2023 21st Century Life Skills/Developing Human CapitalPlan of Work

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Kenton County CES

Title:
2023 21st Century Life Skills/Developing Human Capital
MAP:
2023 Economic and Workplace Development
Agents Involved:
Denise Donahue, Dan Allen, Diane Kelley, Joan Bowling, Brandon George, Lori Clark, third 4-H Agent
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
21st Century Skills (Career & Workplace Development)
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
FCS Employment Skills
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Economic Development
Situation:

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). Studies show in the United States, only 1/3 of high school seniors are college ready. Only 1/3 of high school graduates are work-ready. 

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.   


Long-Term Outcomes:


Intermediate Outcomes:
Initial Outcomes:
Evaluation:

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: Following Positive Employability 


Outcome: Improved workplace listening skills 

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

Method: Pre/Post Evaluation 

Timeline: Following Positive Employability 


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: Following Positive Employability 

Learning Opportunities:

Audience4-H Members (ages 9-18) ,4-H Members’ Families
ProjectLeverage partnerships to enhance existing initiatives around college & career readiness
Content: KY 4-H Agent-written Workforce Preparation curriculum pieces are currently on the 4-H Agent Resource Guide: Resource Guide > Family & Consumer Science > Workforce Preparation: National 4-H Career Readiness Framework; Kentucky Career Clusters (there are actually 16) https://education.ky.gov/CTE/kytech/Documents/Career%20Clusters%20Update.pdf
Input: 4-H Agent, curriculum publications and resources, local employers and community leaders
Date: August 2023 to May 2024

Project: Expand exploration, development, and practical application of academic learning and 21st Century Skills for Success
ContentKY 4-H Agent-written Workforce Preparation curriculum pieces are currently on the 4-H Agent Resource Guide: Resource Guide > Family & Consumer Science > Workforce Preparation: National 4-H Career Readiness Framework;  Kentucky Career Clusters (there are actually 16) https://education.ky.gov/CTE/kytech/Documents/Career%20Clusters%20Update.pdf
Input: 4-H Agent, curriculum publications and resources, local employers and community leaders
Date: August 2023 to May 2024


 Audience: 4-H Youth
 Project or Activity: 4-H Record Books
 Content or Curriculum: Corresponding 4-H Record Books
 Inputs: Agents
 Date: June, July 2024


Audience: Homeowners
Activity: Ins and Outs of Downsizing your Home
Content or Curriculum: UK publications
Inputs: FCS agent
Date: March 2023


Audience: General public
Activity: Savvy Sellers and Bargain Hunters
Content: UK curriculum
Inputs: FCS agent, thrift store personnel, antique professional
Date: April 2023


Audience: Youth Middle and High School 

Activity: 4-H “It’s Your Reality”
Content or Curriculum: UK Copyrighted Inputs
Inputs: Agents and County Middle and High Schools
Date: School Year: 2023 – 2024


Audience: Youth Grade School 

Activity: “Dollars & Sense”
Content or Curriculum: UK Copyrighted
Inputs: Agents and County-wide Grade Schools
Date: School Year: 2023 - 2024


Activity: 4-H School Clubs, Communication Events
Content or Curriculum: Speech and Demo lesson is part of every curriculum
Inputs: Agent, Volunteers, Schools, Assistants
Date: September 2023 – July 2024


Activity: 4-H Achievement
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Leadership Achievement Curriculum
Inputs: Agents & Assistants
Date: September 2023– April 2024


Audience: 4-H Youth

Project or Activity: Expressive Art

Content or Curriculum: National 4-H Art Curriculum

Inputs: Agents & Assistants

Date: July 2023 - June 2024


Audience: Agriculture community

Project or Activity: My Farm is a Business

Content or Curriculum: UK Publications, Annie's Project

Inputs: Agents, local professionals

Date: September, October, November 2023



 



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4-H STEM club

Author: Diane Kelley

Major Program: Science, Engineering, and Technology

4-H STEM club

Kenton County Cooperative Extension 4-H utilized the results of yearly expansion and review surveys as well as the community assessment survey and established a 4-H STEM club. Club membership has varied from 13 to 8 but a consistent group participates.  Members are representative of the Kenton County population and the participants range in age from 9-14 years.  The previous teen leader for the club is currently studying pre-medicine and received multiple college scholarships as w

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Up-and-Coming Kenton County 4-H Livestock Judging Team Finds Success and Gains Life Skills

Author: Anna Meyers

Major Program: Agriculture & Natural Resources

More than ever, children lack the ability to communicate effectively. This impacts their mental health, grades, friendships, and future employability. In the 2023 Community Needs Assessment Survey, youth life skill training opportunities, including communication, was identified as the single highest priority issue in Kenton County, ranking an average of 4.4 out of 5, which falls under “Very High Need” from 608 responses.Through competitive animal evaluation defended by oral reasons,

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Let's start to Quilt

Author: Ola Donahue

Major Program: Apparel and Textiles (Non-Master Clothing Volunteer)

Stress can have a significant impact on a community, both in terms of individual health and social cohesion. High levels of stress can lead to physical and mental health issues such as high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. This can result in increased healthcare costs and decreased productivity in the workforce.  Kenton County FCS Program offering a beginning quilting class can have a positive impact on the community by providing a fun and creative outlet for i

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