Rowan County CES

County Emphasis:

Financial Skills and Consumer Awareness

Concentration 1:

Work and Life Skill Development

Concentration 2:

Financial Security and Economic Well-Being

Situation:

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.

County Situation:

Rowan County faces several economic and community development challenges that highlight the critical need for improved financial skills and consumer awareness among its residents. With a population of 24,388, the county has a poverty rate of 21.4%, indicating that a significant portion of the community struggles with financial stability. Additionally, 40.6% of renters and 23.2% of homeowners with mortgages are paying 35% or more of their household income on housing costs, which further strains their financial resources.

Educational attainment data reveals that while 86.8% of residents aged 25 and over have at least a high school diploma, only 27.1% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This gap in higher education can limit access to better-paying jobs and economic opportunities. Furthermore, the county has a substantial number of small businesses, with 527 establishments, many of which have fewer than five employees. Supporting these businesses through financial education can enhance their sustainability and growth.

Given these statistics, it is evident that enhancing financial skills and consumer awareness is vital for Rowan County. Financial literacy programs can empower residents to make informed decisions about budgeting, saving, and investing, ultimately improving their economic well-being. Consumer awareness initiatives can help individuals understand their rights and responsibilities, avoid predatory practices, and make better purchasing choices.

By addressing these needs, Rowan County can foster a more resilient and economically stable community, where residents are equipped to navigate financial challenges and seize opportunities for growth and development.

Long-Term Outcomes:

1. Youth will have increased economic security
2. Youth will make sound financial decisions 
3. Youth will have an increased rate of savings

Intermediate Outcomes:

1. Youth will practice responsible consumer and financial management decision-making such as budgeting, actions on needs verses wants.  
2. Youth will practice habits and skills that contribute toward sound economic and financial well-being.

Initial Outcomes:

1. Youth will increase knowledge in understanding personal financial management. 
2. Youth will aspire to make SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound) economic and financial well-being decisions.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Short Term

Indicator: Number of youth who reported learning the differences between "wants" and "needs"

Method: Post Program Survey

Timeline: Immediate Post Program

Intermediate Outcome: Medium Term

Indicator: Number of youth who reported they have practiced budgeting skills 

Method: Survey

Timeline: End of Program Year

Long-term Outcome: Long Term

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

Method: Survey

Timeline: 1 or more years

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Middle School Students

Project or Activity: Financial Literacy

Content or Curriculum: Its Your Reality and Financial Champions

Inputs: Public Schools, Extension Agents, and Community Volunteers

Date: Fall 2026-Fall 2029

Audience: High School Students

Project or Activity: Financial Readiness Series 

Content or Curriculum: Be the E, Consumer Savvy, 4-H Build a Million, and Mock Interviews

Inputs: Community Partners and Extension Agents

Date: Spring 2026-2029

Audience: Adults and Teens 

Project or Activity: Money Habitudes Workshop

Content or Curriculum: Money Habitude Book

Inputs: Extension Agents and School System

Date: 2026-2029

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Short Term

Indicator: Number of youth who reported learning the differences between "wants" and "needs"

Method: Post Program Survey

Timeline: Immediate Post Program

Intermediate Outcome: Medium Term

Indicator: Number of youth who reported they have practiced budgeting skills 

Method: Survey

Timeline: End of Program Year

Long-term Outcome: Long Term

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

Method: Survey

Timeline: 1 or more years