Greenup County CES

County Emphasis:

Leadership and Community Sustainability

Concentration 1:

Building Leadership Capacity

Concentration 2:

Connected & Resilient Communities

Concentration 3:

Work and Life Skill Development

Concentration 4:

Financial Security and Economic Well-Being

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).

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-

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:

Greenup County leaders who are currently involved in Extension programming have reported that they feel better prepared and more knowledgeable about participating in community leadership development projects because of the learning opportunities provided by Extension. Because of this, councils have placed interest and importance on continuing leadership and life skill learning opportunities that improve the stability and growth of the community.  

Long-Term Outcomes:

Strong leadership pool for community boards and organizations

Strong boards and organizations accomplish more in the community

Increased community pride or investment

Improved local economy

Improved quality of life for citizens

Increased digital access improves economic and educational opportunities.

Communities recover faster from disasters/economic disruptions

Sustained investment in public spaces strengthens local economies

Cultural heritage is preserved and integrated into communities

Artists sustain or grow income-generative ventures that contribute to local economic vitality.

Expanded partnerships enhance problem-solving and resource-sharing

Improved quality of life through connection and civic engagement

Increased community pride - communities become more socially connected and civically engaged through inclusive cultural events.

Youth will demonstrate necessary leadership, teamwork, and communication skills needed to be successful in the workplace. 

Youth participation in community involvement increases.

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:

Participants gain confidence to lead

Leaders are inspired to get more involved

Leaders address community issues and needs

Leaders recruit and engage others to participate in community projects

Leaders mentor others

Increased knowledge transfer through volunteer-led positions

More citizens adopt digital tools for work and daily life.

Communities implement disaster preparedness and recovery strategies.

More public spaces are revitalized for community engagement.

Increased participation in cultural and arts-based programs.

Residents strengthen local connections and engage in new community efforts following the event.

Participants report new marketing strategies implemented or new sales opportunities pursued.

More individuals engage in local governance and civic groups.

New partnerships and networks address community challenges

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

Youth will plan and implement a service project

Initial Outcomes:

Improved leadership skills

Enhanced knowledge of concepts and practices

Knowledge gained through training programs

Taking on leadership roles for the first time

Assuming new leadership roles

Participants give their time to serve in volunteer roles

Increased knowledge of digital tools and online resources.

Improved understanding of disaster preparedness and recovery strategies.

Greater awareness of the benefits of public spaces.

Increased understanding of cultural development and community identity.

Improved awareness of civic engagement opportunities.

Participants report a greater sense of belonging and pride in their community. 

Participants complete a business plan and/or identify clear next steps for their arts business. 

Greater knowledge of community partnerships and collaboration strategies

Youth will explore their spark in leadership. 

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:

Outcome: Improved leadership skills. (initial)

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

Outcome: Increased applied leadership knowledge for individuals serving in formal leadership roles. (initial)

Indicator: Number of people reporting improved applied leadership knowledge (e.g., governance, financial oversight, strategic planning) from participation in board, officer, or leadership training programs.

Method: Post-training surveys measuring knowledge gained in governance-related skills

Timeline: Survey collected immediately after training; follow-up conducted at three and six months to assess knowledge application 

Outcome: Giving time to serve in volunteer roles (e.g., KEHA members, Master programs, etc.). (initial)

Indicator: Number of people volunteering time to assist Extension or community activities and events (ex: KEHA or KALP members, Master programs, etc.)

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

Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation; also monthly, quarterly, or annual volunteer hour reports.

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 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: Increased understanding of cultural development and community identity (short term)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported  increased understanding of the value of building local cultural assets such as foodways, arts, and heritage traditions.

Method: Reflection surveys and community feedback.

Timeline: Collected within 30 days of participation.

Outcome: Leaders recruit and engage others to participate in projects. (intermediate)

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.

Outcome: Engage leaders in local coalitions and organizations. (long-term)

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

Method: Post-program survey (self-reported recruitment efforts); tracking participation in coalitions and organizations.

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

Outcome: Increased community pride (long-term)

Indicator: Number of participants reporting a stronger sense of pride, identity, or community investment after engaging in Extension initiatives.

Method: Photos, documentation, post-program survey; follow up.

Timeline: Survey collected immediately after program completion; follow-up conduced at 3 and 6 months.

Outcome: Improved understanding of disaster preparedness and recovery strategies (short term)

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.

