Success Stories By MajorProgram FY2024Jul 1, 2023 - Jun 30, 2024
4-H Youth Fair Exhibits
Author: Ashley Duvall
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
The county fair provided the opportunity for our community youth to participate in a project day to create entries for the fair. These youth participants got to express their creativity and skill development by creating water color and acrylic paintings, drawings, and clay/wire sculptures. Children ages 8-18 worked on a goal to participate and compete in their individual categories. There hasn't been any participants in the 4-H fair entries since prior to Covid-19, but this
Full Story
Kentucky 4-H State Fair Project Impact
Author: Kimberly Schrader
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
Kentucky 4-H State Fair Project Impact The Kentucky State Fair is a culminating event of yearly 4-H project work. Project work is defined by including the following: “(a) Planned work in an area of interest to the 4-H member, (b) Guided by a 4-H adult volunteer who is the project leader, (c) Aimed at planned objectives that can be attained and measured, (d) Summarized by some form of record keeping, and (e) A minimum of six hours of project instruction” (National 4-H Council, 20
Full Story
2023 4-H Corn Dog Booth Fundraiser
Author: Ryan Spicer
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
The problem - Breathitt County’s poverty rate was at 34.3% in 2016. Breathitt County’s Agent for 4-H Youth Development believes that the best way to combat this issue is to teach the children of Breathitt County about the leadership skills they need to achieve, and to be able to overcome the problems of poverty.The educational program response- The agent works to focus on this by taking 4-H’ers each year to the J.M. Feltner 4-H Camp located in London, Kentucky. While at camp 4-
Full Story
Ky State Fair Helps 4-H Youth to Thrive
Author: Lisa Hagman
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
The Kentucky State Fair is a culminating event of yearly 4-H project work. Project work is defined by including the following: “(a) Planned work in an area of interest to the 4-H member, (b) Guided by a 4-H adult volunteer who is the project leader, (c) Aimed at planned objectives that can be attained and measured, (d) Summarized by some form of record keeping, and (e) A minimum of six hours of project instruction” (National 4-H Council, 2013). In 2023, Kentucky 4-H members exhibited
Full Story
Get the Scoop on Owen County 4-H
Author: David Gabbard
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
Overall enrollment in Owen County 4-H is good, however after discussions with the County Extension Council, and 4-H Council it was not exactly up to the goal that the Owen County 4-H Agent would like, the groups decided to have an "open house" style event to market 4-H in Owen County.The educational program response of the ice cream social event entitled "Get the Scoop on 4-H" was unlike anything we'd seen, it was marketed at the schools open house by various 4-H me
Full Story
A Splash of Success: Livingston County 4-H's Family Night at the Fair
Author: Sharee Schoonover
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
In Livingston County, fair week holds a special tradition called "Family Night." Hosted on Thursday night, this is a free event designed to bring families closer together while enjoying the fair's charm. Livingston County has not had a fair since 2015, and the community was excited to see its return.Livingston County 4-H helped make this night a success. They offered a giant slip 'n slide, a watermelon seed spitting contest, a pet show, free popsicles, and glowing fun with glow
Full Story
High School Adventure Club participates in Community Service Event
Author: Ashley Duvall
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
Youth participants took the leadership initiative to help clean up their community and advocate to other citizens for maintaining a litter free environment for future generations. The Clinton County High School 4-H Adventure Club saw a need to clean up their community from the large amounts of litter that is distributed along the bypass. A total of 15 youth participants and 3 volunteers, of different genders and socio-economic backgrounds, worked together to accomplish a common goal
Full Story
4-H Kicking Off the New Year
Author: Paula Tarry
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
The 4-H Thriving Model is the theory of change for positive youth development in 4-H. The model illustrates the process of positive youth development in 4-H programs by connecting high quality program settings to the promotion of youth thriving. The skills that the 4-H program offers include but are not limited to self-esteem, making friends, responsibility, communication, citizenship, leadership, record keeping, time management, confidence, independence, resilience, commitment and compassion&md
Full Story
4-H Carnival and Welcome Orientation
Author: Jocelyn Kemp
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
