Caldwell County CES

County Emphasis:

Economic and Workforce Development

Concentration 1:

Connected & Resilient Communities

Concentration 2:

Building Leadership Capacity

Situation:

Connected and Resilient Communities: 

Kentucky’s communities face unique challenges that require enhancing connectivity and resilience through digital access, social cohesion, and well-designed public spaces.  

  

Extension’s connectivity and resilience efforts focus on supporting local economies and helping communities recover from economic shifts and natural disasters (CEDIK, 2024). By promoting digital literacy, educating on safe and vibrant outdoor spaces, and implementing place-based disaster preparedness programs, Extension strengthens community connections and economic sustainability. These initiatives benefit residents, businesses, and local governments, fostering stronger, more resilient communities equipped to face future challenges. 

  

Youth Focus  

In today’s rapidly evolving world, youth are and can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of connected and resilient communities. Young people are leveraging technology and social networks to foster strong, supportive relationships that transcend geographical boundaries. They are actively engaged in community-building activities, promoting access to opportunity, and driving change. By participating in local and global initiatives, they are not only enhancing their own resilience but also contributing to the overall strength and adaptability of their communities. Their innovative approaches to problem-solving and their commitment to sustainability are essential in addressing the complex challenges of the 21st century. As they continue to collaborate and share knowledge, youth are laying the foundation for a more connected and resilient world. 4-H is committed to providing the resources necessary to promote youth connection in their communities. Thriving youth are healthy, productive, and engaged (Arnold, 2024). Communities that promote the indicators of youth thriving will have more connected, capable, and committed citizens that can critically think through addressing the needs and priorities of their community. 

 

Building Leadership Capacity: 

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. 

County Situation:

The 2023 University of Kentucky Community Needs Assessment uncovered a variety of economic and workforce development priorities, as identified by Caldwell County respondents. Strengthening youth workforce readiness and maximizing youth voice in matters important to them emerged as critical areas of focus. Respondents also highlighted the need for initiatives that build employee soft skills and prepare community members for both formal and informal leadership roles, as well as volunteer opportunities. Supporting local and small businesses and strengthening adult workforce readiness skills were recognized as essential for economic growth. Efforts that promote a sense of local community pride and connection were emphasized, alongside fostering collaborations among community organizations and local governments. Additionally, respondents identified building the capacity of local nonprofits and community leaders as a vital step toward creating a robust and resilient workforce. Together, these priorities reflect a collective commitment to empowering individuals, businesses, and organizations for long-term success. 

Long-Term Outcomes:

• Improved quality of life through connection and civic engagement 
• Strong leadership pool for community boards and organizations 
• ?Youth will demonstrate necessary leadership, teamwork, and communication skills needed to be successful in the workplace
• Youth will serve in leadership roles in their community.? 
• Youth will more effectively communicate, work with others, and contribute to driving change and shaping the future.?? 

Intermediate Outcomes:

• More citizens adopt digital tools for work and daily life. 

• Communities implement disaster preparedness and recovery strategies. 

• Participants gain confidence to lead 

• Leaders recruit and engage others to participate in community projects 

• Leaders mentor others 

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

• Youth will plan and implement a service project.??? 

Initial Outcomes:

• Increased knowledge of digital tools and online resources. 

• Improved understanding of disaster preparedness and recovery strategies. 

• Improved leadership skills 

• Taking on leadership roles for the first time 

• Assuming new leadership roles 

• Youth identify personal strengths that contribute to leadership skill development (communication, teamwork, civic engagement).?? 

• Youth successfully worked in a team environment to accomplish a task.? 

• Youth realize how their actions impact others. 

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Improved leadership skills. 

Indicator: Number of people reporting improved leadership skills (e.g., facilitation, conflict management, communication).  

Method: Post participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains)  

Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation  

Initial Outcome: Increased participation in leadership roles by first-time leaders.  

Indicator: Number of people taking on a leadership role for the first as a result of Extension leadership programs.  

Method: Post-participation survey (self-reported leadership involvement); follow-up evaluation with community partners.  

Timeline: Survey collected immediately after program completion and follow up evaluation conducted at six months.  

