Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Julie Brown
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
4-H Food & Fun was a free at-home cooking program that united families in the kitchen and at the dinner table. The goal of the program was to get young people in the kitchen and preparing home-cooked meals, trying new foods, encouraging family time, developing communications skills, and having fun! The 4-H families who participated received a kitchen utensil kit related to each month's recipes, along with other informational materials. Youth prepared the recipes in the packet as they fol
Author: Bridgett Poteet
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
According to 2017 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, the obesity rate for children ages 9 to 12 in Kentucky was 20.2%. To help our community develop better educated youth in making healthy choices, KSU 4-H agent Bridgett Poteet presented the NEP Super Star Chef Camp on July 26-28. In attendance were 9 youths ages 9 through 12. The Super Star Chef camp introduces youths to new recipes and ways to prepare fruits and vegetables. “When students have the opp
Author: Kennedy Hannah
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Stem and Nutrition sessions are intended to foster ingenuity, creativity , create healthy eating, preparing home-cooked meals, trying new foods , encouraging family time, developing communication skills and having fun. Participants were parents, elementary and middle school youth. Participants received kitchen safety guide, clean kitchen checklist , informational materials , and healthy recipes. Youth did experiments with fermentation process, learned about the process of dehydrating and made ic
Author: Isaac Hilpp
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
The culinary arts sector in Kentucky is experiencing a significant boom, largely due to the steady rise in tourism within the state. The U.S. Department of Labor projects a career growth rate of 25-30% over the next five years, equating to about 18,000 new job openings each year for the rest of the decade. This trend creates a promising landscape for young individuals who are passionate about culinary careers, offering them a stable path with ample opportunities for advancement. The Culinary Cha
Author: Jessica Morris
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Pumpkin Days 2023September 26-27, 2023 Pumpkin Days was held at the Robinson Center for Appalachian Resource Sustainability. Youth in Preschool, Headstart, Kindergarten and 1st Grades attended from multiple different counties where they rotated through educational stations, played games, learned about being kind, experienced a petting zoo, took a hayride to the pumpkin patch and were able to select their own pumpkin to take home. Different SNAP approved pumpkin recipes were made by numerous diff
Author: Darian Creech
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Pumpkin Days 2023September 26-27, 2023 Pumpkin Days was held at the Robinson Center for Appalachian Resource Sustainability. Youth in Preschool, Headstart, Kindergarten and 1st Grades attended from multiple different counties where they rotated through educational stations, played games, learned about being kind, experienced a petting zoo, took a hayride to the pumpkin patch and were able to select their own pumpkin to take home. Different SNAP approved pumpkin recipes were made by numerous diff
Author: Stephen Conrad
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
As a society we have not been very successful in teaching our youth the value of money or passing along the concept of "saving for a rainy day". Because of this, most of our students don’t know how to make financial decisions necessary to survive. Our school systems recognize this trend but has little or no time to spend on money management due to core content obligations. To help them with this need, The Boone County Cooperative Extension Service held a Reality Store at s
Author: Victoria Riehemann
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
The Bullitt County rate for obesity is above both the state and national levels. These rates are influenced by life-long lifestyle behaviors and choices such as quality of diet and amount of physical activity. According to the Community Assessment Report (2019), members of the Bullitt County community rated different aspects that they wanted to see an increase in. Based on this data, community members wanted to see better use of food safety practices and better skills for selecting and preparing
Author: Alissa Ackerman
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
According to Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, “Cooking is a valuable skill that teaches children about nutrition and food safety, as well as building math, science, literacy and fine motor skills.” However, with limited access to grocery stores in Clay County, busy schedules and convivence of fast food restaurants, many youth are at a disadvantage when it comes to gaining skills in the kitchen and acquiring knowledge about the importance of nutrition. When assessing the needs and
Author: Amanda Clark
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
The problem: Many middle schoolers are being tasked with watching their siblings and possibly other children. 4-H wanted to help educate these middle schoolers at Beaumont Middle School in Lexington, Kentucky. Being able to equip these 7th grade students will help them feel more successful and knowledgeable when they do babysit. The educational program response: There were 54 students in the Babysitting class at Beaumont Middle. 50% of them had babysat a sibling, a neighbor, or someone else