The problem was that we have a large and diverse community within Hardin County that may not be familiar with 4-H positive youth development. We felt that the community could benefit from being given an opportunity to meet the 4-H community at the Hardin County Extension Office. We felt like there was a large amount of youth and families who were interested in 4-H but not sure how it works or what to do to be involved. The educational program response was quite large and successful. We had
Full Story
Campbell County 4-H Prepare for Fair Club Impacts Alexandria Fair
Author: Kellsey Agnew
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
An article written by Betty Jo Krosnicki, Michigan State University Extension - August 06, 2015, states “The county fair tradition is woven into the fabric of nearly every American community. It presents opportunities for young people to foster life skills such as communication, leadership, goal setting, work ethic, responsibility, and sportsmanship.” This year at the Alexandria Fair we had 73 4-H Exhibitors, an increase from 2022. We also saw an increase in projects entered th
Full Story
Alexandria Fair has increased participation
Author: Owen Prim
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
The Alexandria Fair & Horse Show is a culminating event of yearly 4-H project work for Campbell County youth. Project work is defined by including the following: “(a) planned work in an area of interest to the 4-H member, (b) guided by a 4-H adult volunteer who is the project leader, (c) aimed at planned objectives that can be attained and measured, (d) summarized by some form of record keeping, and (e) a minimum of six hours of project instruction” (National 4-H Coun
Full Story
Thriving in 4-H: Marshall County 4-Hers in Action – Volume 1, Issue 1
Author: Lena Mallory
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
The 4-H Thriving Model is the science-grounded in practice that describes the “magic” of 4-H. This model takes the science to explain the growth/thriving process of youth because of their 4-H involvement. Moving from the Developmental Context (4-H Programs) to Youth Thriving (Social, Emotional and Cognitive Learning) to Development Outcomes (Positive Youth Development) to Long-Term Outcomes. As outlined in a 9/6/23 publication by The developmental context
Full Story
Roadside Cleanup
Author: Alyssa Cox
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
According to Keep America Beautiful, a national nonprofit which provides expertise, programs and resources to help people end littering, improve recycling, and restore communities, there are approximately 2,857 pieces of litter per mile of both roadway and waterway in the United States. Rockcastle County 4-H Youth Development Agent, Alyssa Cox, partnered with the Rockcastle County Fiscal Court, the Rockcastle County Solid Waste Division, and Eastern Kentucky PRIDE (Personal Responsibility in a D
Full Story
Growing Tomorrow's Leaders
Author: Brian Walker
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
Growing Tomorrow's Leaders This year Kentucky State University 4-H team was able to attend the National 4-H Conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The National 4-H Conference brought leaders from across the nation together for a week of inspiration, education, and collaboration. This year's conference was a resounding success, showcasing the incredible potential that 4-H programming has and its positive impact towards youth development.This year, over 1,000 4-H members were a
Full Story
Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders
Author: Brian Walker
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
In today's world, you can't have agriculture without STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) and educators at Kentucky State University's Rosenwald 4-H Youth Development Center are teaching just that. My name is Brian Walker, a 4-H extension assistant, at the center, this success story come from the State Journal in Frankfort, KY. Brian said his favorite part of the job is teaching children how robots are utilized in agriculture. 4-H is part of the Cooperative Extension
Full Story
2023 Cloverbuds Day Camp
Author: Dawna Peters
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
Cloverbuds Day Camp is three fun-filled days of exploring science, creating fantastic arts/crafts, and making simple fun snacks! 4-H Cloverbuds is for youth who are 5-8 years old or in kindergarten through third grade. This is one of our most popular day camps and it always fills up quickly. It has grown tremendously in recent years.Working with younger kiddos a is approached differently than the work we do with our typical 9 to 18 year olds. These programs are packed with fun educational activi
Full Story
Military Family Support
Author: Toni Humble
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
Wayne County 4-H began a strong working relationship with our local National Guard unit in 2011. This partnership has brought programming to an underserved audience in our community. Monthly packets have been delivered to soldiers and families with education materials on healthy recipes, family communications, budgeting and more during their monthly drill meetings. The Wayne Co 4-H Ambassadors have taken on the leadership role of serving their Christmas meal, learning how the Guard serves our co
