Extension
It Starts With Us
Financial Management, Soft Skill Development, Human Development, Enhance Life Skills and Build Consumer Awareness
Thriving Individuals and Strong Families
Bridge, Mills, Reed
Financial Education - General
Family Development General
Recovering Your Finances
Communications & Expressive Arts
Life skills education is one of the dominate needs of citizens as they work to improve their lives. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics almost 15% of Meade County residents live below the poverty level. Contributing factors could include lack of a high school education (15%), unemployment (10%), severe disabilities (7%), major depression (7%) and recent drug use (10.5%). The need for financial and resource management was identified by multiple councils as an area extension could provide expertise as we continue to reach out the residents with educational information.
Additional needs of young children have been observed through preschool screens as only about 30% of those tested are cognitively developed for effective learning. Family support and interaction plays a key component in a child's cognitive, emotional and physical development.
As we progress in to the 21st century a number of factors have gained prevalence within Family and Consumer Science driven by the increase of online and mobile shopping, the rise of video based at home tutorials, and the shifting family structures as evident by 17% of stay-at-home parents being fathers. The ever changing landscape of the family and the consumer highlights the need for a responsive and innovative FCS program while also providing the basic needs that all families have as they navigate lives many challenges. Kentucky 4-H Seeks to meet these needs through working with youth and families in a variety of situations to increase their consumer awareness, financial management, nutrition, culinary arts, textiles, housing, and human development.
The development of communications skills is one of the preeminent skills necessary to grow as an individual, a community member and a leader. Research also shows a positive association between arts participation and a number of desirable academic and social outcomes, such as school grades, test scores, enrollment in post-secondary education, attainment of a bachelor’s degree, and higher levels of literacy and civic engagement. (Child Trends, 2012) Kentucky 4-H provides communication and expressive arts by engaging youth in hands-on educational experiences that inspire confidence and foster a love for the arts.
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, 2017 STEM Jobs Update, Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workers help drive our nation’s innovation and competitiveness by generating new ideas and new companies. STEM knowledge also has other benefits; while often very specialized, it can be transferred to a wide variety of careers, particularly management occupations, while increased technology in the workplace means that, to handle non-repetitive tasks, workers need the critical thinking and technical skills that come with STEM training. Kentucky 4-H provides SET education opportunities by engaging youth in hands-on, interdisciplinary educational experiences that foster an increased understanding and appreciation Science, Technology, Engineering and Applied Mathematics.
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). 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
Promote positive personal finance behaviors prepares Kentuckians for any future economic shift. The United States has been in an extremely long period of economic expansion; however, expansions are cyclical, meaning growth is eventually followed by recession. Securing financial stability for Kentuckians will help families thrive no matter the economic outlook. Financial stability is achieved when families are able to secure and manage resources needed to supply food, clothing, and shelter. Through increased financial knowledge, families may be able to make wise financial decisions, increase buying power, avoid overextended credit, develop savings habits, and manage risks.
“School-readiness” is a broad term that refers to multiple precursor cognitive, physical, and social-emotional skills that indicate young children are prepared to learn and thrive in the school environment. A wide body of research shows a strong foundation in school readiness is indicative of school success. Emerging research also indicates that there is a synergistic effect when early learning activities activate physical and cognitive skills simultaneously, as opposed to doing so in isolation. However, in the state of Kentucky only 50% of children are deemed “school-ready” when they enter Kindergarten. These numbers indicate a need for more activities that support school-readiness by building multiple skill sets simultaneously. 96,000 children in Kentucky live in kinship care. Kentucky ranks first in the nation for the most children in kinship care settings in the country. 15,000 children are in kinship care due to removal from their home. Kinship care providers need support.
Youth will be responsible and contributing individuals and family members
• Youth will gain and maintain employment through life skill development
• Youth will contribute to a safe and healthy home and community.
- Youth will utilize the skills gained to serve as leaders in 4-H and other organizations;
- Youth share the elements of the music, dance, drama and visual arts with their community
- Youth will be advocates for the arts
- Youth will increase STEM literacy in the general population
- Youth will innovate in addressing social problems and situations using STEM
- Youth will increase the number and diversity of individuals pursuing educational opportunities and careers in STEM related fields
- Youth will increase and diversify the pool of trained STEM educators and employees.
- More effective employees and community leaders.
- Improved financial capability for Kentuckians, results in better quality of life and stronger families.
