Washington County CES

Title:

Increasing life skills education and leadership excellence for youth and families

MAP:

Developing Leadership, Volunteers, and Life Skills

Agents Involved:

Cabrina Buckman, Dennis Morgeson, Melissa Richardson, Taylor Graves, Laura Milburn, NEP

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Community Leadership Development

Situation:

Results from the 2023 Kentucky Extension Community Assessment identified youth life skill training opportunities (leadership and communication skill building opportunities) and strengthening youth workforce readiness including entrepreneurial and business development skills as two of the top five issues within our community. This assessment was completed by 250 members of the Washington County community and was specifically promoted within advisory council and County Extension Council meetings. 

Long-Term Outcomes:

Participants of leadership programs will serve as volunteer leaders and/or mentors to others.

Clientele will gain and maintain employment through life skill development.

Families and individuals will make responsible and productive life choices that will contribute to home and community.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Participants will collaborate with coalitions, councils, programs, and other leaders.

Clientele will set and achieve goals through Extension programming.

Extension participants will apply skills learned through Extension programming at home, work, and in their community.

Initial Outcomes:

Develop adequate perceptions of leadership due to training opportunities for organizational and community leaders

Clientele will develop an understanding of goal setting

Participants will acquire decision making skills and gain an appreciation for civic engagement

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Develop adequate perceptions of leadership due to training opportunities for organizational and community leaders

Indicator: Teen Leadership participants will apply lessons in leadership through completing assignments in the program

Method: verbal presentation

Timeline: spring

Intermediate Outcome: Participants will collaborate with coalitions, councils, programs, and other leaders.

Indicator: Participation on advisory councils and in programs

Method: sign in sheets and leader trainings

Timeline: throughout the year

Long-term Outcome: Participants of leadership programs will serve as volunteer leaders and/or mentors to others.

Indicator: return of program alumni to facilitate program

Method: observation

Timeline: continuous

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: youth and adult Extension clientele

Project or Activity: 4-H clothing and food projects, money management classes, meal planning and preparation lessons, safety programming, 4-H Teen Programming, horticulture programming

Content or Curriculum: Extension curriculum

Inputs: Extension resources, community partners, volunteers, and participants

Date: continuous throughout FY 2025

Audience: 7th grade students, high school students, council and board members, community participants

Project or Activity: Junior Leadership, Teen Leadership, Teen Advisory Council, Garden Club, Homemakers, 4-H Council, Agriculture Development Board, WC Cattlemen's Association, Washington on Wellness Coalition

Content or Curriculum: Extension curriculum

Inputs: Extension resources and specialists, community and civic organizations

Date: annual programming that will be offered continuously throughout FY 2025

Success Stories

Records sent at 4-H Camp

Author: Melissa Schenck

Major Program: Camping

According the the American Camp Association young people who attend camp believe that camp helped them to make new friends (96%), helped them feel good about themselves (92%), and do things they were afraid to do at first (74%). 70% of parents who send their kids who camp said that camp helped their child gain self-confidence. In an effort to promote these, and other positive examples of self efficacy to youth in Washington County, the Washington County 4-H has strengthened their commitment

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4-H Programming Spreads to All County Schools

Author: Melissa Schenck

Major Program: Science, Engineering, and Technology

Expanding the reach of the 4-H program across all area schools in Washington County, Kentucky, provides an excellent opportunity to engage a diverse group of students and foster essential life skills. Washington County is home to 4 public schools, including Washington County High School, North Washington Elementary, and Washington County Elementary, and Washington County Middle, as well as a private K-8th school. These systems serve a student population of over 1,600. By extending the 4-H progra

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The Lincoln Trail Homemakers Kick-off with Create Welcoming Clubs

Author: Cabrina Buckman

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 (LTA) 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

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