Full Story
4-H Fall Fun Dance
Author: Anna Denny
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
The clever 4-H Trailblazers crew noticed that families already gathered for Halloween shindigs the Friday before, but they wanted to add a dash of 4-H pizzazz to the celebrations. Their mission? To spread the word about the program while boosting the fun factor!Our 4-H Trail Blazer club got into the fall spirit by putting together a 4-H Fall Fun Dance. Gaggles of folks, both fresh faces and familiar ones, flocked to the festivities to boogie down, snack up, and flaunt their spooktacular costumes
Full Story
A Halloween Extravaganza
Author: Brian Walker
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
Success Story: The 4-H 2023 Halloween Extravaganza The 4-H team was able to host its first Halloween Extravaganza at the Rosenwald Center for 4-H Youth Development. It was nothing short of a resounding success, leaving a significant mark on the community. This year, the 4-H team’s primary focus was to create a safe, fun-filled environment for youth in the community and surrounding areas, where&nb
Full Story
Carlisle County 4-H Pancake Breakfast
Author: Daniel Bell
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
Carlisle County Cooperative Extension Service hosted the 4-H pancake breakfast fundraiser December 10th, 2023, in collaboration with the Bardwell Masonic Lodge # 499. The pancake breakfast raised $410 that the Carlisle County 4-H council will utilize to further opportunities to engage local youth in learning opportunities. Every year the 4-H Council provides an opportunity for underprivileged youth to enter an essay for scholarships to attend West Kentucky 4-H camp. This will lower t
Full Story
Grayson County Schools love 4-H
Author: Kindra Jones
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
Increased school programming keeps the Grayson County 4-H Agent busy throughout each month, but with that the youth impact is great. With a direct reach of approximately 900 elementary students and nearly 300 7th grade students, the hands on lessons are those the youth will remember for many years to come. Teachers request to remain on the lesson schedule of the agent for the next school year and maintain contact throughout the summer to plan dates and times, knowing how valuable the lesson time
Full Story
Youth Community Conversation
Author: Michael Rose
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
What happens when you put a large group of adults and teenagers in the same room and ask them to identify issues that are affecting youth in the community? Adair County Cooperative Extension Service collaborated with Adair County Schools, Youth and Family Resource Centers, and other community partners to hold the Adair County Youth Community Conversation. Facilitators from the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, and Community Economic De
Full Story
Growing 4-H Through Leadership
Author: Carissa Miske
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
The success of the Cooperative Extension Service programming is due, in part, to the dedication of a large cadre of volunteers (Smith, Dasher & Klingborg, 2005). The 4-H Youth Development Programs within Extension especially depend heavily on adult and teen volunteers to play integral roles in 4-H programming by performing a wide variety of duties and functions. The Owsley County Cooperative Extension Service hosted a Councils 101 Workshop led by Dr. Ken Culp III, principal exten
Full Story
4-H Thriving Model Crash Course – Initial Successes
Author: Lena Mallory
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
The 4-H Thriving Model is the science-grounded in practice that describes the “magic” of 4-H. This model takes the science to explain the growth/thriving process of youth because of their 4-H involvement. Moving from the Develpmental Context (4-H Programs) to Youth Thriving (Social, Emetional and Cognitive Learning) to Development Outcomes (Positive Youth Development) to Long-Term Outcomes. Despite multiple staff development opportunities, implememtation and a
Full Story
Stanton Elementary's Season of Giving
Author: Emilee Bryant
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
4th Grade 4-H members at Stanton Elementary School identified a need for other students, families and even pets in the community to have access to a well-balanced meal, and food security over the upcoming holiday break. After identifying these needs, 4-H club members organized a "Holiday Food Drive for People and Pets". The members designed a flyer to promote their food drive, and developed a plan to collect things from a variety of food groups through the program. Cl
Full Story
Volunteers trained to help youth thrive
Author: Elizabeth Easley
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