Author: Charles Comer
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
The career field of culinary arts in Kentucky is one that is rapidly expanding in part because of the continued growth of tourism within the state. Over the next five years, the career growth outlook is between 25-30%. This is about 18,000 openings each year for the rest of the decade (US Department of Labor). As a result, young people with a passion for the culinary arts can reliably look forward to career stability and advancement within the state. The Culinary Challenge is positioned to prepa
Author: Elizabeth Easley
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Laurel County 4-H Projects Culminates at KY State Fair The Kentucky State Fair is a culminating event of yearly 4-H project work. Project work is defined by 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 Counc
Author: Alex Kelly
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Chopped 4-H Edition Day Camp.Muhlenberg County 4-H and Youth Development Agent, 4-H Program Assistant, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, and SNAP-Ed Nutrition Education Program assistant collaborated to offer Chopped 4-H Edition. The group followed the Super Star Chef Day Camp program. 20 students, both male and female in grades 4-7 participated. Four staff members and three volunteers worked with students in a hand-on educational setting to improve important life skills. A pre-test and a post
Author: Reed Graham
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
September 26-27, 2023 Pumpkin Days was held at the Robinson Center for Appalachian Resource Sustainability. Youth in Preschool, Headstart, Kindergarten and 1st Grades attended from multiple different counties where they rotated through educational stations, played games, learned about being kind, experienced a petting zoo, took a hayride to the pumpkin patch and were able to select their own pumpkin to take home. Different SNAP approved pumpkin recipes were made by numerous different SNAP-Ed Ass
Author: Carissa Miske
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
September 26-27, 2023 Pumpkin Days was held at the Robinson Center for Appalachian Resource Sustainability. Youth in Preschool, Headstart, Kindergarten and 1st Grades attended from multiple different counties where they rotated through educational stations, played games, learned about being kind, experienced a petting zoo, took a hayride to the pumpkin patch and were able to select their own pumpkin to take home. Different SNAP approved pumpkin recipes were made by numerous different SNAP-Ed Ass
Author: Stacy Trent
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Pumpkin Days were held on September 26th and 27th, 2023, at the Robinson Center for Appalachian Resource Sustainability. Youth in grades Preschool, HeadStart, Kindergarten, and First grades attended from multiple counties. Each class rotated through educational stations, experienced a petting zoo, played games, sampled recipes, and took a hayride to the pumpkin patch where they chose a pumpkin to take home. Nutrition Assistants, Program Assistants, and county Agents from different counties made
Author: Asa Conkwright
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
The career field of Culinary Arts in Kentucky is one that is rapidly expanding, in part because of the continued growth of tourism within the state. Over the next five years, the career growth outlook is between 25-30%. This is about 18,000 openings each year for the rest of the decade (US Department of Labor). As a result, young people with a passion for the culinary arts can reliably look forward to career stability and advancement within the state. The Culinary Challenge is positioned to prep
Author: Kelly Woods
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Oldham County Public School Summer Care programs are hosted at each elementary school in the county. The summer care directors requested art and life skills programming for their summer curriculum. Oldham County 4-H partnered with three schools offering lessons to over 150 youth focusing on horticulture, weaving, jewelry making, sand art murals, quilling art, acrylic art, and pencil drawings. 4-H Agent and Assistants taught each session.At the end of the summer, participants were invited t
Author: Chanda Hall
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Studies indicate that sewing is not only a productive hobby and life skill, but it can also reduce stress and increase an individual’s feeling of self-worth. The Jefferson County 4-H Agents, 4-H assistants, and a County Master Clothing Volunteers planned a sewing Day Camp for 18 youth. This program was a free 2-day camp. Students learned beginning sewing skills, sewing machine functions and use, textile construction, recycling of material, and nutrition. Guiding the youth
Author: Kelly Smith
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Studies indicate that sewing is not only a productive hobby and life skill, but it can also reduce stress and increase an individual’s feeling of self-worth. The Jefferson County 4-H Agents, 4-H assistants, and a County Master Clothing Volunteer planned a sewing Day Camp for 18 youth. This program was a free 2-day camp. Students learned beginning sewing skills, sewing machine functions and use, textile construction, recycling of material, and nutrition.Guiding the youth through
Author: Deana Reed
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
