Extension
It Starts With Us
2023 21st Century Life Skills/Developing Human Capital
2023 Economic and Workplace Development
Denise Donahue, Dan Allen, Diane Kelley, Joan Bowling, Brandon George, Lori Clark, third 4-H Agent
21st Century Skills (Career & Workplace Development)
FCS Employment Skills
Economic Development
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.
- 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
- 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
- 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
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
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) 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 2023 to May 2024
Project: Expand exploration, development, and practical application of academic learning and 21st 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) 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 2023 to May 2024
Audience: 4-H Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Record Books
Content or Curriculum: Corresponding 4-H Record Books
Inputs: Agents
Date: June, July 2024
Audience: Homeowners
Activity: Ins and Outs of Downsizing your Home
Content or Curriculum: UK publications
Inputs: FCS agent
Date: March 2023
Audience: General public
Activity: Savvy Sellers and Bargain Hunters
Content: UK curriculum
Inputs: FCS agent, thrift store personnel, antique professional
Date: April 2023
Audience: Youth Middle and High SchoolActivity: 4-H “It’s Your Reality”
Content or Curriculum: UK Copyrighted Inputs
Inputs: Agents and County Middle and High Schools
Date: School Year: 2023 – 2024
Audience: Youth Grade SchoolActivity: “Dollars & Sense”
Content or Curriculum: UK Copyrighted
Inputs: Agents and County-wide Grade Schools
Date: School Year: 2023 - 2024
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 2023 – July 2024
Activity: 4-H Achievement
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Leadership Achievement Curriculum
Inputs: Agents & Assistants
Date: September 2023– April 2024
Audience: 4-H Youth
Project or Activity: Expressive Art
Content or Curriculum: National 4-H Art Curriculum
Inputs: Agents & Assistants
Date: July 2023 - June 2024
Audience: Agriculture community
Project or Activity: My Farm is a Business
Content or Curriculum: UK Publications, Annie's Project
Inputs: Agents, local professionals
Date: September, October, November 2023
Author: Diane Kelley
Major Program: Science, Engineering, and Technology
Kenton County Cooperative Extension 4-H utilized the results of yearly expansion and review surveys as well as the community assessment survey and established a 4-H STEM club. Club membership has varied from 13 to 8 but a consistent group participates. Members are representative of the Kenton County population and the participants range in age from 9-14 years. The previous teen leader for the club is currently studying pre-medicine and received multiple college scholarships as w
Author: Anna Meyers
Major Program: Agriculture & Natural Resources
More than ever, children lack the ability to communicate effectively. This impacts their mental health, grades, friendships, and future employability. In the 2023 Community Needs Assessment Survey, youth life skill training opportunities, including communication, was identified as the single highest priority issue in Kenton County, ranking an average of 4.4 out of 5, which falls under “Very High Need” from 608 responses.Through competitive animal evaluation defended by oral reasons,
Author: Ola Donahue
Major Program: Apparel and Textiles (Non-Master Clothing Volunteer)
Stress can have a significant impact on a community, both in terms of individual health and social cohesion. High levels of stress can lead to physical and mental health issues such as high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. This can result in increased healthcare costs and decreased productivity in the workforce. Kenton County FCS Program offering a beginning quilting class can have a positive impact on the community by providing a fun and creative outlet for i