The problem:Volunteers are valuable partners in the 4-H program and aid the Laurel County 4-H program in extending programmatic output and outreach to youth who otherwise might not be served. 4-H volunteers invest their time and talent in helping youth explore their sparks (interest) and providing a positive environment where youth are safe, belong, and thrive. The 4-H Thriving Model incorporates PYD research into a predictive model illuminating characteristics of youth thriving and how thriving
Full Story
Triumph Over Weather: The 2nd Annual Livingston County Bale Blast
Author: Sharee Schoonover
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
On the evening of October 28, 2023, Livingston County gathered for the 2nd Annual Bale Blast, the grand finale of our month-long Bale Trail fundraiser. First held to honor Bale Trail winners and showcase Livingston County Extension, the event faced an unexpected hurdle as the weather threatened to move the festivities indoors. Organizers quickly adapted, transforming the plans and relocating the event inside. This turned a potential setback into a heartwarming showcase of community spirit.Inside
Full Story
4-H Rally Day Exhibits help youth find their spark
Author: Melissa Goodman
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
According to the Program Leader’s Working Group Task Force on Positive Youth Development, everyone has something they are passionate about, whether it's a skill, talent, interest, or unique quality. In fact, youth thriving research refers to these things as "sparks” (2024 4-H PLWG Standing Committee on Positive Youth Development). These sparks not only bring joy but also provide purpose and direction, especially for adolescents. These sparks are often self-discovered and sel
Full Story
Santa's Elves Workshop
Author: Lisa Dodson
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
The McCracken County 4-H Youth Development program hosted the second annual 4-H Santa’s Elves Workshop in conjunction with the local school system’s scheduled winter break. This annual event provides youth in the community the opportunity to engage in a variety of creative arts as well as participate in activities that increase communication skills. Participants completed multiple projects throughout the day that encompassed Science, Engineering and Technology, horticulture, and culi
Full Story
Volunteer Recognized for Impact
Author: Melissa Schenck
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
Within 4-H and Extension it is well known that volunteers made an immense impact on the lives of youth but research by the Mayo clinic indicates that volunteering offers significant impact to volunteers including improved physical and mental health, a sense of purpose, access to valuable skills, and beneficial relationships. The Washington County 4-H works to adults interested in volunteering within their community to youth and 4-H Clubs that fit their skills and subject area. Washington County
Full Story
4-H Art Club Showcases the Power of Art
Author: Ashley Duvall
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
The Clinton County 4-H Art Club has embarked on a heartwarming mission, blending creativity with compassion to make a meaningful impact within their community. Youth participants visited the nursing home in February to hand deliver over 40 Valentine’s Day cards that were individually designed and crafted. By dedicating their time and talents, these young artists are not only honing their skills but also bringing joy and color into the lives of the elderly residents. Thi
Full Story
Multi-County Middle School Retreat
Author: Amanda Potter
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
Rowan County 4H partnered with four other counties to put on a retreat for Middle Schoolers within the participating counties. This was done in tandem with the Area Teen Council, in which the council teens aided in the planning of the retreat, as well as helping to put on some of the team building exercises. The main focus of this retreat centered around mental health and accomplishing a service project with the middle school group. Rowan set up a "Warm Fuzzies" area in which students
Full Story
Monroe County Volunteers attend the 2024 Kentucky Volunteer Forum
Author: Christina Hogue
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
Volunteers are an integral part of every 4-H program. Monroe County 4-H has many volunteers who give countless hours for the youth and the program. To gain a greater understanding of the Kentucky Extension ‘s volunteer program, I enrolled in Volunteer Administration Academy. As part of the class, I became more aware of the vast opportunities available at the Kentucky Volunteer Forum. With the assistance of a certified livestock volunteer, who has attended KVF many t
Full Story
Area Middle School Retreat
Author: Presley Grubb
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
On March 27th, Boyd, Carter, Bath, Menifee, Greenup and Fleming counties came together to host a Middle School Retreat at the Boyd County Expo and Franks Building. We had 28 6th-8th grade participants from the counties. The goal of the retreat was to increase involvement in 4-H participation from Middle School members, allow them to build relationships with youth in our area in their age range with common interest and allow them to give back to individuals in the community that are less fortune.