4-H Fresh Chefs and their purchases from the Meade County Farmer's Market.Ms. Becky, 4-H Volunteer, demonstrates a new kitchen technique.4-H Fresh Chefs preparing their butternut squash for a new recipe.So many fresh & local options available at the Meade County Farmer's Market for our youth.The Meade County 4-H Fresh Chefs Club was a volunteer lead, 4-week, summer program that focused on healthy food preparation, food and kitchen safety, the benefits of shopping at a local farmer&rs
Author: Julie Brown
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
The career field of culinary arts in Kentucky is one that is rapidly expanding in part because of the continued growth of tourism within the state. Over the next five years, the career growth outlook is between 25-30%. This is about 18,000 openings each year for the rest of the decade (US Department of Labor). As a result, young people with a passion for the culinary arts can reliably look forward to career stability and advancement within the state. The Culinary Challenge is positioned to prepa
Author: Austin Brewer
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Wanda Joyce Robinson FoundationI teamed up with the Wanda Joyce Robinson Foundation for a 4-H Leadership and Culinary Workshop, involving fifteen high school participants. Aligned with the foundation's goal of addressing challenges for children affected by parental incarceration, the program spanned six weeks, focusing on instilling leadership skills and practical knowledge in budgeting and cooking for those with limited resources. The leadership section delved into various leadership s
Author: Paula Jerrell
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Many youth were without access to fun educational activities during Covid. Our Extension Office offered 1,149 educational kits from our 7 core content areas for youth to pick up outside our office.We had a tremendous response from those kits. Several families became more involved in extension as a result of this effort. Just recently a mom approached me and said, " I don't know what we would have done without your kits during Covid. We have some art supplies we would like to donat
Author: Mary Lawson
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Few if not many families go without electric during the winter months, some year-round. Menifee County Family and Consumer Science agent and SNAP NEP senior assistant set out to have a one-day outdoor cooking program that teaches 5th grade youth how to safely cook outside using an open fire pit, a cast iron Dutch oven, and the ingredients of the meal we cooked together. Partnering with 4-H and Menifee Central elementary school, this cooking outdoor program allowed for 100% of attending 5th grade
Author: Shannon Farrell
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
The 4-H Middle School Academy in Harrison County was a program that developed as an outreach for increased 6th-8th grade involvement in 4-H, coupled with a focus on Appalachian cuisine and local food markets. This idea evolved during a collaboration meeting when Ashford Acres’ (local event venue) executive chef, requested to do a partnership with 4-H. In working to identify youth well suited for this program, the principal of Harrison County Middle School announced school-wide, that anyone
Author: Kelly Bland
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
The McLean County Family and Consumer Science/4-H Agent created a Cooking with the Calendar program open to everyone in the county. Our local Homeschool Cooperative reached out and asked if they could bring their students in to learn basic kitchen skills. A new relationship was born! 12 students ranging from the ages of 6 - 15 joined the FCS/4-H Agent, and 5 McLean County Homemakers, for our monthly cooking class. Safety knives were handed out and a lesson on knife safety was taught
Author: Christina A. Martin
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
The Russell County 4-H program offered a series of cooking classes to elementary school youth. The youth learned basic kitchen life skills such as reading a recipe, measuring ingredients, mixing ingredients, using a stove, using kitchen utensils, and cooking/baking safety. Teaching youth to cook not only instills basic skills for living, it also promotes responsibility, healthy eating habits, and self-sufficiency. At the end of the program, the all of the youth indicated that t
Author: Sharayha Clingenpeel
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Teaching food preparation, including knife skills and reading a recipe, teach young adults' skills for everyday life. By teaching and encouraging young adults' useful skills, we are also building confidence and teaching them how to be independent and successful adults in the future. The Daviess County 4-H and FCS extension agents partnered with the Practical Living teacher at one of the middle schools in Daviess County to teach "Salsa Lab" to her practical living students which
Author: Julia Wilson
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Basic cooking skills are becoming increasingly uncommon among youth. Recognizing the importance of culinary skills and their positive impact on various aspects of life, the 4-H Agent collaborated with LeGrande Elementary School Librarian to teach and provide resources for WIN (What I Need) Elective classes. The program, conducted during the first nine weeks of school, engaged nine 8th grade students in weekly morning sessions before school. Five of these students had completed culinary classes t
Author: Glenna Bentley
