Extension
It Starts With Us
Community and Economic Development
Community, Economic, and Leadership Development
Joyce Doyle, Christy Eastwood, and Maggie Forsee
Leadership
Build Engaged and Empowered Communities – General
Community Analysis
Science, Engineering, and Technology
Volunteers are important in building engaged and empowered communities. KEHA-The Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association's mission is to improve the quality of life for families and communities through education, leadership development and volunteer service. With membership totaling more than 13,000 statewide, KEHA members are engaged leaders and active volunteers.
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.
Carroll County residents are so fortunate to have great industries that supply job opportunities. In order to be hired at these workplaces a person is required to have knowledge in the field of science, technology and engineering. In order to help people get employable, it is important that we add SET activities to our curriculum. Through the Land Grant University and Extension system, 4-H can expand its impact and extend its reach in science, engineering and technology (4-H SET) by adding SET programs. Youth will learn scientific research techniques, responsible practices and innovative technologies that positively address science, engineering and technology issues in Kentucky and globally providing opportunities for hands-on scientific learning and discovery in 4-H clubs.
Farmers’ markets can provide excellent opportunities for community and economic development by offering a setting for local producers to sell their goods. Additionally, they strengthen communities by bringing people together and connecting consumers with those who grow their food.
- KEHA members serve as active Extension and community volunteers engaged in addressing community needs.
- More effective employees and community leaders.
- Improved financial capability for Carroll County residents, results in better quality of life and stronger families.
- Greater opportunities for marketing local produce.
- Increasing potential for tourism in Carroll County.
- Carroll County Youth will:
- Utilize the scientific method to solve problems in their daily life.
- Choose a career path in science, engineering or technology.
- Utilize the scientific method on decision making.
- Increase STEM literacy in the general population.
- Innovate in addressing social problems and situations using STEM.
- Increase the number and diversity of individuals pursuing educational opportunities and careers in STEM related fields.
- Increase the pool of trained STEM educators and employees.
- KEHA leaders will practice personal leadership skills through leadership roles at the club, county, area, and/or state level.
- The number of KEHA volunteer service hours reported annually for KEHA will increase.
- Practice better employee “soft/essential skills” such as communication, networking, teamwork, time management, problem-solving, etc.
- Improve employability through practical living skills and continued education practices.
- Carroll County Youth will:
- Use and apply the skills gained from 4-H science, engineering and technology.
- Demonstrate and share new abilities in science, engineering and technology with others.
- Practice scientific methods learned in 4-H SET programs.
- Mentor younger 4-Her’s in science engineering and technology programs.
- Apply STEM learning skills in contexts outside the 4-H Program (e.g., school classes, science fairs, invention contests etc.).
- Use new methods or improved technology.
- Demonstrate the use of developed life-skills everyday situations.
- Express interest and/or demonstrate aspirations toward STEM Careers.
- Raise questions and identify problem to be addressed using STEM.
- KEHA members will gain organizational knowledge through annual officer and chairman training.
- KEHA members will increase knowledge and skills in personal leadership through club lessons and special interest workshops.
- Change knowledge, opinions, skills, and aspirations, to improve employability through work and practical living skills and continuing education practices.
- Carroll County Youth will:
- Increase interest and engagement in 4-H science, engineering and technology.
- Learn new skills in 4-H science, engineering and technology programs.
- Be introduced to careers in science, engineering and technology.
- Participate in science, engineering and technology 4-H programs to acquire new skills.
- Be engaged in STEM related activities.
- Have an improved attitude toward STEM related subjects.
- Develop valuable life-skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, effective communications, and leadership.
- Increase their awareness of opportunities to contribute their STEM skills to society.
Outcome:
Long-term
Indicator:
Decrease in unemployment rate in Carroll County. Increase in youth utilizing the scientific methods to solve problems in their daily life.
Method:
County Statistics. Common Measures Experience Survey.
Timeline:
September 2024
September 2025
Outcome:
Intermediate
Indicator:
Number of individuals who reported the intent to utilize etiquette practices to improve verbal, written, and electronic communication practices (Communicating Effectively). Number of individuals reporting increased levels of understanding in the area: how to utilize listening cues (nonverbal, l and verbal) in conversation (Listening and Inquiry). Increase in teens mentoring younger youth in SET.
Method:
Pre/Post Evaluation. Follow-up with teen participants.
Timeline:
September 2024
September 2025
Outcome:
Initial
Indicator:
Increase in program participants. Increase in youth gaining knowledge in SET and gain more interest in science.
Method:
Attendance Sheets.
Timeline:
September 2024
September 2025
Outcome:
KEHA members will gain better skills through leadership lessons.
Indicator:
KEHA members will take on leadership roles in homemakers and the community.
Method:
Leadership classes attended.
Timeline:
September 2024/ October 2024
Audience:
Working-age adults and young adults preparing for the workforce
Activity:
10 Soft Skills for Success
Content or Curriculum:
Positive Employability
Inputs:
FCS Agent, curriculum publications and resources, local employers and community leaders Date(s):
Fall 2023
Fall 2024
Audience:
Working-age adults and young adults preparing for the workforce
Activity:
Conveying Your Message
Content or Curriculum:
Positive Employability
Inputs:
FCS Agent, curriculum publications and resources, local employers and
Date(s):
Fall 2023
Fall 2024
Audience:
Working-age adults and young adults preparing for the workforce
Activity:
Networking for Success
Content or Curriculum:
Positive Employability
Inputs:
FCS Agent, curriculum publications and resources, local employers and community leaders
Date(s):
Fall 2023
Fall 2024
Audience:
Carroll County Youth
Activity:
STEM Lessons Robots and Cars
Content or Curriculum
Inputs:
Extension Agent, Extension Staff, Volunteers, Teens, Extension resources (publications, factsheets, etc.), , Money, Time
Date(s)
September 2024
September 2025
Audience:
Carroll County Youth
Activity:
Entrepreneur Club including our Garden Club members
Content or Curriculum:
4-H Means Business
Inputs:
Extension Agent, Volunteers, Curriculum, Money, Time
Date(s):
March 2024
October 2025
Audience:
Residents of Carroll County and surrounding areas
Project or Activity:
Riverview Farmers' Market
Content or Curriculum:
Craft, meat, and produce vendors from Carroll County and nearby counties
Inputs:
Extension Agent, Riverview Farmers' Market, Three Rivers Health Department, Time, Money
Dates:
summer 2024
Spring and summer 2025
Audience:
Carroll County Agricultural Producers
Activity:
Collaboration to sell produce from local producers in restaurants at Kentucky State Parks
Content or Curriculum:
Meetings
Inputs:
Extension Agent, Kentucky State Parks Representatives, Local Producers, Money, Time
Dates:
2024
Audience:
Carroll County Community members and tourists
Activity:
Camp Kysoc Arboretum
Content or Curriculum:
Developing an arboretum at Camp Kysoc to register tree species and for public education
Inputs:
Extension Agent, Friends of Camp Kysoc, Money, Time
Date:
Summer 2024
