Butler County CES

County Emphasis:

Leadership, Lifeskill Training, and Workforce Readiene

Concentration 1:

Work and Life Skill Development

Concentration 2:

Building Leadership Capacity

Situation:

Leadership is critical at several levels, from elected officials and internal management structure of organizations to project managers, team leaders, and those who inspire throughout a community. Thriving communities may require many leaders willing to take on leadership roles. And yet, it can be a challenge to identify new leaders or to encourage leaders to step up to the role without first building leadership capacity (CEDIK 2024). Respondents participating in the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment identified the need to build leadership capacity to enhance individual and family development and community and economic development. Kentucky has a statewide need to “prepare community members for formal/informal leadership and/or volunteer roles” and to build “capacity of local nonprofits and community leaders,” according to the survey. UK Extension aims to work on strengthening critical leadership skills and confidence for new and emerging leaders so that the pool of willing and capable leaders can rise to match local needs. Volunteer training can have motivational benefits ranging from inspiring volunteers to get more involved to keeping them in the program (Fox, Hebert, Martin & Bairnsfather, 2009).

Youth Focus

4-H opportunities profoundly impact individuals and communities in Kentucky by equipping youth with essential skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, fostering personal leadership, and community engagement. Skills like analytical thinking, creative thinking, resilience, flexibility, and adaptability are key to future employment (World Economic Forum, 2023). 77% of employers say that there should be less focus on traditional school subjects and more focus on real-world skills (Kauffman Foundation, 2021). In the 2023 University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Needs Assessment youth life skill training opportunities (such as leadership and communication skill opportunities), strengthening youth workforce readiness, and strengthening youth-adult or mentorship relationships were top priorities across Kentucky. According to the National 4-H Annual Index Survey (2024), 95% of youth identified their strengths through 4-H, 80% explored career options, and 50% received guidance for college decisions. Additionally, 75% enjoyed helping their community, and 93% felt inspired by 4-H, with 42% being inspired “a lot” to volunteer. These experiences build leadership capacity, promote civic engagement, and create connected, resilient communities by encouraging critical thinking and empathy. Furthermore, 4-H offers life skill training, strengthens youth workforce readiness, fosters mentorship, maximizes youth voice in important issues, and enhances peer-peer relationships.

Situation (situation statements can be found at the linked website)

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.

 

County Situation:

Data from KY by the Numbers series and U.S. Census.  Butler County has a population of 12,295.  There are 4501households.  7,171 people are age 18-64 (58.3%).  80.7% of the population above the age of 18 have a high school diploma.  51% of Butler County's population are currently in the civilian workforce.  There are 2,071 single parent households with kids present.  This is 46% of households.  Median income is $50,824.  Local advisory councils have regularly had these issues at the top of issues identification exercises for years.  The need for leadership and workforce development skills is also commonly mentioned by employers in our region.  

Long-Term Outcomes:

Adult

 1Strong leadership pool for community boards and organizations

1. Strong boards and organizations accomplish more in the community
2. Increased community pride or investment
3. Improved local economy
4. Improved quality of life for citizens

 Youth

1. Youth will demonstrate necessary leadership, teamwork, and communication skills needed to be successful in the workplace. 
2. Youth participation in community involvement increases.  
3. Youth will serve in leadership roles in their community.  
4. Youth will more effectively communicate, work with others, and contribute to driving change and shaping the future.  

Adult

1. Increased human capital among Kentuckians
2. Decrease in state unemployment rates
3. Improved quality of workforce

 

Youth

1. Youth will demonstrate necessary leadership, teamwork, and communication skills needed to be successful in the workplace. 
2. Youth participation in community involvement increases.
3. Youth will serve in leadership roles in their community.
4. Youth will more effectively communicate, work with others, and contribute to driving change and shaping the future. 
5. Youth will become engaged, healthy, and productive members of their communities.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Adult

 Participants gain confidence to lead

1. Leaders are inspired to get more involved
2. Leaders address community issues and needs
3. Leaders recruit and engage others to participate in community projects
4. Leaders mentor others
5. Increased knowledge transfer through volunteer-led positions

 

Youth 

 

1. Youth will practice teamwork, responsibility, communication, conflict resolution techniques, and problem-solving skills.  
2. Youth will plan and implement a service project. 