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
The problem: Elementary youth in 4th and 5th grade need to become efficient at counting money and budgeting their money.The educational program response: There were 137 students from Central and Tollesboro Elementary participated in the Dollars and Sense Program. Students visit fourteen booths where they must purchase at least one item form each booth. Students start by visiting the Bank booth first where they open a savnigs account and must deposit $20 in savings. This is to te
Author: Misty Wilmoth
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
The LaRue County Cooperative Extension Service partnered with the LaRue County High School Family Resource Youth Service Center to offer the Truth and Consequences program to all 207 LaRue County High School ninth graders in November 2023. District Court Judge Teresa Renee McMahan Miller spoke to the entire freshman class about issues related to drug use. Each student then drew for a scenario which took them to various stops in the high school gym. A "parent" voluntee
Author: Kellsey Agnew
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Identified as a need in the Alexandria area, in early November the community of Alexandria came together to host an event for families of children with special needs. Campbell County Extension participated in Sensory Santa at the Fairgrounds, with the help of Campbell County’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent, Campbell County 4-H hosted a table where attendees we able to make an ornament as a part of the day's activities. In collaboration with several other community partners fa
Author: Carrie Derossett
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
It is through our valued partnership with the Allen, Logan, and Simpson Community Early Childhood Council that we, the Logan County Cooperative Extension Service, seek to improve school readiness in Logan County by educating, encouraging, and engaging families. Kindergarten readiness means that each child enters school ready to engage in and benefit from early learning experiences that best promote the child’s success. The kindergarten screener measures readiness in five important domains,
Author: Carrie Derossett
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
According to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Kentucky has one of the highest prevalence for pediatric obesity in the nation. Approximately 37% of Kentucky children ages 10-17 years are considered overweight or obese according to BMI-for-age standards. Half of Kentucky’s children in poor families are overweight or obese. In the Mammoth Cave Area, the incidence rates for adult and youth overweight and obesity, are above the national average. Studies have shown that you
Author: Brandon Darst
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Madison County Youth and Families are in need of more hands-on skills and exposure to prepare foods both inside and outside of the kitchen. Madison County 4-H and Madison County Extension FCS Agents have teamed up to offer a program series for children and their families to learn the basics of outdoor cooking. In this series participants learned new skills that are essential for families who are interested in hiking, camping, hunting, and other various outdoor activities and need to
Author: Sherri Farley
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
The problemThe successful 4-H Sewing Series, under the leadership of volunteer Stacey, grew to 8 4-H'ers this fall. One of the participant's mothers assisted with the youth each week. This was a 6 part series, the youth made a hair scrungie, pillowcase, and ended the series with a pair of holiday elastic waist pants. The youth all felt much more capable and comfortable using a sewing machine after the series ended.The educational program responseStacey used the 4-H Sewing Curriculu
Author: Morgan Murphy
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
The problemIn schools today, youth are not always taught how to sew. Sewing is a useful life skill that is practical for everyone to know. Whether you need to sew on a button, patch a hole in your jeans, or make a quilt; sewing is a fun and useful skill. The educational program responseWhen I realized there was an interest and a need to teach kids how to sew, I set out to start a 4-H sewing club. I brought this idea to my FCS council and they provided the funds to buy our office 4 sewing ma
Author: Mary Lawson
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
For older individuals, eating healthier can be a difficult goal to reach and maintain, let alone cooking meals three times a day. Menifee County Family Consumer Science Agent visit's the Menifee County Senior Citizen Center monthly to demonstrate cooking recipes within the NEP calendar, cooking techniques, food safety, and nutrition tips to elderly audiences. Menifee County Senior citizens love to learn new recipes, budgeting tips, and of course sample the recipe of the month. Each visit, Se
Author: Annette Buckman
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Programs for youth 5-8 years of age. The Union County 4-H Cloverbuds Club was developed to encourage youth to become involved with 4-H throughout the ages of 9-18. The 4-H Youth Development programs are designed to provide youth with the opportunity to make new friends, and develop new skills. 4-H programs give youth a sense of belonging by creating positive learning experiences to explore their personal spark. Youth from the ages of 5-8 have so much spirit and enthusiasm.  