Outcome: Communities implement disaster preparedness and recovery strategies (int)

Indicator: Number of businesses, farms, or households reporting faster post-disaster recovery due to preparedness actions learned through Extension.

Method: Post-disaster community case studies and resilience tracking.

Timeline: Assessed following disaster events.

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 completion 

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  

Outcome: Long Term

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

Method: Survey  

Timeline: At least a year from participation

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.

Dates: 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.

Dates: 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: Homeowners/ Individuals 

Project or Activity: Master Gardeners Program

Content: Master Gardener curriculum 

Inputs:  University of Kentucky Specialist, extension agents, county extension office, Dept of Forestry

Date: ongoing

Audience: Community leaders and/ or Extension clients 

Project or activity: Northeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Community Leadership Development Program, Farmers Market Vendors, Extension Program leaders 

Content: Leadership development programs & content 

Inputs: community leaders, extension agents, local resources 

Date: ongoing 

Audience: Communities

Project or Activity: Supporting Citizen Engagement, Greenup Old Fashion Days, Handcrafted Weekend, Greenbo Christmas Market & Lights, Singin' Gatherin' Old-Time Music Day, Farmers Market

Content or Curriculum: Creating Welcoming Communities, Becoming an Informed Citizen, Robert’s Rules Refresh, Youth & Adult Listening Sessions, KY Voter Education Resources, Engaging City Councils, Civic Engagement Through Voting, How To: Community Forums, 

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, community partners, volunteers, grant funds, local organizations and community partners, etc. 

Dates: Ongoing

Audience: Communities

Project or Activity: Building Connection in Communities

Content or Curriculum: SPARK! toolkit, Placemaking Toolkit, Community Design publications, Community Arts publications, CLD publications, Building Community Pop-Up Toolkit, Creative Community Projects toolkit, Community Mural toolkit, Story Circles, curriculum, trainings, continuing education, Civic Engagement publications, Coalition and Network building publications

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

Date: Ongoing

Audience	Youth
Project or Activity	Teen Conference
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(s)	Summer

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(s)	Fall

Audience	Youth
Project or Activity	4-H Camp 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(s)	Pre-Summer

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(s)	Throughout the Program Year

Audience	Youth
Project or Activity	Achievement Program
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(s)	Throughout the year

Evaluation:

Outcome: Improved leadership skills. (initial)

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

Outcome: Increased applied leadership knowledge for individuals serving in formal leadership roles. (initial)

Indicator: Number of people reporting improved applied leadership knowledge (e.g., governance, financial oversight, strategic planning) from participation in board, officer, or leadership training programs.

Method: Post-training surveys measuring knowledge gained in governance-related skills

Timeline: Survey collected immediately after training; follow-up conducted at three and six months to assess knowledge application 

Outcome: Giving time to serve in volunteer roles (e.g., KEHA members, Master programs, etc.). (initial)

Indicator: Number of people volunteering time to assist Extension or community activities and events (ex: KEHA or KALP members, Master programs, etc.)

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

Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation; also monthly, quarterly, or annual volunteer hour reports.

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 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: Increased understanding of cultural development and community identity (short term)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported  increased understanding of the value of building local cultural assets such as foodways, arts, and heritage traditions.

Method: Reflection surveys and community feedback.

Timeline: Collected within 30 days of participation.

Outcome: Leaders recruit and engage others to participate in projects. (intermediate)

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.

Outcome: Engage leaders in local coalitions and organizations. (long-term)

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

Method: Post-program survey (self-reported recruitment efforts); tracking participation in coalitions and organizations.

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

Outcome: Increased community pride (long-term)

Indicator: Number of participants reporting a stronger sense of pride, identity, or community investment after engaging in Extension initiatives.

Method: Photos, documentation, post-program survey; follow up.

Timeline: Survey collected immediately after program completion; follow-up conduced at 3 and 6 months.

Outcome: Improved understanding of disaster preparedness and recovery strategies (short term)

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.

Outcome: Communities implement disaster preparedness and recovery strategies (int)

Indicator: Number of businesses, farms, or households reporting faster post-disaster recovery due to preparedness actions learned through Extension.

Method: Post-disaster community case studies and resilience tracking.

Timeline: Assessed following disaster events.

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 completion 

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  

Outcome: Long Term

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

Method: Survey  

Timeline: At least a year from participation