- Better family money management skills, such as reducing debt, increasing savings, and financial planning.
- More effective employees and community leaders.
- Improved financial capability for Kentuckians, results in better quality of life and stronger families.
- Increase the number of children who are “kindergarten ready” in the state of Kentucky.
- Improve academic success for children in Kentucky
- Youth will utilize and practice life skills in projects and life situations
- Youth will project a positive image and self-confidence
- Youth will practice responsible consumer and financial decision-making
- Youth will practice healthy eating choices
- Youth will make choices that lead to responsible and beneficial results
- Youth will adopt habits and skills that contribute toward employability in the future
- Youth will construct a speech that has a clear introduction, body and closing
- Youth will demonstrate an increased level of confidence when presenting in front of groups
- Youth apply elements of music, dance, drama and visual arts in creating and performing
- Youth will apply STEM learning skills in contexts outside the 4-H Program (e.g., school classes, science fairs, invention contests etc.)
- Youth will and use new methods or improved technology.
- Youth will demonstrate the use of developed life-skills everyday situations.
- Youth will express interest and/or demonstrate aspirations toward STEM Careers.
- Youth will raise questions and identify problem to be addressed using STEM.
- 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
- Practice one or more resource management behaviors resulting in increased savings or investments.
- Adopt financial planning strategies for short-, mid-, and long-term goals.
- Increase opportunities and access to more preschool learning activities outside of the home
- Increase number of children who are “kindergarten ready” in Meade county
- Increase number of learning activities experienced at home
- Increase child and parent social-emotional skills such as heightened self-awareness, responsible decision making, and self-management.
- Increase caregiver advocacy for children in their care including legal, medical, social, and educational services
- Increase access of community services to caregivers
- Youth will gain knowledge and develop skills in Family & Consumer Sciences projects and programs
- Youth will understand the decision-making process
- Youth will gain skills in setting a goal and developing a plan of action
- Youth will learn to read and follow instructions
- Youth will gain knowledge in researching, preparing and presenting a speech or demonstration
- Youth can identify key elements of music, dance, drama and visual arts
- Youth will be engaged in STEM related activities.
- Youth will have an improved attitude toward STEM related subjects.
- Youth will develop valuable life-skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, effective communications, and leadership.
- Youth will increase their awareness of opportunities to contribute their STEM skills to society.
- Farmers will attend Ag economic meetings where they will learn to monitor inputs and income so that they can make better financial management decisions.
- Change knowledge, opinions, skills, and aspirations, to improve employability through work and practical living skills and continuing education practices.
- Increased knowledge and skills related to managing financial resources, including savings, credit, and financial planning.
- Change knowledge, opinions, skills, and aspirations, to improve employability through work and practical living skills and continuing education practices.
- Increase financial literacy (knowledge and skills) related to savings and investments.
- Kentuckians understand the importance of developmentally appropriate play to their child’s academic success
- Increase child’s ability to express appropriate emotion
- Improve child’s gross motor skills
- Improve child’s early literacy skills including phonological awareness, print awareness, and vocabulary
- Increase awareness of indicators of high-risk adolescent behaviors
- Identify key points of adolescent development
Establish realistic expectations for teen behavior, and explore changing relationships within families
Long-Term Outcome: Youth will contribute to self, family, community and to the institutions of our society.
Indicator: Number of youth who report personal contributions to self, family and community.
Method: 4-H Common Measures Survey, Personal Narratives
Timeline: July 2024-June 2025
Intermediate Outcome: Youth apply the skills learned in 4-H in other activities at home, school and in the community.
Indicator: Number of youth who report applying skills learned in 4-H in other venues such as home, school and the community.
Method: 4-H Common Measures Survey, Personal Narratives
Timeline: September 2023 - June 2024
Intermediate Outcome: Youth will practice healthy eating and food preparation choices
Indicator: The number of youth reporting putting into practice healthy eating and food preparation choices and skills learned as a result of program participation.
Method: 4-H Common Measures Survey, Personal Narratives
Timeline: July 2024 - June 2025
Intermediate Outcome: Youth plan and implement a communication and expressive arts project (speech, demonstration, art, photography, e)
Indicator: Youth complete a communication and expressive arts project
Method: 4-H Common Measures Survey, Personal Narratives
Timeline: July 2024 - June 2025
Intermediate Outcome: Youth plan and implement a SET project (aerospace, electricity, robotic, etc.)
Indicator: Youth complete a SET project
Method: 4-H Common Measures Survey, Personal Narratives & projects
Timeline: July 2024 - June 2025
Intermediate Outcome: Farm Families will keep more concrete financial records.
Indicator: Individuals using record keeping app
Method: Phone, computer, and tablet application.
Timeline: November 2023 - June 2025
Initial Outcome: Youth learn and develop life skills though 4-H.
Indicator: Number of youth who report learning and developing life skills through 4-H activities/events/project work.
Method: 4-H Common Measures Survey, Personal Narratives
Timeline: July 2024 - June 2025
Initial Outcome: Youth will practice healthy eating and food preparation choices
Indicator: The number of youth reporting making healthier eating and food preparation choices as a result of program participation.
Method: 4-H Common Measures Survey, Personal Narratives
Timeline: July 2024 - June 2025
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: October 2020
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: October 2025
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: October 2025
Outcome: Increased awareness of sound financial behaviors
Indicator(s): Number of individuals who implemented at least one strategy to reduce expenses or manage money Number of individuals who made a sound financial decision (regarding credit, budgeting, savings, and/or debt)
Method: Retroactive pre-post
Timeline: Following financial education workshops
Outcome: Increase knowledge and skills related to managing financial resources
Indicator: Number of individuals reporting increased levels of understanding in the area: confidence in handling money issues or specific financial matters
Method: Retroactive pre-post
Timeline: Following financial education workshops
Outcome: Increase knowledge and skills related to estate planning
Indicator: Number of individuals who took action toward implementing at least one estate planning strategy in regard to the subject matter presented
Method: Retroactive pre-post
Timeline: Following financial education workshops
Outcome: Kentuckians learn fun age appropriate activities to aid in their child’s healthy development.
Indicator: Number of parents who expressed learning new activities to engage their children at home.
Method: Laugh and Learn Play Dates Survey
Timeline: January 2024 - December 2025
Outcome: Increase child and parent social-emotional skills such as heightened self-awareness, responsible decision making, and self-management.
Indicator: How many children increased their ability to express emotion after attending the program.
Method: Stories, Songs, and Stretches Survey
Timeline: July - June
Outcome: Increase number of children who are “kindergarten ready” in Meade county.
Indicator: Several – (i.e. How many parents reported improved gross motor skills, social-emotional skills, and early literacy skills?) Method: Kentucky Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Kindergarten Readiness Results
Timeline: July- June
Outcome: Increase skills and resources of caregivers to provide effective care for young relatives
Indicator: Several – (i.e. How many caregivers improve skills/knowledge in child development, discipline and guidance, legal issues, and advocacy)
Method: Parenting a Second Time Around (PASTA) Evaluation: Post program evaluation
Timeline: quarterly July 2024-June 2025
Project or Activity: 4-H Summer Day Camps
Content or Curriculum: Approved 4-H curriculum for science, engineering & technology; foods; food preservation; natural resources; arts; home environment; needlework; photography; woodworking and 4-H trends projects.