Initial Outcome: Increased knowledge of digital tools and online resources 

Indicator: Number of participants demonstrating increased confidence or skills in using digital tools (e.g., online banking, telehealth, online applications, or virtual platforms) after completing Extension training programs  

Method: Post-participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains).  

Timeline: Collected immediately after program participation.  

Initial Outcome: Improved understanding of disaster preparedness and recovery strategies 

Indicator: Number of participants who reported that they intend to develop an emergency plan or preparedness kit after completing an Extension disaster training.  

Method: Pre- and post-training survey.  

Timeline: Collected before and after each session.  

Initial Outcome: Short Term (Civic Education/Global Education)  

Indicator: Number of youth who reported that they identified community needs, Number of youth who reported that they can name one responsibility they have as a citizen, Number of youth who report increased confidence interacting with others as a result of their participation in Extension arts activities.  

Method: Survey  

Timeline: Immediately post program  

Initial Outcome:  Short Term  - 4-H Camp  

Indicator: Number of youth who reported that they take responsibility for their actions, Number of youth who reported 4-H Camp improved their ability to manage their emotions.  

Method: Survey  

Timeline: End of camp  

Initial Outcome: Short-term   

Indicator: Number of youth who reported that they have identified personal strengths in leadership (including teamwork, responsibilities, communication, conflict resolution, problem solving, parliamentary procedure); Number of youth who reported that they have set goals to serve in leadership roles; Number of youth who reported that they are interested in serving as a leader. 

Method: Survey

Timeline: After Program/Activity Competition  

Intermediate Outcome: Increased confidence to lead. 

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

Method: Post participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains); monitoring changes in local and state leadership positions.  

Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation or via follow-up evaluation after six months.  

Intermediate Outcome: Leaders recruit and engage others to participate in projects. 

Indicator: Number of people actively recruiting and engaging others to participate in community projects.  

Method: Post-program survey (self-reported recruitment efforts); tracking participation in community-led projects.  

Timeline: Survey collected immediately after program completion; follow-up conducted at three and six months.  

Intermediate Outcome: Increased mentorship opportunities within leadership programs. 

Indicator: Number of people serving as mentors to emerging leaders.  

Method: Post-program survey (self-reported mentorship engagement); follow-up with mentees and community partners.  

Timeline: Survey collected immediately after program completion; follow-up conducted at six months.  

Intermediate Outcome: More individuals adopt digital tools for work and daily life 

Indicator: Number of communities that reported implementing at least one new strategy to strengthen digital inclusion (e.g., improved public Wi-Fi, device access programs, digital literacy workshops) as a result of Extension-supported initiatives.  

Method: Follow-up survey at 3 and 6 months.  

Timeline: Collected at program completion and 6 months post-program.  

Intermediate Outcome: Medium Term  (Civic and Global Education)  

Indicator: Number of youth who reported that they used the skills learned to plan and facilitate a service project, Number of youth who reported that they can explain one responsibility they have as a citizen.  

Method: Survey  

Timeline: End of program year  

Intermediate Outcome: Medium Term  

Indicator: Number of youth who reported that they applied leadership skills learned in 4-H (e.g., teamwork, responsibilities, communication, conflict resolution, problem solving, parliamentary procedure) to other areas of their life, such as at home, school, etc;    Number of youth who reported that they have served in leadership roles beyond the 4-H club or county level;  Number of youth who reported that they have used the skills learned in to plan and implement a workshop or activity.   

Method: Survey  

Timeline: At end of club/Program Year  

Long-term Outcome: Long term (Civic and Global Education)  

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

Method: Survey  

Timeline: 1+ year  

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Individuals  

Project or Activity: Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association (KEHA)  

Content or Curriculum: KEHA Leadership Academy, Homemakers Leader Lessons, Publications, Newsletters/News & Notes, Officer/Chairman training materials, KEHA State Meeting, various other resources and materials  

Inputs: Programmatic materials, training, mentoring, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, non-profits, etc.  