Author: Cathy Toole
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Henry County and Eminence Independent students have experienced the Reality Store program for over 25 years. This annual program is sponsored by the Henry County Cooperative Extension Service and the Henry County Family Resource Center. It offers youth a glimpse of adulthood in a fun and practical way. The exercise helps youth to understand some “realities” involved in preparing for their future. Each year there are approximately 300 youth that attend and 50 volunteers that wor
Author: Hunter Carroll
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
During the holiday season, we acknowledge the significance of cooking, nutrition, and food storage in this time of year. In London, KY, the Wilderness Trail Area organized a Holiday Cooking School. The event focused on educating participants in Food Safety & Preservation, featuring instruction from the UK Food Safety and Preservation specialist, Annhall Norris and Stuarto's Olive Oil company conducted food demonstrations which worked alongside the UK Curriculum "Savor the Flavor.&qu
Author: Cathy Fellows
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Today children struggle with good nutrition or getting enough exercise in their daily lives. Studies show creating healthy habits at an early age can benefit people throughout their lifetime.The University of Kentucky’s Boone County’s Extension 4-H Agent collaborated with Ockerman Elementary School in Boone County in providing an educational series called The Literacy, Eating and Activity Nutrition Program (Leap). The Leap Nutrition series promotes healthy eating and incorporates exe
Author: Anna Denny
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
For five weeks, families embarked on an epic culinary adventure with the Passport Kitchen program. Together, they whipped up tasty new recipes and expanded their food horizons while learning about other cultures of different countries around the world. Cooking together isn't just about filling bellies; it's about igniting creativity, learning essential life skills, and growing that kitchen confidence! Families explored a new recipe once a week as they gathered their kit from the Ext
Author: Kindra Jones
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
The Kentucky 4-H Passport Kitchen program young people from Kentucky the opportunity to experience the food cultures of different countries in a self-paced experience. As part of the 4-H Passport Kitchen program, young people in Grayson County received five country kits to explore culinary treats. These kits provided all the needed instructions to complete a recipe, a video explaining the recipe, one ingredient for the recipe, information about the country, and a passport to record added researc
Author: Deana Reed
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Family Magazine reports that 76% of middle school age youth are babysitting either family members or other’s children. Childcare training provides life skills in parenting. Babysitting is often a youth’s first gainful employment experience. The Meade County Cooperative Extension Service 4-H program offered an 8 hour 4-H Babysitting Basics programs at Stuart Pepper Middle School as an afterschool program.This program was a collaborative effort between the Meade County 4-H Youth Develo
Author: Deana Reed
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
The Meade County 4-H Passport Kitchen program provided 11 families and 29 youth (ages 3-15) the opportunity to experience the food cultures of five different countries in a family-focused, self-paced experience. As part of the Kentucky 4-H Passport Kitchen program, young people received a kit containing materials for five countries (Brazil, Laos, Mexico, Poland, and the Ojibwe Tribe). The at-home program spanned seven weeks. The family kit provided all the needed instructions to comp
Author: Peggy Jones
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
The problemYouth wanting to learn cooking and preserving skillsThe educational program responseWith today’s prices of groceries and talk of food scarcity our youth is taking more interest in cooking and preserving foods. The USDA and Department of Health and Human Services, consumption of total fruit and total vegetables are expected to grow roughly 4% respectively in the next 5 years. With the increase on the rise of consuming vegetables the Family and Consumer Sciences Extension A
Author: MacKenzie Preece
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Recent statistics reveal that over 145,000 children in Kentucky have experienced having an incarcerated parent, constituting a staggering fifteen percent of the state's child population. This figure is double the national average, marking Kentucky with the highest percentage in the nation. In Franklin County alone, approximately 800 children are impacted by parental incarceration.The Annie E. Casey Foundation describes parental incarceration as a "shared sentence," emphasizing the
Author: Christina A. Martin
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Nutrition education and healthy lifestyles were identified by local leadership councils to be an educational priority for youth to help combat obesity crisis in the state. According to the Trust for America’s Healthy Survey and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Kentucky’s obesity rate for children ages 10-17 has increased to over 21%. Instructing children with the aspects of healthy nutritional choices at a young age is critical to addressing issues of weight. The
Author: Abigail Roy
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
From school visits I learned that a lot of young people in our county are interested in learning more cooking skills. To add more opportunities for youth to work on cooking skills, Pulaski County 4-H kickstarted a new program “Passport Kitchen” where students were able to cook dishes from countries around the world in their own homes. Passport Kitchen is a wonderful avenue to allow youth to practice cooking skills in a culturally immersive way. Each participant was given a kit that I
Author: Renata Farmer
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Students taught about money and financial matters are more likely to save, more likely to pay off credit card debt and are also likely to think about their purchases. Yet, according to a survey by the Jump$tart Coalition, one in six students in the United States failed to reach the baseline level of proficiency in financial literacy. The survey also showed that nearly 72 percent of parents showed reluctance in talking with their children about money and that 3 out of 10 parents actua
Author: Madalyn Hale
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
The problemWe often hear that we need to teach our youth about money and practical life skills. Many of our young people are not familiar with the concept of budgeting and spending money, and keeping a written record of finances is quickly becoming obsolete due to technology.The educational program responseThe 4-H Dollars and Sense program is designed to educate youth on the importance of budgeting and identifying needs and wants, as well as making informed financial purchases. The particip
Author: Kelly Woods
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
The problem:Culinary Arts continue to spark the interest of Oldham County youth, 4-H strives to offer at least three culinary sessions (6 hours each) yearly. Sessions fill up within hours of being posted. The educational program response:Oldham County 4-H has hosted three culinary camps to date: Baking Camp, Italian Foods Camp and Super Bowl Cooking Camp involving fifty-four young people. Two additional culinary programs are planned for the summer: Bread for Teens and BBQ Camp.