Full Story
Impact of Marshall County 4-H Clubs – Part I
Author: Lena Mallory
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
What do you do in 4-H? Do the kids do anything? Is it just cows and cookies? All questions asked over the years, but a standard form of measuring the Communications, Leadership, and Civic Engagement impact of Kentucky 4-H programming has not been available. For the 2023-24 program year, Kentucky 4-H has made evaluation tools available with counties able to add their spin as needed. Marshall County 4-H Youth Development Agent implemented these evaluation tools at the
Full Story
A retreat for leaders
Author: Brian Walker
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
The 4-H team at KYSU facilitated their first 4-H Teen Leadership Retreat at the Rosenwald 4-H Youth Development Center. 4-H has worked heavily with first-generation 4-H participants from minority and limited resource audiences who have expressed interest in developing leadership and civic engagement skills. As a result, this retreat is a culmination of upcoming leadership programmatic efforts and a preparatory program for first-generation 4-Hers who have joined 4-H and will be representing KSU a
Full Story
4-H/FFA Field Day Leads to Success
Author: Kimberly Schrader
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
“The U.S. agriculture sector extends beyond the farm business to include a range of farm-related industries. Agriculture, food, and related industries contributed 5.6 percent to U.S. gross domestic product and provided 10.4 percent of U.S. employment; Americans' expenditures on food amount to 12.8 percent of household budgets, on average,” (Economic Research Service USDA, 2024). Therefore, to promote Agriculture Education and programs of study to youth the University of Kentucky
Full Story
Rally Days
Author: Bridgett Poteet
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
The Edmonson County 4-H held its 3rd Annual Rally Days in conjunction with the Big Brownsville Bash this year May 30-June 1st at the Heritage Center in Brownsville, KY. 4-H age youth from all over the county and multiple clubs entered projects in hopes of making it to the Kentucky State Fair in August. Over 120 different projects were entered into the Rally Days project categories which was a large increase from the 80 that were entered last year. Out of those, a
Full Story
Homeschool Families Explore Community Through New 4-H Club
Author: Alissa Ackerman
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
Recently, Clay County has experienced an increasing amount of out of state families relocating to the area, with many of those being homeschool families. According the John Hopkins School of Education, 5% of Kentucky’s K-12 students were homeschooled. As this number continues to rise, homeschool families are taking advantage of Extension programs offered to the community for fellowship opportunities, strengthening life skills for youth, and expanding knowledge on numerous educational
Full Story
NUEL Success Story 2024
Author: Brian Walker
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
NUEL Conference Success by Brian Walker The 2024 National Urban Extension Leaders (NUEL) Conference was a landmark event this year, bringing together passionate individuals and innovative professionals from across the nation to discuss and showcase advancements in urban extension work. Kentucky State University (KYSU) emerged as a significant contributor, with multiple representatives presenting their groundbreaking work in urban programs, highlighting KYSU’s commitment to fostering c
Full Story
Inspiring Creativity and Skill Development through School 4-H Project Days
Author: Maelyn Dotson
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
The School 4-H Project Days at Louisa East Elementary and Blaine Elementary School proved to be a remarkable success, engaging 45 enthusiastic students in a variety of hands-on projects. This program offered a diverse range of activities, including woodworking, photography, cooking, art, sewing, and terrarium gardening, allowing students to explore and develop new skills.Participants eagerly embraced the opportunity to showcase their creativity and craftsmanship. The excitement was palpable as s
Full Story
The Month of June
Author: Nolan Pettit
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
The month of June has been the best time I have had since becoming an agent. Being a new agent it is hard to get your feet on the ground and get programs up and running but this month things finally clicked! We started off the month by hosting Green River Area District Lamb show again where we had over double the participants from last year! The next week was camp, where we had 12 campers, three of which were first time campers. We had an amazing week with none of the kids wanting to go back hom
Full Story
Impact of Marshall County 4-H Clubs – Part II
Author: Lena Mallory
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
What do you do in 4-H? Do the kids do anything? Is it just cows and cookies? All questions asked over the years, but a standard form of measuring the Communications, Leadership, and Civic Engagement impact of Kentucky 4-H programming has not been available. For the 2023-24 program year, Kentucky 4-H has made evaluation tools available with counties able to add their spin as needed. Marshall County 4-H Youth Development Agent implemented these evaluation tools at the
Full Story
Impact of Marshall County 4-H Clubs – Part III
Author: Lena Mallory
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