Adult

1. Increased implementation of employability strategies/skills
2. Increased salary/income
3. Increased employment

 

Youth

1. Youth will practice teamwork, responsibility, communication, conflict resolution techniques, and problem-solving skills.
2. Youth will plan and implement a service project.
3. Youth will choose to take on leadership roles in their community.

Youth

           Number of youth who report that they applied leadership skills acquired in 4-H.  Number of youth who reported that they have served in a leadership role beyond the 4-H Club or              county level.  Method:  Survey  Timeline:  At the end of the Club/Program year.

 

 

Initial Outcomes:

Adult

 

1. Improved leadership skills
2. Enhanced knowledge of concepts and practices
3. Knowledge gained through training programs
4. Taking on leadership roles for the first time
5. Assuming new leadership roles
6. Participants give their time to serve in volunteer roles

 

Youth

 

1. Youth will explore their spark in leadership. 
2. Youth identify personal strengths that contribute to leadership skill development (communication, teamwork, civic engagement).  
3. Youth successfully worked in a team environment to accomplish a task.  
4. Youth realize how their actions impact others

Adult

Strengthening work and life skills, including but not limited to, developing workforce development skills, employability and interpersonal skills, and work-life management strategies.

1. Developed skills related to workforce development
2. Improved employability and interpersonal skills
3. Increased confidence to implement employability strategies
4. Developed strategies for maintaining a health work-life balance

  

Youth

1. Youth identify personal strengths that contribute to life and work skill development.
2. Increased knowledge of career pathways.
3. Increased knowledge of educational, training, and certification opportunities.
4. Youth will practice civic engagement, leadership and communication skills.

Youth

           1Number of youth who reported they have identified personal strengths in leadership.  Number of youth who are interested in serving as a leader.

            Method:  Survey Timeline:  After program/activity completion

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Developed Skills related to workforce development

Indicator: Number of individuals who reported learning new skills to prepare or improved themselves for the workforce as a result of participating in Extension workforce programming.

Method: Self-Reported Surveys

Timeline: Post-Program/curricula survey administration

Intermediate Outcome: Implementation of strategies/skills

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

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: follow-up evaluations to capture action/behavior changes over time.  

Long-term Outcome:

Indicator:

Method:

Timeline:

Short Term Outcome:  Short Term

Indicator: Number of youth who reported learning skills to prepare or improve themselves for the workforce as a result of participating in an Extension workforce program.  Number of volunteers who provided opportunities for youth to demonstrate a skill they learned.  

Method: Standard Evaluation

Timeline: Post-Program (Immediately)

Intermediate Outcome: Medium Term

Indicator: Number of youth who gained employment as a result of participating in an Extension Workforce Program.  

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: Interview

Timeline: 1 year.

Short Term Outcome:  Improved Leadership Skills

Indicator: Number of people reporting improved leadership skills  

Method: Post Participation survey

Timeline: After program completion

Intermediate Outcome: Increased confidence to lead

Indicator: Number of people reporting increased confidence in their leadership abilities.

Method: Post participation survey, monitoring changes in state and local leadership positions.

Timeline: after program and follow up after 6 months.

Long-term Outcome: Engauge Leaders in local coalitions and organizations.

Indicator: number of individuals actively engaged in coalitions or organizations to address significant community issues.  

Method: Tracking participation in coalitions and organizations.

Timeline: follow up yearly

Short Term Outcome:    Number of youth who reported they have identified personal strengths in leadership.  Number of youth who are interested in serving as a leader.

                                      Method:  Survey Timeline:  After program/activity completion

Intermediate Outcome:    Number of youth who report that they applied leadership skills acquired in 4-H.  Number of youth who reported that they have served in a leadership role                                                    beyond the 4-H Club or county level.  Method:  Survey  Timeline:  At the end of the Club/Program year.

