Extension
It Starts With Us
Developing Human Capitol and Increasing Qualified Workforce
Enhancing Financial Literacy and Consumer Awareness
Fentress, McCandless
Workforce Preparation – 4-H Youth Development
Substance Use Recovery - FCS
Economic Development
Community Engagement
The Hardin County Community Needs Assessment and the County Extesnion Council both identified workforce readiness as an issue that needs to be addressed. Women's job skills were specifically outlined as a prioritized need. CEC identified soft skills training as a need for adults, as well as youth to prevent future workforce readiness issues. 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.
- More effective employees and community leaders.
- Improved financial capability for Kentuckians, results in better quality of life and stronger families.
- 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.
- Change knowledge, opinions, skills, and aspirations, to improve employability through work and practical living skills and continuing education practices.
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, quaisverbal, 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: Working-age adults and young adults preparing for the workforce
Project or Activity: 10 Soft Skills for Success
Content or Curriculum: Positive Employability
Inputs: FCS Agent, curriculum publications and resources, local employers and community leaders
Date: 2021-2024
Audience: Working-age adults and young adults preparing for the workforce
Project or Activity: Conveying Your Message
Content or Curriculum: Positive Employability
Inputs: FCS Agent, curriculum publications and resources, local employers and community leaders
Date: 2021-2024
Audience: Working-age adults and young adults preparing for the workforce
Project or Activity: Networking for Success
Content or Curriculum: Positive Employability
Inputs: FCS Agent, curriculum publications and resources, local employers and community leaders
Date: 2021-2024
Audience: Working-age adults and young adults preparing for the workforce
Project or Activity: Clothing Closet
Content or Curriculum: Dressing for Success
Inputs: FCS Agent, clothing donations from community, ECTC, United Way, Way to Work
Date: Ongoing (2020-2024)
Audience: Youth (high school)
Project or Activity: APES
Content or Curriculum: 4-H American Private Enterprise Systems Program
Inputs: Extension Agents, community partners, local businesses
Date: Fall each year (2022, 2023, 2024)