What do you do in 4-H? Do the kids do anything? Is it just cows and cookies? All questions asked over the years, but a standard form of measuring the Communications, Leadership, and Civic Engagement impact of Kentucky 4-H programming has not been available. For the 2023-24 program year, Kentucky 4-H has made evaluation tools available with counties able to add their spin as needed. Marshall County 4-H Youth Development Agent implemented these evaluation tools at the
Full Story
Making The Impossible Possible
Author: Ashley Duvall
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
Many aspiring campers face the daunting financial burden of attending 4-H camp, a barrier that can seem insurmountable at first glance. However, with a bit of ingenuity, communication skills, initiative, and hard work, a few young Clinton County individuals have turned this challenge into an opportunity. By reaching out to community leaders, local businesses, and supportive individuals, these campers have put matters in their own hands to secure the necessary funds to make their dreams of attend
Full Story
STEM-Tastic Event- Fort Knox
Author: Jocelyn Kemp
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
Military youth are known to be resilient due to their families lifestyle and being involved in the military. 4-H is a partner with the military and Hardin County works closely with leaders on Fort Knox (located in Hardin County) to make sure that 4-H programming is available and successful for military youth. Not only is 4-H programming conducted on site at the Fort Knox School Age Center and Devers Teen and Middle School Center but I am working on brining 4-H even closer to youth by working wit
Full Story
Empowering Future Leaders: Teen Leadership Academy Cultivates Middle School Leaders
Author: Rhonda Jewell
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
According to recent studies, students who develop leadership skills in middle school are 70% more likely to excel in high school and beyond. The Teen Leadership Academy (TLA), a middle school 4-H leadership program, has proven to be a catalyst for such development among young learners.The TLA program, designed for middle school students, selects four students from each participating school to engage in a comprehensive leadership program. This year, the program focused on building skills across v
Full Story
County Extension Council, the community assessment
Author: Diane Kelley
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
Volunteers are important to the process Cooperative Extension has in local communities. Volunteers are integral to the duties, functions, and tasks and possess varied and diverse knowledge, skills, and backgrounds…(Radhakrishna & Ewing, 2011). The success of Extension programming is due, in part, to the dedication of a large cadre of volunteers (Smith, Dasher, & Klingborg, 2005). The U.K., Cooperative Extension Service and Kenton County Extension Council (CEC) vol
Full Story
4-H Member Recognition Banquet Encourages Personal Development and Sense of Belonging
Author: Anna Meador
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
In today’s society, youth have a wide variety of activities to choose from. Therefore, we have to ask the question, why choose 4-H? As youth development professionals, we believe 4-H provides a premier opportunity for youth to build interpersonal skills, develop leadership, make a difference in their community and find their connection with others. Through our research-backed curriculum driven programs, we strive to provide opportunities for positive youth development.In
Full Story
Sunshine Day
Author: Lois Carter
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
The problemInclusivity at county fair The educational program responseSunshine DayThe participants/target audiencedifferently abeled and sensory issue adults and youthOther partners (if applicable)Community volunteersProgram impact or participant response.Sunshine Day at Bourbon County FairFor the second consecutive year, Bourbon County Extension helped plan and implement the second “Sunshine Day” at the county fair. This free family event creates a fun but calmer event fo
Full Story
Glasgow 4-H Migrant Club
Author: Paula Tarry
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
The mission of the migrant program is to provide educational and human resource service opportunities that strengthen and enhance the development of the migrant child and the migrant family. The Migrant Program focuses primarily on the educational needs of the Migrant child and attempts to eliminate barriers to provide for successful educational achievement. Two of the local Migrant Program Coordinators approached the Barren County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development about st
Full Story
Cloverbud Club offers opportunities for 5-8 year olds
Author: Rhonda Jewell
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
The primary goal of the Cloverbuds program (youth ages 5-8) is to promote children's healthy development - mentally, physically, socially and emotionally. Cloverbuds also encourages creativity and learning through play. The 4 -H Cloverbud program provides an excellent opportunity for youth to reach their highest potential because of experiences and exposure.There has been a large increase in interest in 4-H for youth ages 5-8 in Caldwell County the past several years. A volunteer
Full Story
Annual 4-H Banquet
Author: Rhonda Jewell
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
