Extension
It Starts With Us
Financial Education
Securing Financial Stability
Adkins, O'Bryan, Sigmon, Whitson, Williams
Securing Financial Stability (general)
Securing Financial Stability (general)
4-H Communications and Expressive Arts Core Curriculum
Business Retention and Expansion
The consequences of the Great Recession and the extended period of slow economic growth which followed, encouraged Kentuckians to become more aware of their financial situation. Kentucky consistently lags behind other areas of the United States in key household economic indicators, including: personal income, population living below the poverty line, unemployment, and revolving debt. These indicators, especially unemployment numbers became more exaggerated during the period of the Great Recession. However, at present economist are cautiously optimistic regarding future economic forecasts. It is important to acknowledge the impact of current economic conditions on family financial management. The goal of the Securing Financial Stability Initiative is to help Kentuckians understand and respond to changing economic conditions, while promoting healthy financial behaviors across the lifespan.
•Teenagers and adults will show increased knowledge and skills related to managing available financial and non-financial resources.
•Participants will increase understanding of consumer rights and privacy protection measures.
•Teens and young adults will simulate life situations to recognize importance of education and employability skills.
•Adopt one or more short, mid and long term financial planning strategies.
•Teens will practice saving money for the future to help with college and living expenses
•Practice one or more resource management behavior(s) resulting in increased savings or investments
•Apply practical living skills to advance education or employability
•Examine personal and financial stability on a regular basis (at least annually).
•Maximize or extend resources to maintain or increase finances
•Number of individuals reporting improved family financial stability and economic well-being.
•Number of individuals who avoided breaches in personal or financial security.
•Improved the quality of their life resulting in a stronger family.
•Youth will learn about budgeting and money management
Initial Outcome: Teenagers and adults will show increased knowledge and skills relating to financial management, budgeting and resource management
Indicator: participants will attend and participate in Extension programs
Method: survey
Timeline: July - June
Intermediate Outcome: Clientele will adopt short, mid and long-term financial planning strategies
Indicator: participants adopt financial strategies
Method: evaluation
Timeline: July-June
Long-term Outcome: Number of clientele reporting improved family financial stability and economic well-being. Youth will show an increase and practice savings and strategies to assist with college and future planning
Indicator: Increased family and youth financial resources
Method: evaluation
Timeline: July-June
Audience: Middle and High School youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Reality Store
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Reality store curriculum
Inputs: middle and high school teachers, Extension staff, volunteers
Date: March 2018
Audience: general public
Project or Activity: Kentucky Saves
Content or Curriculum: America/Kentucky Saves
Inputs: Extension staff, Kentucky/America Saves organization
Date: February 2020
Audience: 4-H youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Means Business
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Means Business curriculum
Inputs: 4-H agent, community volunteer speakers and business owners, 4-H volunteers
Date: September 2017-August 2018
Audience: 4-H Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Dollars and Sense Program
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Dollars and Sense curriculum
Inputs: 4-H agents, FRC directors, local schools, teachers, school staff, volunteers.
Date: August 2017-May 2018
Audience: general public
Project or Activity: Small Steps to Health and Wealth
Content or Curriculum: Small Steps to Health and Wealth
Inputs: Extension staff, local businesses, volunteers
Date: August - May
Audience: general public
Project or Activity: C.L.A.S.S. (Continuous Learning Assures a Successful Society) financial programs
Content or Curriculum: UK Programs
Inputs: Extension Agent, program assistants, volunteers
Date: ongoing
Author: Judith O'Bryan
Major Program: Business Retention and Expansion
The annual Farm Industry Tour, organized and hosted by the Laurel County Extension Council, has become one of the most anticipated community events of the year. The purpose of the tour is to introduce community members to local industries that provide agricultural goods and services, educate participants on new and emerging crops, and encourage them to shop locally.The 2019 tour began at a local farm where 42 people boarded old-fashioned trolleys and several others followed in cars to the
