Success Stories By MajorProgram FY2025Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025
Middle School Students Face Financial “Reality” Through 4-H
Author: Deana Reed
Major Program: Workforce Preparation – 4-H Youth Development
Recent years of tough economic times have increased awareness of the need for financial literacy; however, Americans still have a long way to go toward making improvements. In 2014, the Jump$tart Coalition compiled a series of statistics that state that even though youth intend to work and save dollars, more students have increased 36% from the previous years of student and credit card debt. Youth are not getting the financial education which they will need for adulthood. According to the
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Interview Preparation
Author: Rebecca Hayes
Major Program: Workforce Preparation – 4-H Youth Development
Describe the Issue or Situation.East Carter Middle School has been looking for ways to cooperate with the community in different ways. They have started Mentorship Mondays. 4-H is privileged to be the community partner to speak to the students about interview skills and prepare them for their next steps. Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).4-H partnered with East Carter Middle School where each middle schooler got to sit through an informative
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2024 Corn Dog Booth
Author: Ryan Spicer
Major Program: Workforce Preparation – 4-H Youth Development
Describe the Issue or Situation: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.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable):The agent works to focus on this by taking 4-H’ers each year to the
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A Positive Feedback!!
Author: Brian Walker
Major Program: Workforce Preparation – 4-H Youth Development
Exploring Careers with AgDiscovery at Kentucky State University is the topic of what one student had to say about this unique camp. This past summer (2024) one of the past participants came to the camp because of her love for the veterinary science field and that it was being held in the state of Kentucky. Ms. Julissa along with 17 other participants were able to attend one of the primier KYSU summer camps and stay on campus for two weeks learning about all things that deal with the animal scien
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4-H Zoo Apprentice Camp
Author: Joyce Doyle
Major Program: Workforce Preparation – 4-H Youth Development
As an agent, I am always looking for new opportunities that meets the interest of my 4-H members. Dr. Guidugli sent a flyer out from Missouri 4-H about a program called 4-H Apprentice Camp Busch Gardens which was going to held in Tampa, Florida, December 27 thru 31. I forwarded the flyer to my 4-H members. I have a 4-H member who is autistic and has a love for animals. His mother immediately called me and said that Zack was very much interested in this program. Anot
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Demonstrated achievement, communcation, and leadership
Author: Diane Kelley
Major Program: Workforce Preparation – 4-H Youth Development
The Kenton County 4-H recognition program mirrors the National 4-H and Kentucky 4-H models for recognition and provides a balanced approach that encourages a variety of recognition to meet the diverse needs and interests of our youth. “Recognition is a significant incentive to further learning. Recognition properly designed…can inspire youth to continue participating and learning. Recognition is a basic human need with security, new experiences and responses.” (1993). National
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Building Future Business Leaders through the American Private Enterprise Systems Program
Author: Anna Meador
Major Program: Workforce Preparation – 4-H Youth Development
According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, “small businesses employ nearly half of the American workforce and represent 43.5% of America’s GDP” (US Chamber of Commerce, 2025). Small businesses are critical for providing employment opportunities and generating revenue in small town USA. Therefore, programs like the University of Kentucky’s American Private Enterprise Systems (A.P.E.S.) helps to provide invaluable experiences for youth to explore entrepreneursh
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Chamber and 4-H Partner for Young Entrepreneur Business Success
Author: Shannon Farrell
Major Program: Workforce Preparation – 4-H Youth Development
Cynthiana, KY is a town that has been flourishing in economic development, locally owned businesses, and increased tourism over the past decade. In 2021 the birth of the Harrison County 4-H Entrepreneur Club was born at a brainstorming meeting that included Chamber, Tourism, FCS Agent, and 4-H Agent. All agreed that with downtown moving in the right direction it was the ideal time to create an opportunity to foster an environment for the young people in Harrison County to share in the lov
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Hatching Success: From Classroom to Community—4-H Poultry Programs Inspire Future Agricultural Leaders
Author: Elijah Wilson
Major Program: Workforce Preparation – 4-H Youth Development
Issue or SituationPoultry is Kentucky’s leading agricultural industry and a major economic driver in Cumberland County, where large-scale poultry farms, along with businesses in trucking, feed production, and processing, provide significant employment opportunities. According to the 2022 U.S. Census of Agriculture, Cumberland County is home to 409 farms, underscoring the region’s deep agricultural roots. However, as the number of farms declines and the average age of producers rises,
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Life Skills in Action: 4-H Reality Store
Author: Carissa Miske
Major Program: Workforce Preparation – 4-H Youth Development
A needs assessment by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension identified that youth in the county lacked opportunities for essential life skills training, particularly in the areas of financial literacy, career planning, and decision-making. This was the second-highest need related to 4-H youth development in the county, with many students graduating unprepared for financial planning and career choices. In response, the 4-H Reality Store program was utilized to provide high school stude
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Mock Interviews Continue Prepare Youth to be Beyond Ready
Author: Toni Humble
Major Program: Workforce Preparation – 4-H Youth Development
Today’s youth will eventually enter the workforce and being prepared for that transition is crucial for their success. Employers are looking for quality applicants, with proper education or training, but also want individuals that have developed various skill sets. What does the CAN say about youth workforce development ?To prepare our youth and educate them about the skills necessary to have a successful career, Wayne County 4-H partnered with the JAG (Jobs for America’s Graduates)
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It's Your Reality Event
Author: Alissa Ackerman
Major Program: Workforce Preparation – 4-H Youth Development
Thirty-five states require financial management classes for students to complete high school graduation, according to the Financial Education Council. With Kentucky being one of the newly thirty-five states requiring financial literacy classes, these skills are still a crucial need for students’ future success. From banking to managing debt, buying a home or planning for retirement, require a wide range of resources. The Clay County 4-H program responded to requests by the local high schoo
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4-H Future Ready: 6th Grade Workforce Prep Event
Author: Staci Thrasher
Major Program: Workforce Preparation – 4-H Youth Development
Event Overview: The 4-H Future Ready: 6th Grade Workforce Prep Event, held at North Central 4-H Camp, brought together 165 enthusiastic students and over 25 dedicated community partners. This event was designed to equip young minds with essential skills for their future careers through a series of engaging and hands-on activities.Activities and Engagement: Youth participants were immersed in a variety of activities that fostered both personal and professional growth. The 4-H Camp Staff led
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Reality Checks for High School Juniors
Author: Melissa Schenck
Major Program: Workforce Preparation – 4-H Youth Development
In the United States, more than 60% of adults live paycheck to paycheck including those 40% who make over six figures according to a study done by LendingClub. With staggering statistics like that, it is evident that we must take the time to teach youth about their finances and the importance of living within their means. In the past, the Washington County Extension Office had partnered with Washington County Schools to host a powerful learning experience for each 8th grader called Reality Store
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Money Matters
Author: Candice Hollingsworth
Major Program: Workforce Preparation – 4-H Youth Development
According to 2021 Experian data, the average American holds a debt balance of $96,371. Young people will pick up and emulate the relationship with money and spending habits of the adults in their lives. This may set them up for lifelong financial struggles. A 2017 T. Rowe Price Survey stated that 69% of parents admit they are reluctant about broaching the topic of finances with their children. To help set kids on the right path, Shelby County 4-H provided a Money Matters progr
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