Date: Ongoing  

Audience: Individuals  

Project or Activity: Master Clothing Volunteers (MCV)  

Content or Curriculum: Publications, MCV training, continuing education/content experts  

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, agents, Homemakers, etc.  

Date:  Ongoing  

Audience: Individuals  

Project or Activity: Kentucky Extension Leadership Development (KELD)  

Content or Curriculum:  KELD curriculum (e.g., Learning styles, communication essentials, teamwork, dealing with conflict, generational differences, SWOT analysis, etc.), Publications, other materials and expertise  

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

Date: Ongoing  

Audience: Individuals  

Project or Activity: Digital Literacy Initiatives  

Content or Curriculum:  Digital Literacy curriculum, Kentucky By the Numbers, CEDIK data profiles, publications, training, continuing education  

Inputs: Programmatic materials, training, mentoring, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, non-profits, etc.  

Date: Ongoing  

Audience: Individuals  

Project or Activity: Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery  

Content or Curriculum: EDEN materials, KHERN publications, trainings, continuing education  

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

Date: Ongoing  

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: 4-H Summit  

Content or Curriculum:  Curriculum is sourced from Shop 4-H and the Land Grant System, focuses on leadership, communication, and civic engagement.  

Inputs: These programs are supported by the research base of the Cooperative Extension Land-grant system, funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc., local, state, and federal sources, grants, and the engagement of volunteers, youth, communities, and external stakeholders such as civic groups.  

Date: Fall  

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: Achievement  

Content or Curriculum: Curriculum is sourced from Shop 4-H and the Land Grant System, focuses on leadership, communication, and civic engagement.    

Inputs: These programs are supported by the research base of the Cooperative Extension Land-grant system, funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc., local, state, and federal sources, grants, and the engagement of volunteers, youth, communities, and external stakeholders such as civic groups  

Date: Throughout program year  

Audience: 4-Hers, Professional Staff, & Clientele  

Project or Activity:  4-H Civic Education, Engagement, & Service  

Content or Curriculum: Curriculum is sourced from Shop 4-H and the Land Grant System, focuses on leadership, communication, civic engagement, and service. In addition to these sources are the vetted sources of iCivics.org, CommonSense.org, and PBS Learning Media, US Citizenship & Immigration Services  

Inputs: These programs are supported by the research base of the Cooperative Extension Land-grant system, funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc., local, state, and federal sources, grants, and the engagement of volunteers, youth, communities, and external stakeholders such as civic groups.    

Date: Program year  

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: 4-H Counselor Training (Teens)  

Content or Curriculum: Content in the Camp Volunteer Training Guide is sourced from the American Camp Association best practices and focuses on developmental needs of campers, safety considerations, operating procedures, age-appropriate behavior management, and camper supervision techniques.  

Inputs: These trainings are supported by the research base of the American Camp Association with materials provided by the 4-H State Office, funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc., local, state, and federal sources, grants, and led by County Extension Staff responsible for 4-H Camp.    

Date: Pre-Summer  

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: 4-H Leadership Program  

Content or Curriculum: Curriculum such as Leadership Skills you never outgrow is sourced from Shop 4-H and Ricochet: An Extreme 4-H Leadership Adventure is sourced from other Land Grant Systems. All curriculum pieces focus on leadership, communication, and civic engagement.  

Inputs: In school clubs for middle and high school, after school clubs for teens, area teen councils, Middle school leadership clubs, and civic engagement opportunities. These programs are supported by the research base of the Cooperative Extension Land-grant system, funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc., local, state, and federal sources, grants, and the engagement of volunteers, youth, communities, and external stakeholders such as civic groups.    

Date: Throughout the program year  

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: 4-H State Leadership Boards / Task Forces / Area Councils    

Content or Curriculum: Curriculum is sourced from Shop 4-H and the Land Grant System, focuses on leadership, communication, and civic engagement.  

Inputs: These programs are supported by the research base of the Cooperative Extension Land-grant system, funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc., local, state, and federal sources, grants, and the engagement of volunteers, youth, communities, and external stakeholders such as civic groups.  

Date: Throughout the program year 

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Improved leadership skills. 

