Financial Management, Soft Skill Development, Human Development, Enhance Life Skills and Build Consumer AwarenessPlan of Work

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Meade County CES

Title:
Financial Management, Soft Skill Development, Human Development, Enhance Life Skills and Build Consumer Awareness
MAP:
Thriving Individuals and Strong Families
Agents Involved:
Bridge, Mills, Reed
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Positive Employability
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Family Development General
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Financial Education - General
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Communications and Expressive Arts
Situation:

Life skills education is one of the dominate needs of citizens as they work to improve their lives. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics almost 15% of Meade County residents live below the poverty level. Contributing factors could include lack of a high school education (15%), unemployment (10%), severe disabilities (7%), major depression (7%) and recent drug use (10.5%). The need for financial and resource management was identified by multiple councils as an area extension could provide expertise as we continue to reach out the residents with educational information.  


Additional needs of young children have been observed through preschool screens as only about 30% of those tested are cognitively developed for effective learning.  Family support and interaction plays a key component in a child's cognitive, emotional and physical development.  


As we progress in to the 21st century a number of factors have gained prevalence within Family and Consumer Science driven by the increase of online and mobile shopping, the rise of video based at home tutorials, and the shifting family structures as evident by 17% of stay-at-home parents being fathers. The ever changing landscape of the family and the consumer highlights the need for a responsive and innovative FCS program while also providing the basic needs that all families have as they navigate lives many challenges. Kentucky 4-H Seeks to meet these needs through working with youth and families in a variety of situations to increase their consumer awareness, financial management, nutrition, culinary arts, textiles, housing, and human development. 


The development of communications skills is one of the preeminent skills necessary to grow as an individual, a community member and a leader.   Research also shows a positive association between arts participation and a number of desirable academic and social outcomes, such as school grades, test scores, enrollment in post-secondary education, attainment of a bachelor’s degree, and higher levels of literacy and civic engagement. (Child Trends, 2012) Kentucky 4-H provides communication and expressive arts by engaging youth in hands-on educational experiences that inspire confidence and foster a love for the arts.


According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, 2017 STEM Jobs Update, Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workers help drive our nation’s innovation and competitiveness by generating new ideas and new companies.  STEM knowledge also has other benefits; while often very specialized, it can be transferred to a wide variety of careers, particularly management occupations, while increased technology in the workplace means that, to handle non-repetitive tasks, workers need the critical thinking and technical skills that come with STEM training.    Kentucky 4-H provides SET education opportunities by engaging youth in hands-on, interdisciplinary educational experiences that foster an increased understanding and appreciation Science, Technology, Engineering and Applied Mathematics.


The Kentucky Extension Community Assessment Statewide Report 2019 indicates that money management for families and youth and employee “soft/essential skills” training continue to be important issues statewide. Research conducted by Harvard University, the Carnegie Foundation, and Stanford Research Center indicates 85% of job success comes from having well developed soft and people skills, and only 15% of job success comes from technical skills and knowledge (hard skills). Employers are often prepared to teach technical job skills; however, the intangible skills of being a team player, time management, and positive attitude are difficult to teach on-sight but critical to success

Promote positive personal finance behaviors prepares Kentuckians for any future economic shift. The United States has been in an extremely long period of economic expansion; however, expansions are cyclical, meaning growth is eventually followed by recession. Securing financial stability for Kentuckians will help families thrive no matter the economic outlook. Financial stability is achieved when families are able to secure and manage resources needed to supply food, clothing, and shelter. Through increased financial knowledge, families may be able to make wise financial decisions, increase buying power, avoid overextended credit, develop savings habits, and manage risks.

