Extension
It Starts With Us
Developing Human Capital
Community Economic Development
Adam Huber (ANR), Kelly Burgess (FCS), Anna Meador (4-H)
Local Food Systems
Community Leadership Development
Family and Consumer Science
Economic Development
The 2019 Kentucky Extension Community Assessment Statewide Report indicates that money management for families and youth and employee “soft/essential skills” training continue to be important issues statewide. The assessment indicated that in Allen County, youth life skills and more qualified leaders to prepare the community for the future were top local priorities. 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, and leadership are difficult to teach on-sight but critical to success. Allen County has an 81% high school graduation rate, and 20% of adults without high school diplomas, so the need for training related to job-skills is even more crucial (census.gov). In Allen County, 14.6% of the adult population over the age of 25 has at least a bachelor’s degree, compared to 23.6% in Kentucky as a whole (census.gov).
As currently 65% of Allen County residents are “out-commuters”, and 21% of post-secondary education graduates are unemployed, there is a need to attract qualified employees to live and work in Allen County, as well as provide education and training in financial management and “soft skills” to residents.
- Extension youth and adults will develop economic leadership skills and conduct activities that use employment skills and demonstrate community pride
- Local businesses will develop financial plans in order to thrive and grow in Allen County.
- Local farmers will earn GAP, Sampling, Homebased Microprocessor certifications
- Youth will write & present speeches and participate in mock interviews to prepare for future employment
- Community members will plan activities to make Allen County more attractive to visitors, consumers, and new residents.
- Youth and adults will demonstrate community pride by participating in one or more community events.
- Producers and market vendors will recognize food safety & business practice to increase sales
- Youth will state the steps to creating a speech
- Youth will name three interpersonal communication skills
- Adults and youth will research resources for community & economic development
Initial Outcome:Producers receive training certificates
Indicator: Number of producers who were successfully trained by Extension on Food Safety. Number of producers who successfully obtained Value-Added Processing certification through Extension Programming
Method: Count of program enrollees receiving certification
Timeline: After training programs are offered
Initial Outcome: Improved Communication Skills
Indicator: Number of individuals reporting increased levels of understanding in the area: demonstrate strong verbal and nonverbal communications (Conveying Your Message)
Indicator: Number of individuals reporting increased levels of understanding in the area: how to utilize listening cues (nonverbal and verbal) in conversation (Listening and Inquiry)
Indicator: Number of individuals who reported the intent to utilize etiquette practices to improve verbal, written, and electronic communication practices (Communicating Effectively)
Method: Pre/Post Evaluation
Timeline: Following annual programs related to leadership development/communication
Intermediate Outcome: Adult Leadership Skill Development
Indicator: Number of individuals reporting increased levels of confidence in personal leadership skills. Number of individuals who use communication, problem solving or group process skills to address organizational issues and need.
Method: Surveys of council members and partners
Timeline: Annually
Intermediate Outcome: Improved youth public speaking skills
Indicator: Number of youth who indicated it is easy for them to speak up in a group.
Number of youth who indicated they are comfortable being a leader
Method: post-program survey
Timeline: Spring, annually
Long-term Outcome: Local Businesses partner with Extension for workforce and financial development opportunities
Indicator: Number of economic development-related plans created with Extension’s assistance
Method: Count of partners
Timeline: Annually
Audience: Teens ages 13-18
Project or Activity: 4-H Leadership Academy
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Leadership Core, World of Work curriculum
Inputs: 4-H Agent, volunteers, transportation, sponsors
Date: Spring 2022
Project or Activity: APES Program
Content or Curriculum: APES Curriculum
Inputs: 4-H Agent, volunteers, community partners, donations
Date: Fall, annually
Audience: Working-age adults and young adults preparing for the workforce
Project or Activity: Allen County Career Readiness Day
Content or Curriculum: Positive Employability, 10 Soft Skills for Success
Inputs: FCS Agent, ANR Agent, 4-H Agent, local employers and community leaders
Date: Fall 2022
Project or Activity: Allen County PrideMasters Program
Content or Curriculum: Positive Employability
Inputs: FCS Agent, curriculum publications and resources, community leaders/program advisors, Allen County Board of Education
Date: ongoing, monthly activities
Audience:Producers and Farmers Market Vendors
Project or Activity: GAP, PBPT, HBM Certification classes
Content or Curriculum: Corresponding curriculums to program
Inputs: ANR Agent, FCS Agent, So Easy to Preserve video modules
Date: offered annually during appropriate season
Audience: Community leaders and Council Members
Project or Activity: CEC, 4-H Council, ANR Council, FCS Council, Allen County Extension Homemakers Council
Content or Curriculum: Kentucky Extension Councils, Parliamentary Procedure, Councils 101
Inputs: ANR Agent, FCS Agent, 4-H Agent, community leaders, Extension Homemakers Members
Date: ongoing, meetings seasonally throughout year
Project or Activity: Community Vitality
Content or Curriculum: Kentucky Extension Leadership Development publications, Economic Development
Inputs: local business owners, Heart of Scottsville, community leaders/stakeholders, Mayor’s office, CES Agents, CEDIK materials
Date: 2024
Author: Anna Meador
Major Program: Economic Development and Workforce Preparation – 4-H Youth Development
For the past 50 years, the Allen County 4-H Youth Development Program has facilitated the American Private Enterprise Systems (APES) Program for Allen County High School students. The APES Program is designed to “prepare students for an active role in business through direct involvement with business and professional leaders … In doing so, it acquaints students with career opportunities in business and provides leadership training for those serving as officers and committee m