Author: Anna Denny
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Young people need to be proficient in financial decision making, which is a necessary life skill as they transition into adulthoodThe "It's Your Reality" 4-H Program presents a life skill through a simulation-style program. Participants are immersed in a scenario that includes their career choice, income, and family circumstances. They engage in the simulation by making decisions on purchases, handling utilities and taxes, buying groceries, looking after childcare, and other essent
Author: Brian Good
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
According to an article published on April 4, 2024 through WalletHub, Kentucky currently ranks 47th in the nation in financial literacy. This is down two spots from 2019. Global News Wire also echoed this sentiment in 2023 when they also ranked Kentucky at 47. The criteria included evaluations of personal consumption, household earnings, financial knowledge, personal retirement savings and state policy that supports financial literacy. Financial education usually begins at an early age and at ho
Author: Hunter Carroll
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
The Kentucky 4-H Passport Kitchen program provided 426 young people from Kentucky the opportunity to experience the food cultures of different countries in a self-paced experience. As part of the 4-H Passport Kitchen program, young people received six country kits in the mail during a six-week window. These kits provided all the needed instructions to complete a recipe, a video explaining the recipe, one ingredient for the recipe, information about the country, and a w
Author: Carissa Miske
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Statistics and general public feedback show that many students don’t have the financial knowledge and skills to make healthy financial decisions. Money management and career path development are both important areas that need to be addressed among our youth population, so they are better equipped to make healthier financial decisions. The local Middle and High School requested the 4-H Reality Store program. The 4-H Reality Store program is a real-life simulation that allows the stude
Author: Kellsey Agnew
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Every young person should be provided the opportunity to develop skills needed for everyday life. After collaborating with Campbell County School’s District Wide Teacher of the Visually Impaired and one of Campbell County Middle School’s Special Education Teachers a new program was designed to teach basic kitchen skills to students in the special education program at Campbell County Middle School. Campbell County 4-H provided equipment, ingredients, and education. All necessary adapt
Author: Alissa Ackerman
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Many students struggle with financial management skills and lack the knowledge when it comes to making wise financial decisions. Practicing this skill and providing more opportunities for financial literacy at an early age, can help prepare youth for a more successful future. The Clay County Extension Council identified basic budgeting skills as a top need for youth throughout the county.Local elementary schools requested the 4-H Dollars and Sense Program. Clay County 4-H, Partners for Rural Imp
Author: Chanda Hall
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Jefferson County 4-H Youth had taken an off day at school and learned how to make some southern delicacies from scratch. Cooking is a life skill and supports math, science, language, social-emotional development, physical development (fine motor skills), and cognitive development. At 4-H Jam, Butter and Biscuits Day Camp, 18 youth had the opportunity to explore the art of homemade jams, creamy butter, and fluffy biscuits. Our team of 4-H staff guided youth through the process
Author: Victoria Riehemann
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
In 2023, the poverty rate for Bullitt County was 10.2%, and although this poverty rate is lower than the national average for poverty (12.6%), the community wants our youth to be prepared with the financial skills to fight poverty. According to the 2019 Community Assessment for Bullitt County, stakeholders wanted to see increases in youth career readiness and in youth life skills training, which included money management and life decision making.Bullitt County 4-H partnered with the Family Resou
Author: Regina Browning
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
As high school seniors approach graduation, they are also approaching a shift in independence as they move into adulthood. Self-reliance and self sufficiency are important as young adults begin to navigate the world around them. Providing them with lessons in basic life skills can give young people confidence in their newfound independence whether they plan to go away to college or enter the workforce. The Shelby County 4-H Agent and the Shelby County High School Youth Service Center (YSC