“School-readiness” is a broad term that refers to multiple precursor cognitive, physical, and social-emotional skills that indicate young children are prepared to learn and thrive in the school environment. A wide body of research shows a strong foundation in school readiness is indicative of school success. Emerging research also indicates that there is a synergistic effect when early learning activities activate physical and cognitive skills simultaneously, as opposed to doing so in isolation. However, in the state of Kentucky only 50% of children are deemed “school-ready” when they enter Kindergarten. These numbers indicate a need for more activities that support school-readiness by building multiple skill sets simultaneously. 96,000 children in Kentucky live in kinship care. Kentucky ranks first in the nation for the most children in kinship care settings in the country. 15,000 children are in kinship care due to removal from their home. Kinship care providers need support.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Youth will be responsible and contributing individuals and family members

• Youth will gain and maintain employment through life skill development

• Youth will contribute to a safe and healthy home and community. 

Intermediate Outcomes:
Initial Outcomes:

Establish realistic expectations for teen behavior, and explore changing relationships within families

Evaluation:

Long-Term Outcome: Youth will contribute to self, family, community and to the institutions of our society.

Indicator: Number of youth who report personal contributions to self, family and community.

Method: 4-H Common Measures Survey

Timeline:  July 2020 - June 2021


Intermediate Outcome: Youth apply the skills learned in 4-H in other activities at home, school and in the community.

Indicator: Number of youth who report applying skills learned in 4-H in other venues such as home, school and the community.

Method: 4-H Common Measures Survey

Timeline:  July 2020 - June 2021


Intermediate Outcome: Youth will practice healthy eating and food preparation choices

Indicator: The number of youth reporting putting into practice healthy eating and food preparation choices and skills learned as a result of program participation.

Method:  4-H Common Measures Survey

Timeline:  July 2020 – June 2021


Intermediate Outcome:  Youth plan and implement a communication and expressive arts project (speech, demonstration, art, photography, e)

Indicator:  Youth complete a communication and expressive arts project

Method:  4-H Common Measures Survey

Timeline:  July 2020 – June 2021


Intermediate Outcome:  Youth plan and implement a SET project (aerospace, electricity, robotic, etc)

Indicator:  Youth complete a SET project

Method:  4-H Common Measures Survey

Timeline:  July 2020 – June 2021


Intermediate Outcome: Farm Families will keep more concrete financial records.

Indicator: Individuals using the X10D app

Method: Phone, computer, and tablet application.

Timeline: November 2020-July 2021


Initial Outcome: Youth learn and develop life skills though 4-H.

Indicator: Number of youth who report learning and developing life skills through 4-H activities/events/project work.

Method: 4-H Common Measures Survey

Timeline: Throughout program year, July 2020 - June 2021


Initial Outcome: Youth will practice healthy eating and food preparation choices

Indicator: The number of youth reporting making healthier eating and food preparation choices as a result of program participation.

Method:  4-H Common Measures Survey

Timeline:  July 2020 – June 2021


Outcome: Improved workforce communication

Indicator: Number of individuals who reported the intent to utilize etiquette practices to improve verbal, written, and electronic communication practices (Communicating Effectively)

Indicator: Number of individuals reporting increased levels of understanding in the area: demonstrate strong verbal and nonverbal communications (Conveying Your Message)

Method: Pre/Post Evaluation 

Timeline: October 2020


Outcome: Improved workplace listening skills

Indicator: Number of individuals reporting increased levels of understanding in the area: how to utilize listening cues (nonverbal, quaisverbal, and verbal) in conversation (Listening and Inquiry)

Method: Pre/Post Evaluation

Timeline: October 2020


Outcome: Networking Skills 

Indicator: Number of individuals reporting increased levels of confidence in the area: participate in a productive business conversation (Networking for Success) 

Method: Pre/Post Evaluation

Timeline: October 2020

Outcome: Increased awareness of sound financial behaviors 

Indicator(s): Number of individuals who implemented at least one strategy to reduce expenses or manage money Number of individuals who made a sound financial decision (regarding credit, budgeting, savings, and/or debt) 

Method: Retroactive pre-post 

Timeline: Following financial education workshops


Outcome: Increase knowledge and skills related to managing financial resources

Indicator: Number of individuals reporting increased levels of understanding in the area: confidence in handling money issues or specific financial matters

Method: Retroactive pre-post 

Timeline: Following financial education workshops 


Outcome: Increase knowledge and skills related to estate planning 

Indicator: Number of individuals who took action toward implementing at least one estate planning strategy in regard to the subject matter presented

Method: Retroactive pre-post 

Timeline: Following financial education workshops


Outcome: Kentuckians learn fun age appropriate activities to aid in their child’s healthy development.

Indicator: Number of parents who expressed learning new activities to engage their children at home.

Method: Laugh and Learn Play Dates Survey 

Timeline: January - December 


Outcome: Increase child and parent social-emotional skills such as heightened self-awareness, responsible decision making, and self-management. 

Indicator: How many children increased their ability to express emotion after attending the program.

Method: Stories, Songs, and Stretches Survey 

Timeline: July - June 


Outcome: Increase number of children who are “kindergarten ready” in Meade county.

Indicator: Several – (i.e. How many parents reported improved gross motor skills, social-emotional skills, and early literacy skills?) Method: Kentucky Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Kindergarten Readiness Results 

Timeline: July- June


Outcome: Increase skills and resources of caregivers to provide effective care for young relatives 

Indicator: Several – (i.e. How many caregivers improve skills/knowledge in child development, discipline and guidance, legal issues, and advocacy) 

Method: Parenting a Second Time Around (PASTA) Evaluation 

Timeline: Post program evaluation

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Adults

Project or Activity: Financial Management Series

Content or Curriculum: Money Habituates, Making Your Money Go Further 

Inputs: local councils, resource agencies, extension resources

Date: October/November


Audience: Adults

Project or Activity: Kids Fest

Content or Curriculum: Early Childhood Education 

Inputs: local councils, resource agencies, extension resources

Date: November and March


Audience: Adults and Youth

Project or Activity: Recycling

Content or Curriculum: Why Recycle?

Inputs: local councils, resource agencies, extension resources

Date: Spring 2019


Audience: Adults

Project or Activity: Basic Life Skills

Content or Curriculum: Basic Life Skills: Real Skills for Everyday Life Series

Inputs: Extension resources, local councils, resource agencies

Date: Year Long - Target by Seasons


Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Sewing/Needlework Programs 

Content or Curriculum: Style Engineers, Keeping 4-H in Stitches. Upcycle it, Steam Clothing, 4-H Needlework Notebook

Inputs: 4-H Council, Master Clothing Volunteers, community volunteers

Date: Throughout the program year, July 2020 - June 2021


Project or Activity: 4-H Summer Day Camp Series

Content or Curriculum: Approved 4-H curriculum for science, engineering & technology; foods; food preservation; natural resources; arts; home environment; needlework; photography; woodworking and 4-H trends projects.

Inputs: extension staff, 4-H Intern, local volunteers

Date: July - June 2021


Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Cooking School

Content or Curriculum: Super Star Chef, Teen Cuisine, 4-H Cooking, Jump into Food and Fitness, Put it up, International Foods, Exploring MyPlate, Wellness in Kentucky, What’s on Your plate

Inputs: extension staff, extension specialists, local volunteers

Date: Monthly, September 2020 – May 2021


Project or Activity: 4-H Babysitting Basics Course

Content or Curriculum: Babysitting Basics

Inputs: extension staff, extension specialists, local volunteers, Youth Service Center Coordinator, school personnel

Date: Fall 2020/Spring 2021


Project or Activity: 4-H Visual Arts After School Program & Evening Workshops

Content or Curriculum: Portfolio Pathways, Sketchbook Crossroads, KET Toolkit Visual Arts, Photography Level 1: Photography Basics, Photography Level 2: Next Level Photography, Photography Level 3: Mastering Photography, Getting Started in Art

Inputs: extension staff, extension specialists, local volunteers, Youth Service Center Coordinator, school personnel

Date: Spring 2021


Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Communication Contest

Content or Curriculum: Communications Curriculum: Module 1, Communications Curriculum Module 2, Communications Curriculum Module 3

Inputs: extension staff, extension specialists, local volunteers

Date: Spring 2021


Audience:  Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Science, Engineering & Technology projects and programs

Content or Curriculum:  4-H Aerospace Adventures CurriculumNASA Rocket Educators Guide:  4-H Agriscience BiotechnologyScience Sleuths4-H Discovering Computer Science, 4-H Electric Excitement4-H Junk Drawer Robotics4-H Science Discovery Series4-H Science Fun with Physics

Inputs:  extension staff, extension specialists, volunteers, parents

Date:  July 2020 – June 2021


Audience: Middle School Youth

Project or Activity: It’s Your Reality

Content or Curriculum: Its Your Reality program curriculum 

Inputs: extension staff, Youth Service Center Coordinator, school personnel, local businesses, local volunteers

Date: Fall 2020/Spring 2021


Audience: Homeschool Youth

Project or Activity: Meade County Homeschool 4-H Experience

Content or Curriculum: Approved 4-H curriculum for all seven core curriculum areas.

Inputs: extension staff, extension specialists, local volunteers

Date: Monthly, September 2020 – May 2021


Audience: Clover Bud Club Youth, ages 5-8  

Project or Activity: 4-H Clover Bud Club

Content or Curriculum: KY 4-H Clover Bud Curriculum and additional Clover Bud Resources from other states and National 4-H Mall Catalog

Inputs: extension staff, local volunteers

Date: September 2020 – May 2021


Audience: Ag Producers

Activity: Meetings

Content: University of Kentucky budgets and publications

Inputs: University of Kentucky Specialists, ANR agent

Date: Winter 2021-2024


Audience: Ag Producers

Activity: Recordkeeping with X10D App

Content: University of Kentucky publications

Input: University of Kentucky Specialists

Date: Winter 2021-2022


Audience: Working-age adults and young adults preparing for the workforce 

Project or Activity: 10 Soft Skills for Success 

Content or Curriculum: Positive Employability

Inputs: FCS Agent, curriculum publications and resources, local employers and community leaders

Date: ongoing throughout the year


Project or Activity: Conveying Your Message 

Content or Curriculum: Positive Employability

Inputs: FCS Agent, curriculum publications and resources, local employers and community leaders

Date: ongoing throughout the year


Project or Activity: Networking for Success

Content or Curriculum: Positive Employability 

Inputs: FCS Agent, curriculum publications and resources, local employers and community leaders 

Date: ongoing throughout the year

Audience: Adults, young adults, and teens


Project or Activity: Money Habitudes Workshop 

Content or Curriculum: Money Habitudes

Inputs: FCS Agent, curriculum publications and resources, Money Habitudes cards

Date: January 2021

Audience: Adults


Project or Activity: Estate Planning Workshop 

Content or Curriculum: Estate Planning

Inputs: FCS Specialist (family finance and resource management), curriculum publications and resources, and local partners such as an attorney, CPA and/or financial planner 

Date: February 2021

Audience: Adults, young adults, and teens


Project or Activity: Credit Education Content or Curriculum: Good Credit Game 

Inputs: FCS Agent, curriculum publications and resources, Good Credit Game

Date:  November 2020


Project or Activity: Financial Education 

Content or Curriculum: Real Skills for Everyday Life 

Inputs: FCS Agents 

Date:  November 2020

Audience: Recovery Centers 


Project or Activity: Financial Education 

Content or Curriculum: Recovering Your Finances

Inputs: Coordination with community stakeholders 

Date: as requested

Audience: Preschool aged children and their parent(s)

