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:
FCS Employment Skills
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Family Development General
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Financial Education - General
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Communications
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, Personal Narratives 

Timeline:  September 2023-June 2024


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, Personal Narratives

Timeline:  September 2023 - June 2024


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, Personal Narratives

Timeline:  September 2023 - June 2024


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, Personal Narratives

Timeline:  September 2023 - June 2024


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, Personal Narratives & projects

Timeline:  September 2023 - June 2024


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

Indicator: Individuals using the X10D app

Method: Phone, computer, and tablet application.

Timeline: November 2023-July 2024


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, Personal Narratives

Timeline: Throughout program year, September 2023 - June 2024


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, Personal Narratives

Timeline:  September 2023 - June 2024


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:



Project or Activity: 4-H Summer Day Camps

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: June - July 2023


Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Fresh Foods cooking program

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: June -  July 2023


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, Meade County Library Youth Programs department

Date: Summer 2023, Fall 2023/Spring 2024


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 2024


Project or Activity: 4-H Visual Arts - Creative Arts Club

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, 4-H Agent, local volunteers

Date: September 2023 - May 2024


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 2024


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:  September 2023 - June 2024


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 2023


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 2023 - April 2024


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 2023 - May 2024


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 2023-2024


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: January through March, 2024

Audience: Adults


Project or Activity: Financial Education 

Content or Curriculum: Real Skills for Everyday Life 

Inputs: FCS Agents 

Date:  January 2024

Audience: Recovery Centers 


Project or Activity: KY Saves/Piggy Bank contest

Content or Curriculum: KY Saves

Inputs: Coordination with local bank and schools targeting 

Date: October 2023 through February 2024

Audience: youth and adults

Project or Activity: Laugh and Learn Playdates

Content or Curriculum: Laugh and Learn Playdates 2

Inputs: FCS Agent, Local Preschool, FRCYSC

Date:  January through December 2024

Audience:  Toddlers ages 2-5 and 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,  PASTA

Date: January thru August 2024

On-Going Audience: Kinship Caregivers


Project or Activity: Recycling and Earth Day observance

Content or Curriculum: Why Recycle and Buttermilk Falls Trail Day

Inputs: local councils, resource agencies, extension resources

Date: Spring 2023

Audience: Adults and Youth



Success Stories

4-H Fresh Chefs: Bridging the Gap between Farmer’s Market and the Kitchen Table

Author: Deana Reed

Major Program: Family and Consumer Science

 4-H Fresh Chefs: Bridging the Gap between Farmer’s Market and the Kitchen Table

4-H Fresh Chefs and their purchases from the Meade County Farmer's Market.Ms. Becky, 4-H Volunteer, demonstrates a new kitchen technique.4-H Fresh Chefs preparing their butternut squash for a new recipe.So many fresh & local options available at the Meade County Farmer's Market for our youth.The Meade County 4-H Fresh Chefs Club was a volunteer lead, 4-week, summer program that focused on healthy food preparation, food and kitchen safety, the benefits of shopping at a local farmer&rs

Full Story

4-H Babysitting Clinic

Author: Deana Reed

Major Program: Family and Consumer Science

4-H Babysitting Clinic

Family Magazine reports that 76% of middle school age youth are babysitting either family members or other’s children. Childcare training provides life skills in parenting. Babysitting is often a youth’s first gainful employment experience. The Meade County Cooperative Extension Service 4-H program offered an 8 hour 4-H Babysitting Basics programs at Stuart Pepper Middle School as an afterschool program.This program was a collaborative effort between the Meade County 4-H Youth Develo

Full Story

Meade County 4-Her's and Family Travel the World through the 4-H Passport Kitchen Program

Author: Deana Reed

Major Program: Family and Consumer Science

The Meade County 4-H Passport Kitchen program provided 11 families and 29 youth (ages 3-15) the opportunity to experience the food cultures of five different countries in a family-focused, self-paced experience. As part of the Kentucky 4-H Passport Kitchen program, young people received a kit containing materials for five countries (Brazil, Laos, Mexico, Poland, and the Ojibwe Tribe).  The at-home program spanned seven weeks.  The family kit provided all the needed instructions to comp

Full Story

Home Baking Series

Author: Jennifer Bridge

Major Program: Food Preparation and Preservation

Home Baking Series

With the rising cost of food, consumers request for classes on preparing food at home has increased, specifically in the area of home baking.  To meet the requests, a series of classes on Home Baking was offered to the public and met great success!  The series focused on the science behind home baking.  Topics such as proper measurement using a scale as well as tradition methods were covered.  Types of flour, leavening agents, liquids, temperature, storage, and food safety wa

Full Story

Middle School Students Face Financial “Reality” Through 4-H

Author: Deana Reed

Major Program: Family and Consumer Science

Recent years of tough economic times have increased awareness of the need for financial literacy; however, Americans still have a long way to go toward making improvements. In 2014, the Jump$tart Coalition compiled a series of statistics that state that even though youth intend to work and save dollars, more students have increased 36% from the previous years of student and credit card debt.  Youth are not getting the financial education which they will need for adulthood. According to the

Full Story
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