Author: Samantha Klotz
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
According to the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services 38% of Kentucky children ages 10-17 are considered overweight or obese. Many schools in Nelson County are bringing awareness to their students about making healthier lifestyle choices. In partnership with Foster Heights Elementary, Nelson County 4-H was able to participate in Passion Ignite and focus on healthy eating, by preparing a healthy snack in the classroom. Passion Ignite is an event that is hosted three times througho
Author: Candice Hollingsworth
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
When someone first thinks of sewing, they may think of the stereotypical grandmother type, at her sewing machine or working hand piecing a quilt. This skill that was once thought to be losing interest is now on the rise thanks to social media and the art of upcycling. A tradition that was once passed down from mother to daughter has been revitalized for the masses. 4-H has helped to keep this skill alive and pass it on to the younger generation. We owe a great debt to our volunteers who take the
Author: Lois Carter
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
The problemThe 5 C’s of Positive Youth Development (according to the NE Department of Health & Human Services) include: Connection: A feeling of safety, structure, and belonging; positive bonds with people and social institutions.Confidence: A sense of self-worth and mastery; having a belief in one’s capacity to succeed.Character: Taking responsibility; a sense of independence and individuality; connection to principles and values.Competence: The ability to act effectively a
Author: Dora Centers
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
According to the 2019 UK Community needs assessment. 2 out of 3 of Knott County’s top priority issues identified for youth & family were “more youth life skills training (money management, life decision making, etc.) and “better family skills in reducing debt, increasing savings and financial planning.” To address this priority an annual collaborative program with the elementary and high school FYRSCs, KCCHS Beta Club, Knott Co Board of Educ
Author: Calyn Colston
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
In March 2024, Calloway County 4-H hosted a Reality Store financial simulation event for the Murray City and Calloway County 7th and 10th graders. The goal of the event was to increase youth financial awareness and provide them tools to make great life and financial decisions. Each of the four school FRYSC coordinators partnered with Calloway 4-H planning the event and 92 community volunteers from many different businesses and community programs worked the booths. Over the two day event, 648 stu
Author: Annette Buckman
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Obesity has become a significant issue among both adults and youth, presenting a major concern. Kentucky finds itself among the top five states in terms of obesity rates, with 36% of adults affected, and among the top seven for physical inactivity, with 32% of its population inactive. The Union County Health Rankings indicate that 37% of the adult population in Union County suffers from obesity, while an identical percentage is physically inactive.The monthly educational cooking prog
Author: Cathy Fellows
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Spring Break is well known for schools being closed and many families go on vacation together. However not all families are able to go away during this time, and often parents struggle to entertain their children during this weeklong break from school.Knowing this can be a dilemma for some families, Boone County’s 4-H Agent conducted a Baking 101 program April 2024 during spring break this year at Boone County’s Enrichment Centers Cooking Lab Classroom. The Baking 101 program offered
Author: Melissa Goodman
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Many young people will enter adulthood without the essential financial knowledge and skills they need to make informed choices about their money. According to a July 2022 FINRA Foundation national financial capability study, a persistent financial literacy gap exists in the U.S. Locally, the Kentucky Extension Community Needs Assessment highlighted the community's need for life skills training and career readiness among youth in Hickman County. These essential skills included money managemen
Author: Lisa Hagman
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
4-H offers many opportunities for youth to explore and discover their sparks. High quality 4-H program settings provide youth a place to belong, matter and explore their personal spark. Hancock County 4-H partners each year with the Hancock County Middle School Youth Service Center to offer an afterschool Culinary Arts Club to the 6th-8th grade students. At the conclusion of the year, the members are rewarded with a culinary-based field trip. The Ky Wildflour Bakery was a field trip d
