Owen County CES

County Emphasis:

Community, Economic, and Leadership Development

Concentration 1:

Building Leadership Capacity

Concentration 2:

Connected & Resilient Communities

Concentration 3:

Work and Life Skill Development

Concentration 4:

Substance Use Prevention and Recovery

Situation:

Concentration 1: 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.

Concentration 2: 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. Broadband access remains critical, particularly in rural areas where digital connectivity gaps hinder economic and educational opportunities. The 2023 Community Needs Assessment identified improved broadband and digital literacy as top priorities for enhancing community resilience.

 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.

Concentration 3: Work and Life Skill Development

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.

Concentration 4: Substance Use Prevention and Recovery

Though substance use and substance use disorder have been pressing social problems for decades, the public health burden and consequence associated with substance use has rapidly worsened in recent years. Drug overdoses have surpassed car accidents as the leading cause of accidental death and overdoses have contributed to a reduction in average life expectancy in the US. Much of the substance use-related morbidity and mortality is a result of a persistent treatment gap. Each year, about 90% of people who need treatment for SUD in Kentucky do not receive it. To address this gap in service provision, more community-level programming is required to meet the complex needs of Kentuckians who use drugs. Cooperative Extension is uniquely positioned, both with deep connections to each Kentucky county and with its transdisciplinary team of specialists, to address the holistic needs of Kentuckians who use drugs including mental health, fair housing, second-chance employment, nutrition and physical health, and much more.

 Youth Focus

Substance use and substance use disorder are persistent public health problems in Kentucky. Kentucky youth fare worse than their US counterparts in terms of numerous indicators of drug use and drug-related harm including cigarette and smokeless tobacco use, vaping, alcohol use, and illicit drug use such as opioid and methamphetamine use. Accordingly, the recent University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Needs Assessment (2023) indicated substance use prevention is the primary concern among most Kentucky counties. Nevertheless, few Kentucky communities support prevention efforts that are informed by research. Cooperative Extension is well-positioned with deep collaborative community ties to support evidence-based prevention programming. Such programs may target substance use directly or indirectly by focusing on pertinent risk and protective factors and promoting overall well-being for Kentucky youth.

County Situation:

Concentration 1: Building Leadership Capacity

While Owen County benefits from committed local leaders, many boards and groups are struggling to recruit new members. Young adults in particular lack formal leadership training. Extension will help increase leadership readiness through board development workshops, 4-H leadership programming, and adult volunteer training (UK CES Needs Assessment, 2023).

Concentration 2: Connected and Resilient Communities

Broadband gaps, especially in rural areas, prevent many residents from participating fully in work, education, or telehealth. Owen County also needs stronger emergency preparedness planning (CEDIK, 2024). Extension will deliver digital literacy education, promote broadband equity, and collaborate with emergency services to provide disaster preparedness education (UK CES Assessment, 2023). 

Concentration 3: Work and Life Skill Development

Workforce participation in Owen County is limited by skill gaps and underemployment. The local economy needs residents trained in soft skills, financial literacy, and digital tools (KY Center for Business & Economic Research, 2024). Extension will offer adult workshops on employability and career prep, while 4-H will support youth through life-skill-building projects and workforce readiness training (UK CES Assessment, 2023). 

Concentration 4: Substance Use Prevention and Recovery

Owen County, like much of rural Kentucky, is heavily impacted by substance use disorder. Community members face stigma and a lack of resources, while many youth report exposure to vaping, alcohol, and opioids (UK CES Assessment, 2023; KY Injury Prevention Research Center, 2024). Extension will provide evidence-based prevention education and promote awareness through youth programming and community partnerships.   

Long-Term Outcomes:

Concentration 1: Building Leadership Capacity

• Strong leadership pool for community boards and organizations
• Strong boards and organizations accomplish more in the community
• Youth will demonstrate necessary leadership, teamwork, and communication skills needed to be successful in the workplace.
• Youth participation in community involvement increases.

Concentration 2: Connected and Resilient Communities

• Increased digital access improves economic and educational opportunities.
• Sustained investment in public spaces strengthens local economies
• Youth will demonstrate necessary leadership, teamwork, and communication skills needed to be successful in the workplace.
• Youth participation in community involvement increases.