Inputs: extension staff, 4-H Intern, local volunteers
Date: June - July 2025
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Fresh Foods cooking program
Content or Curriculum: Super Star Chef, Teen Cuisine, 4-H Cooking, Jump into Food and Fitness, Put it up, International Foods, Exploring MyPlate, Wellness in Kentucky, What’s on Your plate
Inputs: extension staff, extension specialists, local volunteers
Date: June - July 2024, June - July 2025
Project or Activity: 4-H Babysitting Basics Course
Content or Curriculum: Babysitting Basics
Inputs: extension staff, extension specialists, local volunteers, Youth Service Center Coordinator, school personnel, Meade County Library Youth Programs department
Date: Fall 2024/Spring 2025
Project or Activity: 4-H Visual Arts After School Program & Evening Workshops
Content or Curriculum: Portfolio Pathways, Sketchbook Crossroads, KET Toolkit Visual Arts, Photography Level 1: Photography Basics, Photography Level 2: Next Level Photography, Photography Level 3: Mastering Photography, Getting Started in Art
Inputs: extension staff, extension specialists, local volunteers, Youth Service Center Coordinator, school personnel
Date: Spring 2025
Project or Activity: 4-H Visual Arts - Creative Arts Club
Content or Curriculum: Portfolio Pathways, Sketchbook Crossroads, KET Toolkit Visual Arts, Photography Level 1: Photography Basics, Photography Level 2: Next Level Photography, Photography Level 3: Mastering Photography, Getting Started in Art
Inputs: extension staff, 4-H Agent, local volunteers
Date: September 2024 - May 2025
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Communication Contest
Content or Curriculum: Communications Curriculum: Module 1, Communications Curriculum Module 2, Communications Curriculum Module 3
Inputs: extension staff, extension specialists, local volunteers
Date: Spring 2025
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Science, Engineering & Technology projects and programs
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Aerospace Adventures Curriculum, NASA Rocket Educators Guide, : 4-H Agriscience Biotechnology, Science Sleuths, 4-H Discovering Computer Science, 4-H Electric Excitement, 4-H Junk Drawer Robotics, 4-H Science Discovery Series, 4-H Science Fun with Physics
Inputs: extension staff, extension specialists, volunteers, parents
Date: September 2024 - June 2025
Audience: Middle School Youth
Project or Activity: It’s Your Reality
Content or Curriculum: Its Your Reality program curriculum
Inputs: extension staff, Youth Service Center Coordinator, school personnel, local businesses, local volunteers
Date: Fall 2024
Audience: Homeschool Youth
Project or Activity: Meade County Homeschool 4-H Experience
Content or Curriculum: Approved 4-H curriculum for all seven core curriculum areas.
Inputs: extension staff, extension specialists, local volunteers
Date: Monthly, September 2024 - April 2025
Audience: Clover Bud Club Youth, ages 5-8
Project or Activity: 4-H Clover Bud Club
Content or Curriculum: KY 4-H Clover Bud Curriculum and additional Clover Bud Resources from other states and National 4-H Mall Catalog
Inputs: extension staff, local volunteers
Date: September 2024 - May 2025
Audience: Ag Producers
Activity: Meetings
Content: University of Kentucky budgets and publications
Inputs: University of Kentucky Specialists, ANR agent
Date: Winter 2021-2025
Audience: Ag Producers
Activity: Recordkeeping with UK App
Content: University of Kentucky publications
Input: University of Kentucky Specialists
Date: Winter 2023-2025
Project or Activity: Estate Planning Workshop
Content or Curriculum: Estate Planning
Inputs: FCS Specialist (family finance and resource management), curriculum publications and resources, and local partners such as an attorney, CPA and/or financial planner
Date: January through March, 2025
Audience: Adults
Project or Activity: Financial Education
Content or Curriculum: Real Skills for Everyday Life
Inputs: FCS Agents
Date: January 2025
Audience: Recovery Centers
Project or Activity: KY Saves/Piggy Bank contest
Content or Curriculum: KY Saves
Inputs: Coordination with local bank and schools targeting
Date: October 2024 through February 2025
Audience: youth and adults
Project or Activity: Laugh and Learn Playdates
Content or Curriculum: Laugh and Learn Playdates 2
Inputs: FCS Agent, Local Preschool, FRCYSC
Date: January through December 2024
Audience: Toddlers ages 2-5 and caregivers
Project or Activity: Various Content or Curriculum: Parenting a Second Time Around, Life Story/Memory Banking, Traditions, AARP Prepare to Care
Inputs: FCS Agent, PASTA
Date: January thru August 2025
On-Going Audience: Kinship Caregivers
Project or Activity: Recycling and Earth Day observance
Content or Curriculum: Why Recycle and Buttermilk Falls Trail Day
Inputs: local councils, resource agencies, extension resources
Date: Spring 2025
Audience: Adults and Youth
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
Author: Deana Reed
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Describe the Issue or Situation: Family Magazine reports that 76% of middle school age youth are babysitting either family members or other’s children. Childcare training provides life skills in parenting. Babysitting is often a youth’s first gainful employment experience.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable): The Meade County Cooperative Extension Service 4-H program offered an 8 hour 4-H Babysitting Basics programs at Stuart
Author: Jennifer Bridge
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
As their membership ages, the Kentucky Extension Homemakers recognize the challenge that is facing their mission of providing education, community service and leadership development. To address this challenge, the Lincoln Trail Area Extension Homemaker Kick-off program is held annually to build excitement and provide resources for the new program year. In planning for the 2024 event, the LTA Homemakers Council applied, and they were awarded a $500 KEHA Development Grant to sponsor the kick-off.
