Nelson County CES

Title:

Economic Development & Workforce Preparation

MAP:

Economic Development & Workforce Preparation

Agents Involved:

Hagler, Klotz, Smith

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Economic and Business Development - FCS

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Workforce Preparation – 4-H Youth Development

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:

• Reduced poverty rate
• Reduction of underemployment and unemployment
• Increase in household income
• Improved local tax base
• Improved profitability for farmers

Intermediate Outcomes:

• Increase rates of labor force participation and employment
• Youth contribute to communities
• Increased partnerships within community to address CED issues
• New businesses & jobs emerge
• Communities implement strategies to improve downtowns and places
• Individuals/youth utilize enhanced communication skills
• Individuals/youth exhibit professional etiquette standards
• Enhanced decision-making and problem solving
• Farmers identity new markets 

Initial Outcomes:

• Increased awareness of the importance of entrepreneurship and small business development
• Better understanding of local economy
• Businesses can identify new markets
• Communities can identify factors to improve their local economic condition
• Individuals understand the importance of professional etiquette and communication skills
• Change in perception about moving into careers out of high school

Evaluation:

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 

Method: observation, 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, 21st Century Programs at Schools

Date: Summer/Fall 

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: June

Project or Activity: Youth Engagement & Leadership Program

Content or Curriculum: YELP curriculum

Inputs: CEDIK Specialists & Associates, County Agents

Date: Fall 

Audience: Youth of Nelson County 

Project or Activity: Communications Contest

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Speech and Demo Curricula

Inputs: County agents, judges, room hosts, meeting space

Date: March, April, July