Concentration 3: Work and Life Skill Development

• Increased human capital among Kentuckians
• Decrease in state unemployment rates
• Youth will demonstrate necessary leadership, teamwork, and communication skills needed to be successful in the workplace. 
• Youth participation in community involvement increases.

Concentration 4: Substance Use Prevention and Recovery

• Reduced adult substance use
• Reduced stigma related to adult substance use
• Reduced youth substance use
• Reduced stigma related to youth substance use

Intermediate Outcomes:

Concentration 1: Building Leadership Capacity

• Participants gain confidence to lead
• Leaders recruit and engage others to participate in community projects
• Youth will practice teamwork, responsibility, communication, conflict resolution techniques, and problem-solving skills.  
• Youth will plan and implement a service project. 

Concentration 2: Connected and Resilient Communities

• More citizens adopt digital tools for work and daily life.
• Communities implement disaster preparedness and recovery strategies.
• Youth will practice teamwork, responsibility, communication, conflict resolution techniques, and problem-solving skills.?
• Youth will plan and implement a service project.

Concentration 3: Work and Life Skill Development

• Increased implementation of employability strategies/skills
• Increased employment
• Youth will practice teamwork, responsibility, communication, conflict resolution techniques, and problem-solving skills.
• Youth will plan and implement a service project.

Concentration 4: Substance Use Prevention and Recovery

• Increased availability and accessibility of evidence-based recovery capital-building programs
• Enhanced community partnerships that target recovery from substance use disorder
• Increased availability and accessibility of evidence-based prevention programs
• Enhanced community partnerships that target youth prevention

Initial Outcomes:

Concentration 1: Building Leadership Capacity

• Improved leadership skills
• Enhanced knowledge of concepts and practices
• 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.  

Concentration 2: Connected and Resilient Communities

• Increased knowledge of digital tools and online resources.
• Improved understanding of disaster preparedness and recovery strategies.
• 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.

Concentration 3: Work and Life Skill Development

• Developed skills related to workforce development
• Improved employability and interpersonal skills
• Youth identify personal strengths that contribute to life and work skill development.
• Increased knowledge of career pathways.

Concentration 4: Substance Use Prevention and Recovery

• Increased knowledge about addiction as a chronic disorder
• Increased awareness of community resources to support prevention and recovery
• Increased confidence making decision related to substance use (i.e. substance use refusal skills)
• Increased confidence and motivation to use destigmatized language

Evaluation:

Concentration 1:Building Leadership Capacity

Outcome: Increased engagement via knowledge transfer through volunteer-led Extension programs. (initial)

Indicator: Number of participants who actively engaged in learning opportunities facilitated by trained Extension volunteers (e.g., KEHA or KALP members, Master programs).

Method: Post-event/program surveys measuring participant engagement and knowledge gained; volunteer reports tracking education interactions.

Timeline: Data collected immediately after each program/event.

 

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  

 

Concentration 2: Connected and Resilient Communities

Outcome: Increased knowledge of digital tools and online resources (short term)

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.

 

Outcome: Long Term (Civic Education/Global Education)

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

Method: Survey 

Timeline: 1+ year

 

Concentration 3: Work and Life Skill Development

Outcome: Improved employability and/or interpersonal skills (e.g., job interview skills, communication, networking, time management) (initial)

Indicator: (1) Number of participants who reported improvement in job interview skills; (2) Number of participants who reported improvement in personal skills.

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration or follow-up evaluation

 

Outcome: Medium Term

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who developed a resume as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.  
• Number of youth who gained an increase in salary/income as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach. 
• Number of youth who gained new employment as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.

Method: Survey

Timeline: End of program year

 

Concentration 4: Substance Use Prevention and Recovery

Outcome: Increased awareness of community resources to support prevention and recovery (initial)

Indicator: Number of partnerships with community organizations, institutions, agencies, or individuals to address substance use/recovery in the community

Method: Program metrics agents will track, and report based on their activities and partnerships related to substance use prevention, addiction, and/or recovery)

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration (ST) and follow-up survey (BC).

