Extension
It Starts With Us
Improve communication skills/financial situations & pratical living skills
Strengthening Life Skills Across the Age Span
Adam Estes, Sonya Carter, Julia Wilson
Financial Education - General
Agriculture
Science, Engineering, and Technology
We are living in a fast paced society that is always changing. Education in different subjects prepare our youth for the future. Essential life skills such as financial management, public speaking, decision making skills, preparing for the workforce and skills to manage a household are necessary to develop competent and caring youth and adults.
The dramatic changes in the economy over the past few years have been matched with the transformation in technology and these are all impacting on education, the workplace and home life. The Kentucky Extension Community Assessment Statewide Report in 2019 indicates that money management for families and youth and employee “soft skills” training continue to be important issue 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.
To cope with the increasing pace and change of modern life, students and families need to develop basic life skills such as dealing with finances, being able to communicate affectively, up to date on science, engineer and technology and improving soft skills.
- Youth develop into competent, capable, contributing adults as a result of their participation in 4-H Youth Programs.
- Youth will be responsible and contributing individuals and family members.
- Gain and maintain employment through life skill development.
- Contribute to a safe, pleasant and productive home and family.
- Individuals will utilize the scientific method to solve problems in their daily life.
- Youth will choose a career path in science, engineering or technology subject matter
- Individuals report improved family financial stability and economic well-being.
- Youth and families will utilize and practice life skills in projects and life situations
- Youth and families will project a positive image and self-confidence
- Families and youth will practice responsible consumer and financial decision-making
- Adults and youth will develop skills that contribute to employability in the future
- Youth and adults will demonstrate an increased level of confidence when presenting in front of groups.
- Youth will use their communication skills to assume a leadership role in 4-H or other organizations in the community
- Youth will demonstrate and share new abilities in science, engineering and technology with others.
- Youth and families will use and apply the skills gained from Extension Programs in their daily lives
- Apply practical living skills to advance education, employability and improve quality of life.
- Youth and families will gain knowledge and develop skills in Family & Consumer Sciences, SET and Communications through projects and programs
- Youth and adults will identify short, medium and long term personal goals and objectives related to maintaining and improving their financial stability.
- Youth and young adults will simulate life situations to recognize importance of education and employability skills.
- Youth and adults will show increased knowledge and skills related to managing available financial and non-financial resources.
- Youth and families will learn to read and follow instructions
- Youth write an outline, including an introduction, body and conclusion for their communications project.
- Youth will increase interest and engagement in SET as well as learn new skills in 4-H science, engineering and technology programs.
Outcome:
- Adults and youth will be prepared for the workforce by being comfortable in speaking in an interview and when giving a presentation.
- Families and youth will start a savings plan. Parents
will increase involvement in activities with their children.- Youth will also improve their understanding of basic science and will be more marketable in the workplace in areas of science, engineering and technology.
Indicator:
- Number of individuals reporting decrease in debt and increase in savings.
- Number of youth completing speeches, demonstrations and planned activities.
Method:
- Pre-test and post-test, survey/evaluation, demonstrations, verbal feedback and testimonials
Learning Opportunities (repeat as needed):
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H SET- Drone
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Science, Engineering and Technology
Curriculum
Inputs: 4-H Council, State Specialist, KSU Agents
Date: Fall 2024 – Spring 2025
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Rocketry Projects
Content or Curriculum: National 4-H Rocketry
Inputs: 4-H Leaders
Date: Spring 2025- Summer 2025
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Demonstration
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Project Books
Inputs: 4-H CouncilDate: Spring 2025
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Talk Meet Contest
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Project Books
Inputs: 4-H Council
Date: January 2025
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Community Club Presentations
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum
Inputs: 4-H Leaders
Date: Fall 2024 and Spring 2025
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Reality Store
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Reality Store Curriculum
Input: Hart County School System; Local Businesses
Date: Spring 2025
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Dollars & Sense
Content or Curriculum: Dollars & Sense Curriculum
Inputs: Hart County School System, Caverna School System
Date: Fall 2024 and Spring 2025Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Character Counts
Content or Curriculum: Character Counts Curriculum
Inputs: Hart County School System
Date: Fall 2024 and Spring 2025Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Afterschool Projects
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Project Books
Inputs: 4-H Leaders
Date: Fall 2024 and Spring 2025Audience: Grandparents
Project or Activity: Grandparent Support Meetings
Content or Curriculum: Grandparents and Grandchildren Together
Inputs: Family Resource Centers
Date: July 2024– June 2025
Audience: 4-H Youth
Project or Activity: Emergency Preparedness
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Emergency Preparedness Club -UtahInputs: Agents, Emergency Management, 4-H Council
Date: Spring 2025
