals, History, and Science, there is something for every interest.
This year CPA will be held at the Forsyth County Extension Office in January. Top performers at the county level will advance to the district competition in February to compete against youth from all over North Georgia.
Older youth, in grades 7 through 12, take on additional challenges through Junior and Senior Project Achievement. They begin by submitting a portfolio to the Extension Office in January that highlights their leadership, service, and accomplishments in their project area over the past year. The portfolio serves as both a record of achievement and an early lesson in résumé writing, another essential life skill.
Next, participants deliver an oral presentation in their chosen project area, judged by content experts. For Senior 4-H’ers, those in grades 9 through 12, placing first at the district competition earns them the opportunity to advance to State 4-H Congress and compete against other 4-H’ers from around the state to become a Master 4-H’er in their project area.
Whether students pursue debating, drama, or simply practice speaking in front of family and friends, public speaking remains one of the best ways to build confidence and poise. Through 4-H Project Achievement, youth gain lifelong skills that will benefit them in school, careers, and leadership.