Each year, Caldwell County 4-H members that participate in state events and contests are recognized for their efforts and achievements. This is a chance to let our 4-H members shine and share their accomplishments with their family and friends. The banquet is typically held the week of Thanksgiving with attendance growing each year. Five years ago attendance was 85 and in 2023 attendance was 115. 4-H Council members and 4-H’ers themselves take part in the program. A
Full Story
Capitol Experience leads to Learning
Author: Melissa Schenck
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
The problemAccording to the Pew Research Center, about 66% of Americans voted in the last Presidential election. However, voting turnout is highly inconsistent. Only 37% of eligible Americans reported to have voted in all three of the last national elections held in 2018, 2020, and 2022. The turnout is even less when only local elections are on the ballot. The educational program responseA lack of understanding of the legal system and belief that their vote makes and impact is believed to c
Full Story
4-H Festival of Giving
Author: Paula Tarry
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
The Festival of Giving 4-H Team of ten adults and teens serve as the coordinators for many of the Barren County 4-H Community Service projects. The members volunteer to serve on the Team annually, some of the volunteers continue to serve while new individuals are encouraged to join. The individuals assess the needs of the county and develop community service projects to meet those needs.Barren County 4-H teens and adult volunteers collaborated with the KY State Mental Hospital Staff
Full Story
Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Institute Graduates 4th Cohort
Author: Charles Stamper
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
Many times 4-H Youth Development Agents feel they go from one activity to another activity without understanding the depth of what they are teaching. This leads to employee distress and burnout and and a lack of engagement from Agents, Assistants, and Collaborators. The Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Program designed the 4-H Youth Development Institute (YDI) in 2016 to address this issue. YDI is a 12-month intensive educational experience focusing on ensuring 4-H Professionals understand &q
Full Story
Teen Conference
Author: Shelley Crawford
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
Teen Conference 2024Success StoryThe 100th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference took place at the University of Kentucky from June 11th to 14th, 2024. The conference aimed to achieve several objectives for its participants, including developing leadership and teamwork skills, improving communication abilities, fostering civic engagement, expanding knowledge in 4-H core content areas, and enhancing social skills through networking. Additionally, the event provided an opportunity for youth to becom
Full Story
Summit
Author: Shelley Crawford
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
Teen Conference 2024Success StoryThe 100th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference took place at the University of Kentucky from June 11th to 14th, 2024. The conference aimed to achieve several objectives for its participants, including developing leadership and teamwork skills, improving communication abilities, fostering civic engagement, expanding knowledge in 4-H core content areas, and enhancing social skills through networking. Additionally, the event provided an opportunity for youth to becom
Full Story
Three county collaboration result in new 4-H Homeschool Club
Author: Melissa Goodman
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
According to the National Home Education Research Institute, about 3.1 million homeschooled students in grades K-12 in the United States in 2021- 2022. According to the John Hopkins School of Education, 5% of Kentucky’s K-12 students were homeschooled. In Kentucky's far Mississippi River counties, the number of homeschooled students seems to have significantly increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. As this number continues to rise, homeschool families are looking to take advantage of E
Full Story
2023-2024 Leslie County 4-H Fundraising
Author: Dawna Peters
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
It is inspiring to see the dedication and effort put into fundraising for Leslie County 4-H. Initiatives like the Chocolate Covered Strawberry Fundraiser, Ghost Walk, and Annual Silent Auction clearly play a vital role in supporting the youth programs, especially given the economic challenges in the area.The Chocolate Covered Strawberry Fundraiser has always turned out to be a remarkable success, demonstrating the community's support. The Ghost Walk at Wendover not only raised funds but also
Full Story
Tri County Homeschool Club
Author: Bernita Cheirs
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
According to the National Home Education Research Institute, about 3.1 million homeschooled students in grades K-12 in the United States in 2021- 2022. According to the John Hopkins School of Education, 5% of Kentucky’s K-12 students were homeschooled. In Kentucky's far Mississippi River counties, the number of homeschooled students seems to have significantly increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. As this number continues to rise, homeschool families are looking to take advantage of E
Full Story
- Acting Associate Dean & Director — Craig Wood, Ph.D.
- S107 Ag. Science Center North
- Lexington, KY 40546-0091
- +1 (859) 257-4302
© 2024 University of Kentucky, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment