Economic Development & Workforce PreparationPlan of Work

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Nelson County CES

Title:
Economic Development & Workforce Preparation
MAP:
Economic Development & Workforce Preparation
Agents Involved:
Hagler, Howard, Smith
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
21st Century Skills (Career & Workplace Development)
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Positive Employability
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Farm Management, Economics and Policy
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Economic Development
Situation:

Economic awareness and workforce development is a needed and important programming emphasis in the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. There are paid professionals in many KY communities that are tasked with addressing economic development and workforce needs. But not all. One person alone cannot create a vibrant economy or prepare a successful workforce. The recent statewide needs assessment identified Economic Development and Workforce Preparation as a high priority for Cooperative Extension. Building a diverse economy that emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship and small business development. Creating a workforce that is prepared for and can adapt to the rapidly changing technology 

Small businesses make up the majority of businesses in the U.S., and accounted for 47.3% of employment in 2019 (SBA) and in the United States, only 1/3 of high school seniors are college-ready. We will focus on building a diverse economy that emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship and small business development and creating a workforce that is prepared for and can adapt to the rapidly changing technology by working closely with schools and communities, Kentucky 4-H Programs can provide experiential, real-world opportunities for 4-H Members, Participants, & Families to explore and pursue their future options [such as 21st Century skills and Workforce Development] to help prepare them for the workforce. Through 4-H, youth exercise critical thinking skills, learn to appreciate diversity, practice tolerance, develop socio-emotionally, and strive to contribute to their environment (United States Department of Education International Affairs Office of International Strategy).   

Long-Term Outcomes:
Intermediate Outcomes:
Initial Outcomes:
Evaluation:

I

Outcome:    Increased knowledge of workforce readiness skills            

Indicator:   Number of individuals attending programs  

Method:     Retroactive pre-post

Timeline:    Following every training


Outcome:  Increased abilities in workforce or entrepreneurial skills

Indicator:  Number of individuals who attend training 

Method:  Retroactive pre-post, 4-H Common Measures 

Timeline: Following any program that includes communication skills training.  


Outcome:  Citizens (adults and youth) taking on new workforce or entrepreneurial roles,  

Indicator:  Number of people reporting new roles 

Methodobservation, Survey and/or interview 

Timeline: Post training, 3, 6 and 12 month with survey and/or phone call.  

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Youth 

Project or Activity: 4-H Workforce and Career Readiness

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Workforce and Career Readiness

Inputs: Agents, Volunteers

Date: Summer/Fall 2021


Project: Teen P.O.P Up Entrepreneur Program 

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Core Curriculum and Resources from the Small Business Development Center and CEDIK 

Inputs: UK and KSU specialists, associates, county agents, partnerships with local businesses and SMDC 

Date: Spring 


Project or Activity: 4-H Teen Conference (Major Exploration)

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Core Curriculum

Inputs: UK and KSU specialists, associates, county agents

Date: Summer 2


Project or Activity: Youth Engagement & Leadership Program

Content or Curriculum: YELP curriculum

Inputs: CEDIK Specialists & Associates, County Agents

Date: Fall 


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