Oldham County CES

County Emphasis:

Family and Youth Development

Concentration 1:

Work and Life Skill Development

Concentration 2:

Family and Youth Development

Situation:

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.

Youth Focus

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 them. Empowering our youth to actively participate in addressing societal issues is essential for a thriving future.

Family and Youth Development programming is essential for fostering healthy, supportive environments where both children and adults can thrive. By offering structured activities and educational workshops, UK Extension aims to build strong family bonds equipping young people and older adults with critical life skills. Guided by the Cooperative Extension’s National Framework for Health Equity and Well-being, our programming also addresses social and emotional needs throughout the lifespan, promoting resilience and positive relationships which are two of the key concerns identified in the top 15 needs of Kentucky’s statewide needs assessment. Investing in such programs can prevent future challenges by supporting early intervention and personal growth. Ultimately, these initiatives contribute to the well-being of individuals and the stability of communities, making them a vital component of social development.

County Situation:

Oldham County faces specific challenges in youth development, as highlighted by recent community assessments. The Extension Community Assessment pinpointed life skills development, workforce readiness, and nutrition education as critical areas needing attention. Complementing this, the Health Department's assessment identified a significant demand for positive teen activities within the county. This convergence of findings emphasizes a broader need for comprehensive youth development programs. These programs should prioritize recreation and physical activities to promote well-being, alongside mental health support to address emotional needs. In accordance with community concerns, Oldham County Extension will offer a variety of programming to spark youth interest in vocational and academic post-secondary education such as communication skills, financial planning, and other life-ready skills. Striving to provide a sense of belonging and community to all our youth participants by fostering a safe and positive environment for them to explore their sparks. Furthermore, initiative-taking measures to prevent bullying and youth violence are essential, coupled with targeted initiatives aimed at bolstering essential life skills for navigating adolescence and beyond.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Increased human capital among Kentuckians

Youth will serve in leadership roles in their community.

Increased meaningful social connections

Intermediate Outcomes:

Increased healthy relationships across generations that support healthy community, nurturing behaviors, and quality time together.

Increased implementation of employability strategies/skills

Youth will practice teamwork, responsibility, communication, conflict resolution techniques, and problem-solving skills.

Initial Outcomes:

Developed strategies for maintaining a health work-life balance

Youth identify personal strengths that contribute to life and work skill development.

Increased intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g., reading to your child, spending time together, self-care, caregiver preparation, active living).

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome:

Indicator: Number of youth who reported serving in a leadership role. 

Method: Standard Evaluation 

Timeline: Immediately post program (6+ hours)  

 

Initial Outcome: Increased knowledge about nurturing parenting and caregiver support across the lifespan (e.g., how often you read to your child, benefits of spending time together, identifying selfcare behaviors, enhance communication) (initial)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported increased knowledge of nurturing parenting and/or caregiver support practices.

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration

Intermediate Outcome:

Indicator: Number of youth who developed a resume as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.

Method:  Survey

Timeline:  End of program year

Intermediate Outcome: Increased healthy relationships across generations that support healthy communication, nurturing behaviors, and quality time together. (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported they enhanced healthy relationships. Number of participants who reported that they extended any type of support to another parent, grandparent, older adult, or relative raising a child.

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Ongoing/as changes are made and projects progress.

Long-term Outcome:

Indicator:  Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study.

Method:  Survey or Interview

Timeline:  1+ years

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Homemakers, Community members 

