Kenton County CES

Title:

2021 21st Century Life Skills/Developing Human Capital

MAP:

2021 Economic and Workplace Development

Agents Involved:

Denise Donahue, Dan Allen, Diane Kelley, Joan Bowling

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

21st Century Skills (Career & Workplace Development)

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Positive Employability

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Economic Development

Situation:

The Kentucky Extension Community Assessment Statewide Report 2019 indicates that money management for families and youth and employee “soft/essential skills” training continue to be important issues statewide. Research conducted by Harvard University, the Carnegie Foundation, and Stanford Research Center indicates 85% of job success comes from having well developed soft and people skills, and only 15% of job success comes from technical skills and knowledge (hard skills). Studies show in the United States, only 1/3 of high school seniors are college ready. Only 1/3 of high school graduates are work-ready. 

Employers are often prepared to teach technical job skills; however, the intangible skills of being a team player, time management, and positive attitude are difficult to teach on-sight but critical to success.   

Long-Term Outcomes:

• More effective employees and community leaders.
• Improved financial capability for Kentuckians, results in better quality of life and stronger families.
• Gainful employment in rewarding careers 
• Lower unemployment rates 
• Full participation in local and state community 

Intermediate Outcomes:

• Practice better employee “soft/essential skills” such as communication, networking, teamwork, time management, problem-solving, etc.
• Improve employability through practical living skills and continued education practices.
• Successful completion of post-secondary programs
• Entry into careers of choice
• Lower amounts of student loan debts

Initial Outcomes:

• Change knowledge, opinions, skills, and aspirations, to improve employability through work and practical living skills and continuing education practices. 
• Better alignment with expectations with Schools, Postsecondary Institutions, and Businesses
• Increased funding and resources to 4-H Programs
• Increased participation in local and state 4-H Programs   
• Sustained, higher-quality 4-H programs 
• Higher graduation rates 
• Increased entry into post-secondary programs 
• Increased access to financial aid

Evaluation:

Outcome: Improved workforce communication 

Indicator: Number of individuals who reported the intent to utilize etiquette practices to improve verbal, written, and electronic communication practices (Communicating Effectively)

Indicator: Number of individuals reporting increased levels of understanding in the area: demonstrate strong verbal and nonverbal communications (Conveying Your Message)

Method: Pre/Post Evaluation 

Timeline: Following Positive Employability 

Outcome: Improved workplace listening skills 

Indicator: Number of individuals reporting increased levels of understanding in the area: how to utilize listening cues (nonverbal, quasi-verbal, and verbal) in conversation (Listening and Inquiry)

Method: Pre/Post Evaluation 

Timeline: Following Positive Employability 

Outcome: Networking Skills 

Indicator: Number of individuals reporting increased levels of confidence in the area: participate in a productive business conversation (Networking for Success)

Method: Pre/Post Evaluation 

Timeline: Following Positive Employability 

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: 4-H Members (ages 9-18) ,4-H Members’ Families
Project: Leverage partnerships to enhance existing initiatives around college & career readiness
Content: KY 4-H Agent-written Workforce Preparation curriculum pieces are currently on the 4-H Agent Resource Guide: Resource Guide > Family & Consumer Science > Workforce Preparation: National 4-H Career Readiness Framework; Kentucky Career Clusters (there are actually 16, not 14!) https://education.ky.gov/CTE/kytech/Documents/Career%20Clusters%20Update.pdf
Input: 4-H Agent, curriculum publications and resources, local employers and community leaders
Date: August 2020 to May 2021

Project: Expand exploration, development, and practical application of academic learning and 21^st Century Skills for Success
Content: KY 4-H Agent-written Workforce Preparation curriculum pieces are currently on the 4-H Agent Resource Guide: Resource Guide > Family & Consumer Science > Workforce Preparation: National 4-H Career Readiness Framework;  Kentucky Career Clusters (there are actually 16, not 14!) https://education.ky.gov/CTE/kytech/Documents/Career%20Clusters%20Update.pdf
Input: 4-H Agent, curriculum publications and resources, local employers and community leaders
Date: August 2020 to May 2021

Audience: Adults, teens, unemployed individuals, limited-resource individuals, parolees
Project or Activity: Forming a Job Club
Content or Curriculum: KY CES Resources
Input: FCS Agents, Community Partners (Unemployment Office)
Date: Fall 2021 to Spring 2022

Audience: Young Adults, Job Seekers
Project or Activity: Resume and Interview Skills Classes
Content or Curriculum: KY CES Resources
Inputs: KY CES State Specialists, Program Assistants, FCS Agents, Community Partners
Date: September-October 2021, March-April 2022

 Audience: 4-H Youth
 Project or Activity: 4-H Record Books
 Content or Curriculum: Corresponding 4-H Record Books
 Inputs: Agents
 Date: June, July 2022

Audience: Homeowners
Activity: Ins and Outs of Downsizing your Home
Content or Curriculum: UK publications
Inputs: FCS agent
Date: March 2022

Audience: General public
Activity: Savvy Sellers and Bargain Hunters
Content: UK curriculum
Inputs: FCS agent, thrift store personnel, antique professional
Date: April 2022

Audience: Youth Middle and High School 

Activity: 4-H “It’s Your Reality”
Content or Curriculum: UK Copyrighted Inputs
Inputs: Agents and County Middle and High Schools
Date: School Year: 2020 – 2021

Audience: Youth Grade School 

Activity: “Dollars & Sense”
Content or Curriculum: UK Copyrighted
Inputs: Agents and County-wide Grade Schools
Date: School Year: 2020 - 2021

Activity: 4-H School Clubs, Communication Events
Content or Curriculum: Speech and Demo lesson is part of every curriculum
Inputs: Agent, Volunteers, Schools, Assistants
Date: September 2021 – July 2022

Activity: 4-H Achievement
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Leadership Achievement Curriculum
Inputs: Agents & Assistants
Date: September 2021– April 2022