 

Outcome: Increased confidence and motivation to use destigmatized language (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported an increased ability to use destigmatized language

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Repeated self-reported surveys and/or follow-up evaluations to capture behavior change over time

Learning Opportunities:

Concentration 1: Building Leadership Capacity

Audience: Individuals

Project or Activity: Kentucky Agricultural Leadership Program (KALP)

Content or Curriculum: KALP curriculum, Publications, other materials and expertise

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

Dates: Ongoing

 

Audience: Youth 

Project or Activity: 4-H State Teen Council, Leadership Boards and Task Forces 

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. 

Dates: Throughout the Program year

Concentration 2: Connected and Resilient Communities

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: 4-Hers, Professional Staff, & Clientele

Project or Activity: 4-H Civic Education 

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

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 

Concentration 3: Work and Life Skill Development

Audience: Individuals, Families, Employees

Project or Activity: Development of Employability Skills

Content or Curriculum: Positive Employability; Preparing for Financial Success curriculum; publications, newsletters (e.g., MONEYWI$E); Job Club; podcasts; PROFIT; Recovering Your Finances curriculum; OneOp; Enhancing Essential Skills Through the Arts curriculum and lessons, Artist Studio Guide lessons, publications

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, non-profit organizations, schools, Court system, community centers, etc.

Date: Ongoing

 

Youth

Audience: 4-Hers, Extension Professionals, Clientele 

Project or Activity: 4-H Core Program Areas (Leadership, Agriculture, Natural Resources, Communication and Expressive Arts, Science, Engineering and Technology, Health and Wellbeing, and Family Consumer Sciences), 4-H Camp, Cloverbud, Volunteerism

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

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.

Dates: Program Year 

Concentration 4: Substance Use Prevention and Recovery

Audience: Communities

Project or Activity: Policy, Systems, and Environmental (PSE) Approaches

Content or Curriculum: Addiction 101, Recovering Your Finances (RYF), PROFIT, Building Recovery Ready Communities (e.g. presenting to coalitions), Resources for Family Members and Concerned Others, Parenting in Recovery

Inputs: Programmatic materials, community partners, grant funding, elected officials, health coalitions, and other key stakeholders

Date: Ongoing

 

Audience: Families and Individuals

Project or Activity: Positive Youth Development

Content or Curriculum: Health Rocks, Positive Employability,  Mindful Mechanics, Get Experience in Mindfulness (GEM), Social/Emotional Health-Focused Programming

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, faith-based organizations, health coalitions, schools and school staff

Date: Ongoing

Evaluation:

Concentration 1:Building Leadership Capacity

Outcome: Increased engagement via knowledge transfer through volunteer-led Extension programs. (initial)

Indicator: Number of participants who actively engaged in learning opportunities facilitated by trained Extension volunteers (e.g., KEHA or KALP members, Master programs).

Method: Post-event/program surveys measuring participant engagement and knowledge gained; volunteer reports tracking education interactions.

Timeline: Data collected immediately after each program/event.

 

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  

 

Concentration 2: Connected and Resilient Communities

Outcome: Increased knowledge of digital tools and online resources (short term)

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.

 

Outcome: Long Term (Civic Education/Global Education)

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

Method: Survey 

Timeline: 1+ year

 

Concentration 3: Work and Life Skill Development

Outcome: Improved employability and/or interpersonal skills (e.g., job interview skills, communication, networking, time management) (initial)

Indicator: (1) Number of participants who reported improvement in job interview skills; (2) Number of participants who reported improvement in personal skills.

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration or follow-up evaluation

 

Outcome: Medium Term

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who developed a resume as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.  
• Number of youth who gained an increase in salary/income as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach. 
• Number of youth who gained new employment as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.

Method: Survey

Timeline: End of program year

 

Concentration 4: Substance Use Prevention and Recovery

Outcome: Increased awareness of community resources to support prevention and recovery (initial)

Indicator: Number of partnerships with community organizations, institutions, agencies, or individuals to address substance use/recovery in the community

Method: Program metrics agents will track, and report based on their activities and partnerships related to substance use prevention, addiction, and/or recovery)

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration (ST) and follow-up survey (BC).

 

Outcome: Increased confidence and motivation to use destigmatized language (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported an increased ability to use destigmatized language

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Repeated self-reported surveys and/or follow-up evaluations to capture behavior change over time