4-H Youth Teaching Youth (YTY) is a unique 4-H program model where teenagers take on the role of teachers, actively engaging younger peers in hands-on learning sessions on healthy living topics.
From character building to internet safety to substance use, these teen leaders utilize peer-reviewed and research-based curriculum to lead informative and engaging sessions to educate youth in their communities.
The YTY program is a collaborative partnership that creates mutually beneficial opportunities and outcomes. Teens develop leadership skills while younger youth gain valuable healthy living education.
Communities also benefit from having trained youth leaders and youth who are knowledgeable about their health and wellbeing through a direct connection to 4-H and University resources and opportunities.
Partnerships with schools and youth programs
YTY has been partnering with schools and youth programs to support building healthy young people for more than 30 years. We deeply value our partnerships, as they share our vision on the power of youth voice and our passion for fostering healthy young people. They also provide a captive youth audience, the facility and space to teach and a welcoming environment.
In 2024-25, YTY reached:
- 281 teen teachers
- 2,049 youth participants
- 13 elementary and middle school partners
Leadership and career exploration for teens
YTY empowers teens to become leaders who are skilled collaborators and critical thinkers. Our teen teachers receive specialized training and coaching from 4-H youth development professionals in classroom management, engagement strategies, facilitation and public speaking. YTY teen teachers collaboratively deliver lessons as small teams and serve as positive role models by building impactful relationships with younger participants.
Through their involvement in YTY, teens develop and refine leadership skills in communication, organization and teamwork. They also build their professional portfolio with valuable experiences as role models, mentors and classroom facilitators. These skills not only make them more effective teachers, but also foster their personal development and post-secondary readiness.
Teen teaching grows impactful leaders
YTY prepares young people for success. Here are responses from teen teachers in the 2025 end of the year survey:
"I was able to make an impact on the students I taught. I grew as a person and leader."
— Grade 11 teen teacher
"People in this program were so welcoming and open. I felt better about myself and it also helps me get out of my comfort zone and try new things."
— Grade 11, first-time teen teacher
"Getting to be a teacher was a fun and rewarding experience that helped me to be confident within my role as a leader and the impact I left on students will be a memory I will forever enjoy."
— First-time teen teacher
Cross-age teaching
Research shows that cross-age teaching is an effective delivery method because younger youth respond more to behavior modeled by teens than by adults.
When teens are teachers, rapport is established quickly. Some researchers say it's the most effective way of providing opportunities for positive youth development and encouraging youth to avoid delinquent behaviors.
Through this program, teen teachers and their younger peers build a relationship that benefits both sides: teens are mastering new skills and appreciate being viewed as a role model, and younger youth see their peers making positive choices, showing compassion for each student in the session and acting as role models.
Our key curriculum
4-H YTY curriculum is written and peer-reviewed by and for teenage facilitators.
Alcohol and Nicotine Decisions (A.N.D.) | grade 4 | three 1-hour sessions
This curriculum focuses on harmful effects of alcohol and tobacco, the influence of advertising, equipping participants with refusal skills and strategies to recognize and resist negative peer pressure and make healthy choices.
Character Counts | grades 2-3 | six 50-minute sessions
This curriculum focuses on the six pillars of good character: trustworthiness, respect, caring, citizenship, responsibility and fairness.
Internet Safety | grade 5
This curriculum teaches positive and safe online communication and etiquette, internet safety and cyberbullying.
It’s Your Choice | grade 6 | eight 1-hour sessions
This curriculum promotes respect, trust and healthy relationships while addressing issues like bullying, peer pressure, stress and the risks of alcohol and tobacco use.
Reviewed in 2026