Indicator: Number of people reporting improved leadership skills (e.g., facilitation, conflict management, communication).  

Method: Post participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains)  

Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation  

Initial Outcome: Increased participation in leadership roles by first-time leaders.  

Indicator: Number of people taking on a leadership role for the first as a result of Extension leadership programs.  

Method: Post-participation survey (self-reported leadership involvement); follow-up evaluation with community partners.  

Timeline: Survey collected immediately after program completion and follow up evaluation conducted at six months.  

Initial Outcome: Increased knowledge of digital tools and online resources 

Indicator: Number of participants demonstrating increased confidence or skills in using digital tools (e.g., online banking, telehealth, online applications, or virtual platforms) after completing Extension training programs  

Method: Post-participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains).  

Timeline: Collected immediately after program participation.  

Initial Outcome: Improved understanding of disaster preparedness and recovery strategies 

Indicator: Number of participants who reported that they intend to develop an emergency plan or preparedness kit after completing an Extension disaster training.  

Method: Pre- and post-training survey.  

Timeline: Collected before and after each session.  

Initial Outcome: Short Term (Civic Education/Global Education)  

Indicator: Number of youth who reported that they identified community needs, Number of youth who reported that they can name one responsibility they have as a citizen, Number of youth who report increased confidence interacting with others as a result of their participation in Extension arts activities.  

Method: Survey  

Timeline: Immediately post program  

Initial Outcome:  Short Term  - 4-H Camp  

Indicator: Number of youth who reported that they take responsibility for their actions, Number of youth who reported 4-H Camp improved their ability to manage their emotions.  

Method: Survey  

Timeline: End of camp  

Initial Outcome: Short-term   

Indicator: Number of youth who reported that they have identified personal strengths in leadership (including teamwork, responsibilities, communication, conflict resolution, problem solving, parliamentary procedure); Number of youth who reported that they have set goals to serve in leadership roles; Number of youth who reported that they are interested in serving as a leader. 

Method: Survey

Timeline: After Program/Activity Competition  

Intermediate Outcome: Increased confidence to lead. 

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

Method: Post participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains); monitoring changes in local and state leadership positions.  

Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation or via follow-up evaluation after six months.  

Intermediate Outcome: Leaders recruit and engage others to participate in projects. 

Indicator: Number of people actively recruiting and engaging others to participate in community projects.  

Method: Post-program survey (self-reported recruitment efforts); tracking participation in community-led projects.  

Timeline: Survey collected immediately after program completion; follow-up conducted at three and six months.  

Intermediate Outcome: Increased mentorship opportunities within leadership programs. 

Indicator: Number of people serving as mentors to emerging leaders.  

Method: Post-program survey (self-reported mentorship engagement); follow-up with mentees and community partners.  

Timeline: Survey collected immediately after program completion; follow-up conducted at six months.  

Intermediate Outcome: More individuals adopt digital tools for work and daily life 

Indicator: Number of communities that reported implementing at least one new strategy to strengthen digital inclusion (e.g., improved public Wi-Fi, device access programs, digital literacy workshops) as a result of Extension-supported initiatives.  

Method: Follow-up survey at 3 and 6 months.  

Timeline: Collected at program completion and 6 months post-program.  

Intermediate Outcome: Medium Term  (Civic and Global Education)  

Indicator: Number of youth who reported that they used the skills learned to plan and facilitate a service project, Number of youth who reported that they can explain one responsibility they have as a citizen.  

Method: Survey  

Timeline: End of program year  

Intermediate Outcome: Medium Term  

Indicator: Number of youth who reported that they applied leadership skills learned in 4-H (e.g., teamwork, responsibilities, communication, conflict resolution, problem solving, parliamentary procedure) to other areas of their life, such as at home, school, etc;    Number of youth who reported that they have served in leadership roles beyond the 4-H club or county level;  Number of youth who reported that they have used the skills learned in to plan and implement a workshop or activity.   

Method: Survey  

Timeline: At end of club/Program Year  

Long-term Outcome: Long term (Civic and Global Education)  

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

Method: Survey  

Timeline: 1+ year