Project or Activity: Various Content or Curriculum: Laugh and Learn Playdates

Inputs: FCS Agent, Horticulture Agent, Library, 

Date: February 2021

Project or Activity: Various 

Content or Curriculum: Stories, Songs, and Stretches

Inputs: FCS Agent, Local Preschool, Library Date: On-Going Audience: Kinship Caregivers


Project or Activity: Various Content or Curriculum: Parenting a Second Time Around, Life Story/Memory Banking, Traditions, AARP Prepare to Care

Inputs: FCS Agent, 

Date: February 2021



Success Stories

Meade County 4-H Youth Development Offers Culminating Events to Closeout Project Year for Members

Author: Deana Reed

Major Program: Agriculture

Meade County 4-H Youth Development Offers Culminating Events to Closeout Project Year for Members

                The 2020 Coronavirus pandemic brought all Kentucky 4-H Youth Development programming to an abrupt halt in March 2020.  Parents, educators, and local communities began learning how to function in a way that no one had experienced before.  One of Extension’s strengths is its flexibility across counties and states to address local needs to achieve locally desired outcomes (Diem, 2016).   This statement could not be an

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Learn, Grow, Eat & GO with Meade, Fayette & Mason Counties

Author: Deana Reed

Major Program: Agriculture

In order to attain experiences that aid in positive development, it is important for youth to be engaged learners. Researchers and practitioners have identified core competencies for quality programming (Eccles & Gootman, 2002; National 4-H Impact Assessment, 2001; Search Institute, 2004). In addition, Experiential Learning Theory has been applied to a variety of contexts. Although a number of models exist, the common foundational theme is that the human experience aids significantly in the

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Citizenship and Flag Etiquette

Author: Jennifer Bridge

Major Program: Family Development General

Social media posts, letters to the editor in the local paper, and other general conversations demonstrated a lack of understanding of US civics and citizen rights. Based on suggestions from extension homemaker members in the Lincoln Trail Area, a monthly educational program on Citizenship and Flag Etiquette was offered.  The program covered information related to the proper way to fold a flag, properly fly a flag, and other general etiquettes.  Since citizenship is a broad topic and in

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4-H Embraces the New Reality of Virtual Interaction and Learning

Author: Deana Reed

Major Program: Volunteer Development

It is unknown at this time, the effect that the COVID pandemic will have on learning and skill development and learning loss.   Historically, 4-H has persevered troubling times to continue to support its youth membership and communities allowing for positive youth development to continue and shape youth during their adolescent years.  Today’s technology allows 4-H to continue to develop the “whole child” in the new reality of a “no contact world” and virtu

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2021 4-H Teen Summit Rises to the Top

Author: Deana Reed

Major Program: Leadership

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the 2021 Kentucky 4-H Summit could not be implemented in the typical face-to-face format. Kentucky 4-H Program volunteers, members, and professionals decided, based on current events and fundamental developmental needs, that middle school youth needed the opportunity to connect to others and practice their leadership skills through 4-H. If adolescents are to develop the skills necessary for adulthood, they must learn basic skills for everyday life (Carnegie Coun

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4-H Virtual Capitol Experience: Youth Exploring Government in Action

Author: Deana Reed

Major Program: Leadership

The National Council for the Social Studies contends: “The primary purpose of Social Studies is to help young people develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a culturally diverse, democratic society in an interdependent world.”  These skills, habits and qualities of character will prepare students to accept responsibility for preserving and defending their liberties and empower them to think critically, reason and problem sol

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Kentucky Saves Week 2021

Author: Jennifer Bridge

Major Program: Financial Education - General

Kentucky Saves is led by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service as part of the national America Saves campaign. The initiative, which culminates during  Kentucky Saves Week the last week of February, encourages individuals and families to save money and build personal wealth. Research suggests that those who write down their goals are 42% more likely to achieve them. The Kentucky Saves Pledge is a tool to help consumers visualize their goals by writing down what they&

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