Spencer County CES

County Emphasis:

Community and Economic Promotion

Concentration 1:

Financial Security and Economic Well-Being

Concentration 2:

Financial Security and Economic Well-Being

Concentration 3:

Work and Life Skill Development

Concentration 4:

Work and Life Skill Development

Situation:

A disproportionate number of Kentuckians live in economically distressed communities (39% of Kentuckians, compared to 15% nationally). Further, most Kentucky households are concerned with financially sustaining a quality of life that allows them to survive and thrive in an economically challenged society. From housing to grocery expenses, the cost of living continues to rise, and households are ill-equipped to adjust. Securing financial stability is vital for the well-being of state constituents. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) is committed to improving the financial security and economic well-being of families across the Commonwealth. Related CES programming is designed to help Kentuckians become more economically resilient by promoting financial literacy education, comprehensive family resource management skills, and small business engagement and support.  In a 2023 University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment, with nearly 28,000 responses from across the state, Building Financial Literacy and/or Resource Management Skills was among the top 10 state-identified priority issues reported by Kentuckians, and Efforts that Support Local & Small businesses was among the top 10 Community & Economic Development needs in the state.  

 

In Kentucky, economic uncertainty due to job market fluctuations and agricultural shifts impacts youth through unstable family environments and limited resources. Hospitality, retail, and tourism generated over $10 billion in 2023, with job growth in culinary arts, tourism, and hobby industries. The unemployment rate increased by 4.7% from July 2023 to July 2024. According to the Kentucky Cooperative Extension System Community Needs Assessment (2023), priorities include building financial literacy and resource management skills, youth life skill training (e.g., leadership and communication), strengthening youth workforce readiness (e.g., entrepreneurship, business development), and engaging diverse and non-traditional youth audiences. America’s future relies on a ready workforce and engaged communities to tackle major challenges. Kentucky 4-H develops youth potential for lifelong success through essential skills in communication, leadership, and civic engagement. 80% of 4-Hers reported that 4-H helped them explore career options and 95% reported 4-H helped them identify things they were good at, and 50% reported 4-H helped them with college decision-making. 4-H programs equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to thrive in their personal lives, family lives, and communities.

 

Kentucky household income statistics are concerning, with the median household income in Kentucky on a downward trend (i.e., approximately $55,100, which is 74% of the U.S. median income). Most alarming, it is estimated that nearly 62% of Kentucky households do not generate sufficient income to meet living wage standards given the state’s average cost of living. The Kentucky Center for Business and Economic Research (2024) projects that, “a key for Kentucky’s future economic growth is to identify and successfully implement programs that increase the employment-population ratio, particularly for working-age adults.” The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) is committed to improving the work and life skill development of adults across the Commonwealth by offering programming designed to increase the human capital of constituents. This includes providing education and training on topics such as workforce preparation, job readiness, financial literacy, soft skills, and professionalism, among others. In a 2023 University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment, with nearly 28,000 responses from across the state, Building Employee Soft Skills (e.g., communication, productivity, and teamwork skills) and Building Life Skills of Community Members were among the top ten Individual and Family Development Needs reported by Kentuckians. 

 

America’s future hinges on a prepared workforce and engaged communities collaborating to tackle society’s most pressing challenges. As of 2024, there are 2,465,949 job openings in Kentucky and nationwide there are 10 million unfilled jobs. Fasted growing jobs are in the fields of vocational education and higher education teachers, agriculture professionals, and digitally enabled roles: ecommerce specialists, digital transformation specialists, and digital marketing professionals (World Economic Forum, 2023). 85% of the jobs that will exist in 2030 haven’t been invented yet (Dell Technologies, 2019). 77% of employers say focus less on traditional school subjects, more on real-world skills (Kauffman Foundation, 2021). Skills like analytical thinking, creative thinking, resilience, flexibility, adaptability are key (World Economic Forum, 2023). According to the National 4-H Index Study 2024, 80% explored career options, 50% received guidance for college decisions, and 95% reported 4-H helped them identify things they were good at. To ensure a sustainable society, it is crucial that our youth are equipped to fill these positions.   The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension System Community Needs Assessment (2023) has identified key priority issues related to life skill development for young people. These priorities include youth life skill training opportunities, youth workforce readiness, and maximizing youth voice in matters that directly impact them1. Empowering our youth to actively participate in addressing societal issues is essential for a thriving future.

County Situation:

Spencer County, Kentucky, offers a unique blend of rural charm and economic potential. With its proximity to Louisville, a growing population, and attractions like Taylorsville Lake, the county is ideal for businesses and families seeking a balanced lifestyle. The Spencer County Economic Development Authority focuses on attracting and retaining industries that provide local employment opportunities. Additionally, the county's comprehensive plan guides future land use and community development. Spencer County is committed to fostering a thriving environment for both residents and businesses.

