Extension
It Starts With Us
Developing Human Capitol
3. Income and Workforce Development
Ryan Spicer, Stacy Trent, & Reed Graham
Home-Based Microprocessor Program
Workforce Preparation – 4-H Youth Development
Farm Management, Economics and Policy
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. These skills are important for all types of business people, even those farmers that are getting their start at local markets. 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). 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. Furthermore, the building up of these skills within the workforce in a community, leads to community pride in both the business owner and the consumer. Building soft skills and building work knowledge indirectly affects community pride and preservation.
More effective employees and community leaders.
Improved financial capability for Kentuckians, results in better quality of life and stronger families.
A sense of work and community pride among Breathitt County citizens
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.
Start-up of new small businesses/farms in Breathitt County
Change knowledge, opinions, skills, and aspirations, to improve employability through work and practical living skills and continuing education practices.
Outcome: New, small businesses/farms in Breathitt County
Indicator: Number of individuals reporting increased levels of confidence/pride running their farm business start to finish
Method: Pre/Post Evaluation; participation in local markets
Timeline: On-Going throughout the year
Outcome: Improved workforce communication
Indicator: Number of individuals/youth who reported the intent to utilize etiquette practices to improve verbal, written, and electronic communication practices (Communicating Effectively)
Indicator: Number of individuals/youth reporting increased levels of understanding in the area: demonstrate strong verbal and nonverbal communications (Conveying Your Message)
Method: Pre/Post Evaluation
Timeline: On-Going throughout year
Outcome: Improved workplace listening skills
Indicator: Number of individuals reporting increased levels of understanding in the area: how to utilize listening cues (nonverbal, quaisverbal, and verbal) in conversation (Listening and Inquiry)
Method: Pre/Post Evaluation
Timeline: On-Going throughout the year
Outcome: Networking Skills
Indicator: Number of individuals/youth reporting increased levels of confidence in the area: participate in a productive business conversation (Networking for Success)
Method: Pre/Post Evaluation
Timeline: On-Going throughout the year
Audience: Breathitt County Adults
Project or Activity: Breathitt County Pride Program
Content or Curriculum: Various Publications, PBPT and other support trainings for local growers/producers, soft skills materials
Inputs: ANR Agent, Specialists & Curriculum
Date: Spring/Summer, 2025
Audience: Working-age adults and young adults preparing for the workforce
Project or Activity: 10 Soft Skills for Success
Content or Curriculum: Positive Employability, FCS Publications
Inputs: FCS Agent, curriculum publications and resources, local employers &
community leaders
Date: Spring, 2025
Project or Activity: Conveying Your Message
Content or Curriculum: Positive Employability, FCS Publications
Inputs: FCS Agent, curriculum publications and resources, local employers & community leaders
Date: Spring, 2025
Project or Activity: Networking for Success
Content or Curriculum: Positive Employability, FCS Publications
Inputs: FCS Agent, curriculum publications and resources, local employers & community leaders
Date: Spring, 2025
Audience: Breathitt County Youth
Project or Activity: Win with Wood Forestry Day/Activities
Content or Curriculum: Environmental Resources/Forestry Pubs
Inputs: 4-H Agent, ANR Agent, State Specialists & Curriculum
Date: Forestry Field Days/Win with Wood Program Days
Project or Activity: 4-H After School Club - Resume' Writing/Job Skills, Leadership
Content or Curriculum: Workforce Preparation/Career Preparation
Inputs: 4-H Agent, State Specialists & Curriculum
Date: On-Going/Monthly
Audience: Breathitt County Youth & Adults
Project or Activity: Money Habitudes Workshops
Content or Curriculum: Money Habitudes
Inputs: FCS Agent, & Curriculum
Date: On-Going/Monthly