Project or Activity: Gardening safety 

Content or Curriculum: Gardening as Health 

Inputs: UK Specialists, FCS agent 

Date: Spring 2026

Audience: Homemaker Community Members

Project or Activity: Mental Health Program 

Content or Curriculum: Mental Health Matters 

Inputs: Uk Specialists, FCS agent 

Date: Fall-Spring 2026

Audience: Homemakers, Community Members 

Project or Activity: Estate Planning program 

Content or Curriculum: Estate Planning Basics

Inputs: UK Specialists, FCS agent 

Date: Fall-Spring 2026

Audience: Pre-K children  and caretakers

Project or Activity: Story time, craft and music 

Content or Curriculum: Laugh & Learn

Inputs: UK Specialists, FCS agent 

Date: 2025-2026 School Year 

Audience: Pre-K children  and caretakers

Project or Activity: Longest day of Play 

Content or Curriculum: NEP recipes and Publications

Inputs: UK Specialists, FCS agent, NEP and Program assistants

Date: June 2025

Audience: Elementary age students 

Project or Activity: Story Walk 

Content or Curriculum: NEP publications, Leap 

Inputs: FCS agent, NEP and program assistant 

Date: June & July 2025-2026

Audience: Homemakers, Community Members 

Project or Activity: Brain, memory training 

Content or Curriculum: Wits Training 

Inputs: UK Specialists, FCS agent 

Date: Fall-Spring 2026

Audience: Homemakers, Community Members 

Project or Activity: Canning class 

Content or Curriculum: Canning 101

Inputs: UK Specialists, FCS agent 

Date: Summer 2025-2026

Audience: 4th Grade 4-H Members

Project or Activity: Engineering Design

Content or Curriculum:  4-H Science Curriculum

Inputs: 4-H Staff, Oldham County Schools, District Board Funding

Date:  2025-2026 School Year

Audience: 5th Grade 4-H Members

Project or Activity: Engineering Design

Content or Curriculum: Junk Drawer Robotics

Inputs: 4-H Staff, Oldham County Schools, District Board Funding

Date:2025-2026 School Year

Audience: 4th Grade 4-H Members

Project or Activity: Electrical Circuits

Content or Curriculum: Investigating Electricity 

Inputs: 4-H Staff, Oldham County Schools, Electrical Kits, District Board Funding

Date:2025-2026 School Year

Audience: Teen Leaders and Counselors In Training for 4-H Camp

Project or Activity: Teen Leadership Workshop for Camp

Content or Curriculum:  Unlock Your Leadership, Camp Handbook

Inputs: 4-H Staff, State Guidelines, Youth Leaders

Date: April/ May 2026

Audience: Adult, Teen and CIT Camp Leaders

Project or Activity: Camp Leader Orientation

Content or Curriculum: State 4-H Camp Curriculum, Leader in Me

Inputs: 4-H staff, Camp Leadership, CES Staff, 4-H Council

Date: June 2026

Audience: New and Current 4-H Leaders

Project or Activity:4-H Club Leader Orientation

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Policies, Club Leader Handbook

Inputs:4-H Council, 4-H Staff, 4-H Club Leaders

Date: September 2026

Audience: 4-H Members

Project or Activity:4-H Achievement Program

Content or Curriculum: Achievement Program Guidelines

Inputs:4-H Staff, 4-H Council, Club Leaders

Date: August/September 2026

Audience: Youth Age 9 -18

Project or Activity:4-H Communication Program

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Public Speaking Curriculum

Inputs: CES Staff, CES Volunteers, Oldham County Schools, 4-H Council

Date: January- July 2026

Audience: High School Juniors

Project or Activity: Reality Store

Content or Curriculum: It's Your Reality

Inputs: Rotary Clubs, Oldham County Schools, CES Staff, Health Department, Library 

Date: NOHS Fall 2025

Audience: Youth age 9 - 18

Project or Activity: Sewing Workshops

Content or Curriculum: Sewing Curriculum

Inputs: CES Staff, Community Volunteers, Master Clothing Volunteers

Date: July 2025- June 2026

Audience: Youth age 9- 13

Project or Activity:  Visual Arts

Content or Curriculum: National 4-H Art Curriculum

Inputs: CES Staff, Community Volunteers

Date: Summer 2026

Audience: 5th Grade 4-H Members

Project or Activity:  H2O Olympics

Content or Curriculum: Project Wet

Inputs:4-H Staff, Oldham County Schools

Date: October 2025-April 2026

Audience: 5th Grade 4-H Members

Project or Activity: Manner Matters

Content or Curriculum: Manners Matter

Inputs:  4-H Staff

Date: October 2025-April 2026

Audience: 4th Grade 4-H Members - St Als

Project or Activity: Character Counts

Content or Curriculum:  Character Counts Curriculum

Inputs: 4-H Staff 

Date:  2025-2026 School Year

Audience: OC Citizens

Project or Activity: Walk Across Kentucky

Content or Curriculum:  Walk Across Kentucky

Inputs: CES Staff

Date:  Spring 2026

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome:

Indicator: Number of youth who reported serving in a leadership role. 

Method: Standard Evaluation 

Timeline: Immediately post program (6+ hours)  

 

Initial Outcome: Increased knowledge about nurturing parenting and caregiver support across the lifespan (e.g., how often you read to your child, benefits of spending time together, identifying selfcare behaviors, enhance communication) (initial)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported increased knowledge of nurturing parenting and/or caregiver support practices.

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration

Intermediate Outcome:

Indicator: Number of youth who developed a resume as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.

Method:  Survey

Timeline:  End of program year

Intermediate Outcome: Increased healthy relationships across generations that support healthy communication, nurturing behaviors, and quality time together. (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported they enhanced healthy relationships. Number of participants who reported that they extended any type of support to another parent, grandparent, older adult, or relative raising a child.

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Ongoing/as changes are made and projects progress.

Long-term Outcome:

Indicator:  Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study.

Method:  Survey or Interview

Timeline:  1+ years