Long-Term Outcomes:

1. Community involvement in Extension and partner programs will increase, fostering stronger civic engagement and collaboration.
2. Economic net income among Spencer County residents will rise through sustained financial literacy, local spending, and entrepreneurship.
3. More residents will prioritize shopping locally, boosting the local economy and supporting small businesses.
4. Spencer County will experience greater workforce stability and community resilience, due to improved work-life skills and economic education initiatives.

Intermediate Outcomes:

1. Participants will manage personal finances more effectively, demonstrating improved financial literacy and decision-making.
2. Collaborations with local agencies will promote community markets and support local small business growth.
3. Participants will explore agritourism as a viable economic activity, encouraging diversification of income streams.
4. Youth and adults will develop leadership and workforce readiness skills, contributing to stronger local leadership and employment preparedness.

Initial Outcomes:

1. Youth will learn basic budgeting skills through financial literacy programs such as 4-H Reality Store and Youth CAIP.
2. Participants will become aware of local markets where they can purchase locally grown and made products.
3. Community members will engage in financial education through University of Kentucky publications and workshops.
4. Participants will gain awareness of agritourism and local economic opportunities through community events like Farmer’s Market and Project Days.

Evaluation:

Outcome    The number of on farm visits.

Indicator    Increase the number of participants visit local farms.

Method    Observation.

Timeline    July – June

Outcome    Participants will use alternative marketing outlets.

Indicator    The number of participants using alternative marketing programs.

Method    Pre and Post surveys/ observation 

Timeline    July – June

Outcome    Participants will learn how prepare financially for the future.

Indicator    Increase the number financially minded students.

Method    Pre and Post surveys.

Timeline    July – June 

Learning Opportunities:

Audience	Local Producers
Project or Activity	Farmer’s Market (EM, BR, MT)
Content or Curriculum	Farmer’s Market Materials, Master Gardner Materials, University of Kentucky Curriculum and Publications
Inputs	Family Resource Youth Service Center, Multipurpose Community Action, Spencer County School System, Conservation District, Farm Bureau, Local Producers, Community Members, University of Kentucky Specialists, Farmers Market Committee, Local Businesses and Organizations, Elected Officials, Master Gardner Volunteers
Date(s)	July 2025 – June 2026

 

Audience	Local Producers
Project or Activity	Farmer’s Dinner Theatre (EM, BR, MT)
Content or Curriculum	Farmer’s Dinner Theatre Curriculum and Supporting Materials
Inputs	County Extension Council, Local Producers, Louisville Area Cattleman’s, Kentucky Farm Bureau, Spencer County Schools, Chamber of Commerce.
Date(s)	January 2026 - February 2026

 

Audience	Seniors, Adults, and Youth
Project or Activity	Financial Management, Youth CAIP Program (EM, BR, MT)
Content or Curriculum	University of Kentucky financial publications.
Inputs	Family Resource Youth Service Center, Multipurpose Community Action, Spencer County School System, Local Producers, Community Members, University of Kentucky Specialists, Farmers Market Committee, Spencer Co. Soil Conservation District, Chamber of Commerce.
Date(s)	July 2025 - June 2026

 

Audience	Seniors, Adults, and Youth
Project or Activity	4-H Reality Store (MT, EM, BR)
Content or Curriculum	Job Preparedness and Financial Awareness
Inputs	Family Resource Youth Service Center, Multipurpose Community Action, Spencer County School System, Community Members, University of Kentucky Specialists, Local Businesses and Organizations, Elected Officials.
Date(s)	August 2025 – May 2026

 

Audience	Seniors, Adults, and Youth
Project or Activity	Project Days (MT)
Content or Curriculum	Promote imagination and creativity through projects, community recognition, and County Fair participation.
Inputs	Family Resource Youth Service Center, Spencer County School System, Local Producers, Community Members, Spencer County Fair Board, Local Businesses and Organizations, Elected Officials.
Date(s)	July 2025 - June 2026.

Evaluation:

Outcome    The number of on farm visits.

Indicator    Increase the number of participants visit local farms.

Method    Observation.

Timeline    July – June

Outcome    Participants will use alternative marketing outlets.

Indicator    The number of participants using alternative marketing programs.

Method    Pre and Post surveys/ observation 

Timeline    July – June

Outcome    Participants will learn how prepare financially for the future.

Indicator    Increase the number financially minded students.

Method    Pre and Post surveys.

Timeline    July – June