Short Term Outcome:  

Indicator:   

Method: 

Timeline: 

Intermediate Outcome:

Indicator:   

Method: 

Timeline: 

Long-term Outcome: 

Indicator: 

Method: 

Timeline:

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: 4-Hers, Extension Professionals, Clientele

Project or Activity:4-H Core Program Areas, 4-H Camp, Clover bud, Volunteerism

Content or Curriculum: Approved Kentucky 4-H Curriculum by Core Program Area or Area of Interest. 

Inputs: Extension Land Grant System, funding from 4-H foundation, local, state, federal funding, volunteers, youth, communities, external stakeholders.

Date: Program Year.

Audience: Individuals, Families, Employees

Project or Activity: Development of Employability Skills

Content or Curriculum: Recovering Your Finances Curriculum, PROFIT

Inputs: Programmatic Materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, schools.

Date: Ongoing

Audience: Communities

Project or Activity: Supporting Citizen Engagement

Content or Curriculum: Creating Welcoming Communities, Becoming an informed citizen, Robert's Rules of Order, 

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, community partners, volunteers. 

Date: Ongoing

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H leadership program

Content or Curriculum: 4-H curriculum focusing on leadership

Inputs: In school special interest for middle and high school, after school clubs for teens, area teen councils, middle school leadership clubs.  UK Research, funding from 4-H foundation, local, state, federal funds, volunteers, youth, communities and civic groups.

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity:  Teen Conference 

Content or Curriculum: Curriculum that focuses on leadership, communication, civic engagement.

Inputs:  UK extension system, funding from 4-H foundation, local, state, and federal sources.  community groups and stakeholders.

Date: Summer

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Summit

Content or Curriculum: Curriculum that focuses on leadership, communication, civic engagement.

Inputs:  UK extension system, funding from 4-H foundation, local, state, and federal sources.  community groups and stakeholders.

Date: Fall

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 

Content or Curriculum: 

Inputs:  

Date: 

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 

Content or Curriculum: 

Inputs:  

Date: 

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Developed Skills related to workforce development

Indicator: Number of individuals who reported learning new skills to prepare or improved themselves for the workforce as a result of participating in Extension workforce programming.

Method: Self-Reported Surveys

Timeline: Post-Program/curricula survey administration

Intermediate Outcome: Implementation of strategies/skills

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

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: follow-up evaluations to capture action/behavior changes over time.  

Long-term Outcome:

Indicator:

Method:

Timeline:

Short Term Outcome:  Short Term

Indicator: Number of youth who reported learning skills to prepare or improve themselves for the workforce as a result of participating in an Extension workforce program.  Number of volunteers who provided opportunities for youth to demonstrate a skill they learned.  

Method: Standard Evaluation

Timeline: Post-Program (Immediately)

Intermediate Outcome: Medium Term

Indicator: Number of youth who gained employment as a result of participating in an Extension Workforce Program.  

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: Interview

Timeline: 1 year.

Short Term Outcome:  Improved Leadership Skills

Indicator: Number of people reporting improved leadership skills  

Method: Post Participation survey

Timeline: After program completion

Intermediate Outcome: Increased confidence to lead

Indicator: Number of people reporting increased confidence in their leadership abilities.

Method: Post participation survey, monitoring changes in state and local leadership positions.

Timeline: after program and follow up after 6 months.

Long-term Outcome: Engauge Leaders in local coalitions and organizations.

Indicator: number of individuals actively engaged in coalitions or organizations to address significant community issues.  

Method: Tracking participation in coalitions and organizations.

Timeline: follow up yearly

Short Term Outcome:    Number of youth who reported they have identified personal strengths in leadership.  Number of youth who are interested in serving as a leader.

                                      Method:  Survey Timeline:  After program/activity completion

Intermediate Outcome:    Number of youth who report that they applied leadership skills acquired in 4-H.  Number of youth who reported that they have served in a leadership role                                                    beyond the 4-H Club or county level.  Method:  Survey  Timeline:  At the end of the Club/Program year.

Short Term Outcome:  

Indicator:   

Method: 

Timeline: 

Intermediate Outcome:

Indicator:   

Method: 

Timeline: 

Long-term Outcome: 

Indicator: 

Method: 

Timeline: